A kidney stone is a hard deposit that can form when certain minerals and salts concentrate in the urine. When a stone moves into the ureter (the narrow tube that carries urine), it can trigger sudden, intense pain and urinary symptoms.
If you’re searching because you’re uncomfortable right now, here’s the core clinical takeaway: the “pattern” of pain and the presence of fever, vomiting, or trouble urinating help determine how urgent the situation is—then urine testing and imaging help confirm what’s going on.
Educational only. Not a diagnosis or personal medical advice.
Quick answer — what do kidney stone symptoms feel like?
NIDDK lists kidney stone symptoms that commonly include:
- sharp pains in the back, side, lower abdomen, or groin
- blood in urine (pink/red/brown)
- constant need to urinate, pain while urinating
- inability to urinate or only urinating a small amount
- cloudy or bad-smelling urine
NIDDK also notes the pain may come and go in waves, and you may have nausea and vomiting; fever and chills can also occur.
Cleveland Clinic similarly describes kidney stone pain that can radiate and get worse in waves.
Kidney stone vs UTI — how to tell the difference
These can overlap, but the story often differs:
More consistent with a kidney stone
- Pain that’s one-sided (flank/back/side), often severe, and waxes and wanes in waves
- Nausea/vomiting accompanying the pain
- Blood in the urine
More consistent with a bladder UTI
- Burning and urinary urgency/frequency as the main feature (often without severe wave-like flank pain)
When the combination is more concerning
If you have urinary symptoms plus fever/chills (or you feel suddenly very sick), clinicians worry more about infection complications and want evaluation sooner. NIDDK lists fever and chills among possible kidney stone symptoms.
What causes kidney stones?
NIDDK explains kidney stones can be caused by high levels of calcium, oxalate, and phosphorus in urine.
Some people are simply more “stone-prone,” and certain foods can increase risk in those individuals.
The most common types of kidney stones
Knowing the type matters because prevention strategies differ.
American Kidney Fund (AKF) explains there are several types, including:
- Calcium stones (the most common; AKF notes they account for 4 out of 5 kidney stone cases in the U.S.)
- Uric acid stones
- Struvite (“infection”) stones linked to UTIs
- Cystine stones (rare, related to a genetic condition)
How common are kidney stones in the U.S.?
That’s why this topic is so heavily searched—and why prevention matters after the first stone.
How kidney stones are diagnosed
Urine and blood tests
NIDDK notes:
- urine tests can show minerals that form stones
- urinalysis can show blood, and white blood cells/bacteria may suggest a UTI
- blood tests can show mineral levels that contribute to stone formation
Imaging
NIDDK explains imaging is used to find stones and can also show contributing problems like a blockage; abdominal x-rays can sometimes show stone location (though not all stones are visible on x-ray).
Mayo Clinic notes imaging tests (including CT) can show stones in the urinary tract.
Kidney stone treatment (what depends on size and symptoms)
NIDDK explains treatment is based on stone size, location, and type.
If the stone is small
NIDDK notes small stones may pass without treatment; a clinician may advise plenty of liquids (if appropriate) and may prescribe pain medicine.
If you pass a stone, clinicians may ask you to catch it so it can be tested to determine the type.
If the stone is large, blocking urine flow, or pain is severe
NIDDK states larger stones or stones that block the urinary tract or cause great pain may need urgent treatment—and if you are vomiting and dehydrated you may need hospital-level fluids through an IV.
Mayo Clinic similarly notes stones that are too large to pass may need more extensive treatment, and discusses procedures such as shock wave lithotripsy.
How to prevent kidney stones
Prevention becomes much more targeted once the stone type is known. NIDDK emphasizes prevention is easier when you know what caused your previous stone.
Hydration is the foundation
NIDDK says drinking enough liquids each day is “the best way” to help prevent most stones because it keeps urine diluted and flushes away minerals.
NIDDK adds that if you live/work/exercise in hot weather, you may need more fluids to replace what you lose through sweat.
That’s particularly relevant in Houston summers—people can become dehydrated faster than they realize.
Citrus can help (when appropriate)
NIDDK notes some studies suggest citrus drinks like lemonade or orange juice may help prevent stones because they contain citrate, which can stop crystals from turning into stones.
Medications may be used for prevention
NIDDK lists examples of preventive medicines based on stone type (e.g., potassium citrate for some stone types; antibiotics for struvite stones).
Warning symptoms that shouldn’t wait
NIDDK explicitly advises seeing a healthcare professional right away for symptoms that may mean a kidney stone or a more serious condition.
Get evaluated urgently if you have:
- Fever or chills (possible infection complication)
- Persistent vomiting or signs of dehydration (NIDDK notes vomiting/dehydration may require IV fluids)
- Inability to urinate or only passing a small amount
- Pain that is escalating, unmanageable, or paired with significant weakness/lightheadedness
- A known stone with worsening symptoms, especially with urinary changes
If you’re in Houston and your symptoms fall into the “warning symptoms that shouldn’t wait” category—especially severe flank pain, vomiting/dehydration, or fever/chills—it’s reasonable to get checked promptly.
Post Oak ER states it is open 24/7 with board-certified physicians, and they highlight advanced on-site diagnostics including CT, X-ray, ultrasound, and laboratory services.
They also note they’re located just off San Felipe St. near The Galleria and Uptown Park, and that patients across Houston—from Uptown to the Energy Corridor, and from Westchase, Midtown, and the Heights—reach them easily.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to pass a kidney stone?
It varies by stone size, location, and your anatomy. Clinicians typically decide next steps based on symptoms, stone size/location, and whether urine flow is blocked.
Can I prevent stones from coming back?
Yes—especially once the stone type is known. NIDDK emphasizes hydration as a primary prevention step and notes diet/medication changes may be recommended based on your stone type.
Is blood in urine always a kidney stone?
No. NIDDK lists blood in urine as a kidney stone symptom, but blood in urine can have other causes too—which is why evaluation matters, particularly if it persists or comes with fever or severe pain.
Do lemonade or citrus drinks help?
NIDDK notes citrus drinks may help prevent stones because citrate can prevent crystals from becoming stones (not appropriate for everyone—your clinician can advise based on your case).