When do kidney stones cause pain?
Disease description:
Recently, my company organized a medical check-up at the hospital, and I was diagnosed with kidney stones. I would like to ask, when do kidney stones cause pain?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Ziqi
The duration of pain caused by kidney stones is not fixed and mainly depends on the stone's location, size, and whether it causes an obstruction.
1. When the stone moves: Pain can occur when a kidney stone shifts position within the kidney or falls into the ureter, irritating it. This type of pain is usually colicky, quite severe, and may last from several minutes to several hours.
2. When obstruction occurs: If a kidney stone is large enough to block the renal pelvis or ureter, causing hydronephrosis, the pain is often persistent and characterized by a dull ache or pressure in the flank area.
3. After physical activity: Some patients may experience increased likelihood of pain after strenuous exercise or during sleep, due to changes in the stone's position.
If related symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical examination and treatment.
