What are the symptoms of a kidney stone?
The most common symptom from a kidney stone is the acute onset of severe flank pain due to the stone moving into a position in the kidney or ureter, which causes a blockage or obstruction of the flow of urine. Kidney stone pain is often associated with low back pain and abdominal pain. Kidney stones, especially those in the left kidney, can also cause significant amounts of nausea and even vomiting. As the stone moves further down the ureter toward the bladder, the pain often radiates in the groin and genital areas. In men, the pain may radiate to the scrotum. In women, the pain may radiate to the labia or even the vagina.
If a kidney stone causes a blockage, or moves down the ureter, it may cause some of the following symptoms: • Pain or aching in the back on one or both sides • Spasms of intense pain (anywhere between the bottom of the ribs and the groin) • Bloody, cloudy or smelly urine • Nausea and vomiting • A frequent urge to urinate • A burning sensation during urination • Fever and chills Anyone who has one or more of these symptoms should seek medical advice. Is there anyone who should not take acetazolamide? Patients with a history of kidney stones should probably avoid acetazolamide. Also, patients on the ketogenic diet or those taking topiramate or zonisamide should be especially cautious as these other therapies also increase the risk for kidney stones.
