What are the symptoms of urinary stones?

Generally, urinary stones present various noticeable symptoms, commonly including waist and abdominal pain, hematuria, difficulty urinating, nausea and vomiting, fever, and other conditions. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely diagnosis and treatment at a regular hospital. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Waist and Abdominal Pain

When urinary stones move within the urinary tract, they may rub against and irritate the urinary mucosa, potentially blocking the urinary tract and increasing internal pressure, which can cause waist and abdominal pain. The severity of pain varies greatly; mild cases may experience dull or distending pain, while severe cases may suffer intense colicky pain. The pain may radiate to the groin and perineum, and during an episode, patients often find it unbearable, needing to bend over or change body positions for relief.

2. Hematuria

Stones rubbing against the urinary mucosa can cause mucosal damage and bleeding, with blood mixing into the urine to form hematuria. Most patients have microscopic hematuria, where red blood cells can only be observed under a microscope; some patients may develop visible hematuria, with urine appearing light red or like washed meat water, usually worsening after pain episodes.

3. Difficulty Urinating

If stones block the urethra or bladder outlet, they can obstruct urine outflow, causing difficulty urinating. Patients may experience straining to urinate, reduced urine stream, and interrupted urine flow. In severe cases, normal urination might be impossible, with large amounts of urine accumulating in the bladder, causing lower abdominal distension and pain.

4. Nausea and Vomiting

Severe pain caused by urinary stones can stimulate gastrointestinal nerves, leading to gastrointestinal dysfunction and resulting in nausea and vomiting. Vomit usually consists of gastric contents, with vomiting frequency related to pain severity. The more intense the pain, the more pronounced the nausea and vomiting symptoms may be. Some patients may also experience bloating and loss of appetite.

5. Fever

If urinary stones cause urinary tract obstruction and hinder urine outflow, bacterial growth can easily occur, leading to urinary tract infections. Inflammatory responses stimulate the body's immune system, causing elevated body temperature and fever symptoms. Patients' temperatures are often above 38°C, possibly accompanied by chills, fatigue, and urine that may appear cloudy or have an odor.

In addition, some patients may also experience symptoms such as frequent urination and urgency. If any of the above symptoms appear, timely medical consultation is advised for examination to determine the stone's location and size, enabling targeted treatment.