# What are the main symptoms of kidney stones? Canonical page: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-are-the-main-symptoms-of-kidney-stones Language: en Category: kidney Publisher: ClinicsJo Published: 2026-09-13T17:52:53.770Z Content updated: 2026-09-13T17:52:53.770Z Translation (ar): https://clinicsjo.com/ar/faq/what-are-the-main-symptoms-of-kidney-stones Kidney stones consist of solid materials that form in the kidneys from substances present in the urine, and they may cause various symptoms that range in severity. The main symptoms of kidney stones include severe pain in the back or side that does not go away, blood in the urine, as well as fever and chills in some cases [\[1\]](). Kidney stones may be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a pea, and in rare cases, they may reach the size of a golf ball [\[2\]](). Small stones may pass through the urinary tract with little to no pain, while larger stones may get stuck and block the flow of urine, causing acute pain or bleeding [\[2\]](). ## Common Symptoms of Kidney Stones When kidney stones move or block the urinary tract, several symptoms can appear. Among the most prominent of these symptoms are: - **Severe Pain:** It is often a sharp, sudden pain in the back or side, below the ribs, and may radiate to the lower abdomen or the groin area. This pain may come in waves and vary in intensity as the stone moves [\[1\]](). - **Blood in the Urine:** The patient may notice blood in the urine, which may be visible to the naked eye or only detectable through laboratory tests [\[1\]](). - **Nausea and Vomiting:** Severe pain may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting [\[1\]](). - **Changes in Urination:** This may include a frequent urge to urinate, pain or burning during urination, difficulty urinating, or passing small amounts of urine [\[3\]](). - **Cloudy or Foul-Smelling Urine:** The urine may become cloudy or foul-smelling as a result of an infection or other substances [\[1\]](). ## When Should You See a Doctor? It is important to seek immediate medical attention if you are experiencing symptoms of kidney stones, especially if they are accompanied by signs that require urgent medical intervention. You should see a doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms: - Severe pain in the back or side that does not go away [\[1\]](). - Blood in the urine [\[1\]](). - Fever and chills [\[1\]](). - Persistent vomiting [\[1\]](). - Foul-smelling or cloudy-looking urine [\[1\]](). - A burning sensation when urinating [\[1\]](). A doctor can diagnose kidney stones through urine and blood tests and imaging [\[1\]](). Early intervention prevents potential complications such as urinary tract infections or kidney damage [\[2\]](). To learn more about the causes of kidney stones and how to prevent them, you can visit [Kidney stones: causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention - Patient Guide (Arabic)](). ## The Importance of Early Diagnosis and Treatment If left untreated, kidney stones can lead to complications such as blood in the urine, severe pain, urinary tract infections, including kidney infections, and in rare cases, they may affect kidney function [\[2\]](). Early diagnosis allows for determining the type, size, and location of the stone, which helps in choosing the most appropriate treatment, whether it be observation, shock wave lithotripsy, endoscopy, or surgery [\[1\]](). ## Medical references - [Kidney Stones]() - [Definition & Facts for Kidney Stones]() - [Crystals in Urine]() General health education; not a substitute for individualized clinical assessment. Citation URL: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-are-the-main-symptoms-of-kidney-stones#answer