When to worry about abdominal pain with kidney stones

A kidney stone may cause intense pain in the side or back that travels toward the lower abdomen or groin. It can come in waves, with nausea, restlessness, burning urination, or blood in the urine. Pain location can shift as a stone moves, but a new fever or feeling very unwell raises concern for infection or blockage.

Follow the fluid and pain-relief advice given by your clinician; forcing large amounts of fluid during severe pain is not a substitute for assessment. Strain urine only if advised and record the pain pattern, urine output, vomiting, temperature, and medicines taken. Do not drive yourself if pain, weakness, or medication makes you unsafe.

Go to emergency care for pain that cannot be controlled, fever with flank or abdominal pain, chills, confusion, fainting, repeated vomiting, inability to urinate, or a single functioning kidney with new symptoms. Blood in urine needs review, especially when it is heavy, persistent, or accompanied by weakness or worsening pain.

Ask whether imaging or urine testing is needed, how large or obstructive the stone may be, which pain medicines are safe for you, and what follow-up is required. Mention pregnancy, kidney disease, fever, previous stones, and medicines that may affect kidney function.