How to know if it’s a kidney stone (and what tests to take)

Kidney stones can be initially identified through the signs and symptoms presented by the person, such as attacks of pain in the back, abdomen or groin that can be intense, impairing the performance of daily tasks, and accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and pain. to urinate.

Furthermore, to confirm the stone, the general practitioner or urologist may recommend carrying out tests that help identify the stone’s location, quantity and size, such as ultrasound or computed tomography, for example.

Kidney stones are more common to form in people who drink little water or in cases of diseases such as obesity and hypertension. Learn about other causes of kidney stones.

Main symptoms

The main symptoms of kidney stones are:

• Colicky pain in the abdomen, back or groin;
• Nausea;
• Vomiting;
• Blood in the urine;
• Pain when urinating.

Typically, the pain appears suddenly and can be intense to the point of making it difficult to carry out daily tasks. Furthermore, in some cases, there may also be fever and chills. Learn about other kidney stone symptoms.

Kidney stone symptoms online test

If you think you may have a kidney stone attack, select your symptoms to find out your chances:

Tests to detect kidney stones

In addition to identifying the symptoms, the general practitioner or urologist may recommend one or more of the tests shown below to confirm the diagnosis:

1. Blood test

It is used to assess whether the kidneys are functioning correctly based on parameters such as uric acid, calcium, urea and creatinine. Altered values ​​of these substances may indicate problems with the kidneys or other organs of the body, and the cause of the changes must be evaluated by the doctor.

Read too: How to read blood test results

2. Urine tests

A urine test may be indicated to assess whether the body is eliminating many substances that favor the formation of stones, whether there are microorganisms causing infections or whether there are small pieces of stones present.

Read too: Urine test (EAS): what it is for, preparation and results

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3. Kidney ultrasound

In addition to identifying the presence of stones, it can identify their quantity and size, and whether there is inflammation in any organ of the body.

4. Computed tomography

This examination records several photographs of the body from different angles, facilitating the differentiation and identification of the stones, even if they are present in a very small size.

Which doctor to consult?

The best doctor to consult if you suspect a kidney stone is a urologist, but it could also be a nephrologist, as he is a kidney specialist who can evaluate the symptoms and order the necessary tests to confirm the diagnosis.

In addition, people who only present urinary symptoms, such as pain when urinating, changes in the stream of urine or blood in the urine, can also consult a urologist, who will evaluate other changes in the urinary system, and who can refer them to a nephrologist if changes are suspected. on kidney function.

How to identify the type of stone

The type can be determined primarily from evaluation of a passed stone. Therefore, during a crisis, one must be careful to see if any stones are eliminated along with the urine, and take them to the doctor to have them analyzed, as the treatment to prevent the formation of new stones varies according to each person. type.

See what your diet should be like according to each type and what other options there are for treating kidney stones.