Summarize:

Pain is one of the most common symptoms of kidney stones, so you may notice it before anything else. Pain from a kidney stone is usually very sharp and severe and can even be incapacitating. You might feel pain in different places and at different times. If you have kidney stones, then you may feel pain that: Is near your groin and lower abdomen Is located on the side of your back around your ribs Comes and goes, but will worsen over time Becomes more intense and then less intense Happens when you try to urinate Changes in your urine may also signal that you have kidney stones. To determine if you have kidney stones, watch for urine that is: Brown, red, or pink in color Cloudy Bad smelling Changes in how often you need to urinate can also signal that you may have kidney stones. You may have kidney stones if you: Feel like you need to urinate even if you just went Find yourself going to the bathroom more often that is normal for you Sometimes kidney stones may cause you to feel nauseous or even to vomit. If you have been nauseous and/or vomiting, then this may also indicate that you have kidney stones. If you notice any severe symptoms, then you should go to an emergency room as soon as possible to get treatment. Severe symptoms to watch for include: Severe pain that makes it impossible to get comfortable Pain that is accompanied by nausea and vomiting or fever and chills Bloody urine Having a hard time urinating at all
Determine if you have any pain that may be related to kidney stones. Check for changes in your urine's color or smell. Identify any changes in urination habits. Pay attention to nausea. Watch for severe symptoms.