When to Worry About Blood in Urine With Kidney Stones

As a stone moves through the urinary tract, its rough surface can irritate the lining and cause pink, red, or tea-coloured urine. Cramping pain in the side or back may travel towards the groin, and nausea or urinary urgency can accompany it. Blood may be visible or found only on testing. A stone can sometimes obstruct urine flow; obstruction together with infection is particularly concerning.

Arrange medical advice if the blood is new, persistent, or accompanied by pain. Follow the fluid plan given by your clinician and use only recommended pain relief, especially if you have kidney disease, stomach ulcers, or take blood thinners. If you pass a stone, keep it only if your clinician asks for analysis. Do not delay review because the bleeding is small.

Seek emergency care for fever or chills with stone pain, inability to pass urine, severe pain that is not controlled, repeated vomiting, faintness, confusion, or heavy bleeding with clots. Same-day advice is sensible when you have one functioning kidney, are pregnant, or have significant kidney disease.

Ask whether imaging is needed to locate the stone, whether urine testing should check for infection, how to manage pain safely, and what to do if urine output falls. Share your medicines and any prior stones or procedures.