When Kidney Stones Require a Doctor’s Visit

Kidney stones sometimes pass on their own, but certain issues mean it’s time to see a doctor. Severe pain, blood in your urine, fever, chills, vomiting, or trouble urinating can be symptoms of kidney stones, while fever, chills, or difficulty passing urine may point to a more serious problem. Knowing common warning signs helps you recognize when you need medical attention.

In Chattanooga, TN, Anand Shridharani, MD, cares for people with a range of urologic concerns. Dr. Shridharani is a board-certified, fellowship-trained urologist with UT Erlanger Urology. His experience includes diagnosing kidney stones, helping smaller stones pass, and performing procedures when a stone can’t pass safely on its own.

What Are the Symptoms of Kidney Stones?

Small stones or stones that remain in the kidney may cause no noticeable symptoms. Problems often begin once a stone moves into the ureter, the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder.

Signs of a kidney stone can include:

• Severe pain in the side, back, or abdomen: Pain might also move toward the groin or testicle as the stone travels.
• Pain that comes in waves: Kidney stone pain often changes in intensity rather than staying at one steady level.
• Blood in the urine: Your urine can appear pink, red, or brown.
• Changes in urination: You might feel burning, need to urinate frequently, or pass only small amounts of urine.
• Nausea or vomiting: Intense kidney stone pain may occur alongside digestive discomfort.
• Cloudy or foul-smelling urine: These changes can occur with kidney stones and might also accompany a urinary infection.
• Fever or chills: These issues indicate an infection and require prompt medical attention.

When Should You Go to the Doctor for Kidney Stones?

You should seek medical treatment when kidney stone symptoms are severe, persistent, or accompanied by signs of a complication. Pain that’s so intense that you can’t get comfortable deserves evaluation.

Fever or chills are especially concerning because an obstructing kidney stone combined with infection can become a serious medical problem. You should also seek prompt care if you’re repeatedly vomiting, can’t keep fluids down, or have difficulty urinating.

Even when your symptoms are manageable, a doctor can determine the stone’s size and location and help determine whether it’s likely to pass. Evaluation may include blood and urine tests along with imaging such as an ultrasound, X-ray, or CT scan.

Do All Kidney Stones Need to Be Removed?

No. Many small kidney stones can pass through the urinary tract with fluids and pain medication. In some cases, an alpha-blocker relaxes the muscles in the ureter and helps the stone pass.

Larger stones, or stones that cause uncontrolled pain, dehydration, urinary blockage, or infection, may require medical intervention. The next steps depend on the stone’s size, location, symptoms, and other health factors.

Get Help With Kidney Stone Symptoms in Chattanooga, TN

Kidney stone symptoms can become difficult to manage quickly, especially when pain or urinary changes intensify. Dr. Anand Shridharani evaluates and treats kidney stones in Chattanooga, TN. Contact us at 423-778-4636 to schedule an appointment.