If you’ve ever had a urinary tract infection (UTI) you likely remember the symptoms very well. A painful burning sensation, an urge to go, urinating small amounts, blood in the urine – these can all be symptoms of a UTI.
“Women are more likely than men to get a UTI because of the anatomy of their urinary tract,” said Advance ER physician Dr. Ron Bryce. “Research indicates that 40-60% of women will experience a UTI at some point during their lives, but most of the time they respond well to treatment with no complications.”
You may already know these things about UTIs, but what you don’t know could help you prevent a recurrence.
Pain in the Side, Belly or Back
Pain caused by kidney stones is also called renal colic. It is one of the most severe types of pain you can imagine.
Some who have experienced kidney stones have compared the pain to being stabbed with a knife or even childbirth.
In most cases, pain associated with kidney stones begins as the stone makes its way into the narrow ureter. This results in a blockage, which results in pressure building up in the kidney.
The pressure results in nerve fiber activation that transmits the pain signals to the brain. The pain will usually start suddenly, and as the stone keeps moving the pain will change in intensity and location.
The pain you suffer may come or go in waves, which is made even worse as the ureters contract, attempting to push the stone out. It’s usually felt in your back, side and below the ribs.
The Need to Urinate Often
Another common and easy-to-spot sign of kidney stones is if you experience a sudden and unexplained increase in how often you have to urinate.
If you are suffering from kidney stones, you will experience an intense need to urinate. This occurs even if you haven’t drunk large amounts of fluid.
Burning or Pain During Urination
When the kidney stone makes to the junction between your ureter and your bladder, you will begin to experience pain when you start to urinate. You may notice that your doctor calls this dysuria.
You may feel a burning or sharp pain. If you don’t know if you have a kidney stone, you may mistake the pain for a UTI. In some cases, you may actually have an infection with the stone.
Blood in Your Urine
In addition to painful urination and more frequent urination, you may also notice significant changes in the consistency and color of your urine if you are suffering from kidney stones.
The discoloration is pretty evident, as your urine may no longer be clear or yellow. Instead, it’s going to range from pink to dark brown.
As the kidney stones keep growing, they are going to block off your urethra. You may begin to notice small amounts of blood, too.
Warning Signs of Kidney Stones: Now You Know
Knowing the warning signs of kidney stones can help you figure out if you are suffering from this affliction. It’s a good idea to get treatment, as it can help reduce the pain and discomfort you feel.
Remember, it’s never a good idea to put off getting care if you believe you are suffering from a serious condition. If you need more information, be sure to contact us at (214) 494-8222.
