What are the symptoms of kidney stones?

The main symptoms of kidney stones include the following aspects: 1. **Pain**: The most common symptom of kidney stones is pain, which typically presents as discomfort or aching in the flank area. When a stone slips into the ureter, it may cause severe renal colic. This type of pain often starts suddenly and feels like a sharp, cutting sensation that may radiate to the lower abdomen, external genitalia, and inner thighs. Episodes of pain may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, pallor, and profuse sweating. 2. **Hematuria**: Following renal colic, patients often develop hematuria. In some cases, the blood in the urine may not be visible to the naked eye and can only be detected under a microscope. Hematuria occurs due to damage to the mucous membranes of the ureter or bladder caused by the movement of the stone. 3. **Other symptoms**: Depending on the size, location, and mobility of the stone, patients may experience additional symptoms, such as frequent urination, urgency, and painful urination, which are signs of urinary tract irritation. Furthermore, long-standing kidney stones may lead to hydronephrosis, which can impair kidney function. In severe cases, this may progress to renal insufficiency or uremia.