Severe, sharp, and debilitating, the pain of kidney stones could bring daily life to a sudden halt, and make even simple tasks a struggle. However, the renal stones do not form overnight, as crystals and mineral deposits slowly accumulate in the kidneys till they harden to become a stone-like object that begin to irritate and scratch urinary tract lining and cause inflammation in the body.
There is no clear answer on how to prevent their formation completely, but certain lifestyle habits can certainly help. Drinking enough water, eating a diet rich in fibre, and avoiding excessively salty foods can reduce the risk to some extent. Certain supplements and medicines may also increase the risk. Staying well-hydrated is especially important, as stones tend to form when urine contains too little water
What exactly are kidney stones?
Kidney stones are solid accumulations of minerals and salts that develop within the kidneys. Though they tend to be very painful, some of the initial signs can be insidious and so subtle that people usually ignore them on confuse them for symptoms of minor health issues. However, paying close attention to these silent symptoms can warn you ahead and take measures.
There are several types of kidney stones, and the most common are calcium oxalate stones . These stones usually form when there's an imbalance in the urine - low levels of citrate and high levels of calcium, oxalate, or uric acid. Diets high in oxalate (found in many plant and animal foods), poor hydration, and genetic factors can all increase the risk of developing these stones.
Silent signs of kidney stones
Six silent signs include frequent urination , cloudy or smelly urine, lower back pain , nausea , chills or fever (with no other obvious cause), and unexplained tiredness, says Dr Mohit Khirbat, Consultant, Nephrology, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram.
However, these signs being vague and non-specific may be neglected by people, and this may cause the ailment to escalate.
Do men and women have different kidney stone symptoms?
This is true. Kidney stones may show up different symptoms in men and women, although both genders also share common symptoms.
In men, kidney stones usually manifest as stinging pain which starts in the back and radiates to the groin, and might be confused with muscular strain or hernia.
Women, however, can mistake the pain for menstrual cramps, urinary tract infections (UTIs), or reproductive conditions. Due to women's higher risk of UTIs, the similar symptoms - such as urinating more than usual and pelvic discomfort - can hinder accurate diagnosis.
"Differences in hormones and anatomy might also affect how stones form and where the pain is perceived. In addition, females are more likely to complain of generalized symptoms like fatigue and nausea, whereas men are likely to complain of localized and intense pain," says Dr Khirbat.
"Compared to men women are more prone to misdiagnosis as a UTI or reproductive issue due to overlapping symptoms. While men are less likely to be misdiagnosed due to more typical stone pain patterns. However, men may are more likely to notice changes later or dismiss them, while women may notice frequent urination or burning earlier due to familiarity with UTIs," says Dr Anuja Porwal, Director, Nephrology, Fortis Noida.
Why these differences exist
Dr Porwal explains that part of it may happen due to the anatomical differences. Women's urinary tracts are shorter, while men have a longer urethra and testicles, where pain may radiate.
Men may have a higher risk of kidney stone development than women, as estrogen in women may help reduce stone formation, while testosterone in men may increase the risk.
Six silent signs of kidney stones
Kidney stones are known to cause intense pain, but early-stage signs are often subtle. In many people, especially in the early stages, stones may go unnoticed, causing damage silently.
Dr. Gopal Ramdas Tak, Consultant Urologist, Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology, Hyderabad, shares six signs and symptoms that could signal kidney stones:
1. Persistent lower back or side pain
While severe pain is common during stone passage, dull, and intermittent discomfort in the lower back or side can be an early clue. In women, this is often misattributed to menstrual or ovarian issues, while men may confuse it with muscle strain.
2. Frequent urge to urinate
An increased need to urinate, especially if not linked to fluid intake, could signal a stone near the bladder. Women may mistake this for a urinary tract infection (UTI), while men may assume it’s a prostate issue.
3. Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
Kidney stones can lead to minor infections or inflammation, which in turn cause cloudy or bad-smelling urine. While not unique to stones, this subtle change is often ignored.
4. Blood in the urine (hematuria)
Even microscopic blood in the urine is a red flag. In men, this may be brushed off unless accompanied by pain. Women might mistake it for spotting or period irregularities.
5. Nausea and vomiting
Stones can affect kidney function and disrupt electrolyte balance, leading to nausea. Women are more likely to report these symptoms early, while men may downplay or overlook them.
6. Urinary hesitation or dribbling
Larger stones may block urinary flow. Men, particularly those over 50, might blame this on prostate issues, while women may not associate it with kidney health at all.
Silent kidney stones can grow and cause complications, including infections or kidney damage. Recognizing early, atypical symptoms is crucial, regardless of gender.
Regular check-ups, good hydration, and a healthy diet can prevent stones from forming. If one of the silent symptoms lingers, particularly in combination with alterations in urine or abrupt pain, medical consultation is necessary.
Kidney stones are curable and early diagnosis can prevent serious complications like infection or damage to the kidney. Knowledge of the fine differences in how the symptoms are felt by men and women can help in quicker, more precise diagnosis and treatment.
There is no clear answer on how to prevent their formation completely, but certain lifestyle habits can certainly help. Drinking enough water, eating a diet rich in fibre, and avoiding excessively salty foods can reduce the risk to some extent. Certain supplements and medicines may also increase the risk. Staying well-hydrated is especially important, as stones tend to form when urine contains too little water
What exactly are kidney stones?
Kidney stones are solid accumulations of minerals and salts that develop within the kidneys. Though they tend to be very painful, some of the initial signs can be insidious and so subtle that people usually ignore them on confuse them for symptoms of minor health issues. However, paying close attention to these silent symptoms can warn you ahead and take measures.
There are several types of kidney stones, and the most common are calcium oxalate stones . These stones usually form when there's an imbalance in the urine - low levels of citrate and high levels of calcium, oxalate, or uric acid. Diets high in oxalate (found in many plant and animal foods), poor hydration, and genetic factors can all increase the risk of developing these stones.
Silent signs of kidney stones
Six silent signs include frequent urination , cloudy or smelly urine, lower back pain , nausea , chills or fever (with no other obvious cause), and unexplained tiredness, says Dr Mohit Khirbat, Consultant, Nephrology, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram.
However, these signs being vague and non-specific may be neglected by people, and this may cause the ailment to escalate.
Do men and women have different kidney stone symptoms?
This is true. Kidney stones may show up different symptoms in men and women, although both genders also share common symptoms.
In men, kidney stones usually manifest as stinging pain which starts in the back and radiates to the groin, and might be confused with muscular strain or hernia.
Women, however, can mistake the pain for menstrual cramps, urinary tract infections (UTIs), or reproductive conditions. Due to women's higher risk of UTIs, the similar symptoms - such as urinating more than usual and pelvic discomfort - can hinder accurate diagnosis.
"Differences in hormones and anatomy might also affect how stones form and where the pain is perceived. In addition, females are more likely to complain of generalized symptoms like fatigue and nausea, whereas men are likely to complain of localized and intense pain," says Dr Khirbat.
"Compared to men women are more prone to misdiagnosis as a UTI or reproductive issue due to overlapping symptoms. While men are less likely to be misdiagnosed due to more typical stone pain patterns. However, men may are more likely to notice changes later or dismiss them, while women may notice frequent urination or burning earlier due to familiarity with UTIs," says Dr Anuja Porwal, Director, Nephrology, Fortis Noida.
Why these differences exist
Dr Porwal explains that part of it may happen due to the anatomical differences. Women's urinary tracts are shorter, while men have a longer urethra and testicles, where pain may radiate.
Men may have a higher risk of kidney stone development than women, as estrogen in women may help reduce stone formation, while testosterone in men may increase the risk.
Six silent signs of kidney stones
Kidney stones are known to cause intense pain, but early-stage signs are often subtle. In many people, especially in the early stages, stones may go unnoticed, causing damage silently.
Dr. Gopal Ramdas Tak, Consultant Urologist, Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology, Hyderabad, shares six signs and symptoms that could signal kidney stones:
1. Persistent lower back or side pain
While severe pain is common during stone passage, dull, and intermittent discomfort in the lower back or side can be an early clue. In women, this is often misattributed to menstrual or ovarian issues, while men may confuse it with muscle strain.
2. Frequent urge to urinate
An increased need to urinate, especially if not linked to fluid intake, could signal a stone near the bladder. Women may mistake this for a urinary tract infection (UTI), while men may assume it’s a prostate issue.
3. Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
Kidney stones can lead to minor infections or inflammation, which in turn cause cloudy or bad-smelling urine. While not unique to stones, this subtle change is often ignored.
4. Blood in the urine (hematuria)
Even microscopic blood in the urine is a red flag. In men, this may be brushed off unless accompanied by pain. Women might mistake it for spotting or period irregularities.
5. Nausea and vomiting
Stones can affect kidney function and disrupt electrolyte balance, leading to nausea. Women are more likely to report these symptoms early, while men may downplay or overlook them.
6. Urinary hesitation or dribbling
Larger stones may block urinary flow. Men, particularly those over 50, might blame this on prostate issues, while women may not associate it with kidney health at all.
Silent kidney stones can grow and cause complications, including infections or kidney damage. Recognizing early, atypical symptoms is crucial, regardless of gender.
Regular check-ups, good hydration, and a healthy diet can prevent stones from forming. If one of the silent symptoms lingers, particularly in combination with alterations in urine or abrupt pain, medical consultation is necessary.
Kidney stones are curable and early diagnosis can prevent serious complications like infection or damage to the kidney. Knowledge of the fine differences in how the symptoms are felt by men and women can help in quicker, more precise diagnosis and treatment.
You may also like
Viktor Gyokeres breaks silence amid Arsenal transfer links and 'agreement' over move
In a 1st, we destroyed terror camps 100km inside Pakistan: Amit Shah
Guj minister's son held for ties to company that swindled Rs 71 crore MGNREGS funds
Code of Silence cast, episode count and how to watch new ITV crime drama
Israel's Eurovision star dealt blow as Graham Norton sparks favouritism row
