KIDNEY STONES

You're not likely to have signs and symptoms unless a kidney stone is large, causes a blockage, is associated with an infection or is being passed. Then the most common symptom is an intense, colicky pain that may fluctuate in intensity over periods of 5 to 15 minutes. The pain usually starts in your back or your side just below the edge of your ribs. As the stone moves down the ureter toward your bladder, the pain may radiate to your groin. If the stone stops moving, the pain may stop too. Other signs and symptoms may include:

• Bloody, cloudy or foul-smelling urine

• Nausea and vomiting

• Persistent urge to urinate

• Fever and chills if an infection is present

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