How To Know If You Have Kidney Stones?

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While some consider it to be incredibly painful, some compare it with childbirth pain. Yes, having kidney stones is very painful but also treatable at the time. Because they are also called urinary stones, doctors often prefer urine testing to confirm the symptoms. 
However, the question is- how to know the pain you are feeling from having kidney stones? If you are doubting and neglecting, then know you are just welcoming serious complications. So to help you, here is everything that you need to know. 
Symptoms of Kidney Stones 
How to know if you have kidney stones? Well, if this is what you are wondering then the most effective way to check is through urine testing. However, before going through any tests, you can also look out for the symptoms yourself. If you can relate to these signs, then you probably need to visit a doctor:

Lower abdominal pain that is sharp and usually only affects one side
Pain or a burning feeling when ...
... urinating 
Urinating more than often 
Having the sensation that your urination is insufficient or in small amounts 
Blood in urine or a red, pink or brown blood
Urine that has a bad odour or is cloudy
Experiencing nausea or vomiting due to pain severity 
Infection symptoms such as fever, chills and vomiting 

Kidney stones can be as small as a pen's point or as large as a ping pong ball. Also, sometimes, the symptoms are seen when the stone or severity increases. Therefore, it is advised to individuals to go to the doctor when in doubt at the early stages. You can also check for kidney stones at home using urine test strips. 
How Long Do the Kidney Symptoms Last?
Depending on the severity of your condition, the symptoms of kidney stones can last for a week or up to a month. Some kidney stones recover on their own while some require treatment. Also, some people can feel like the symptoms of kidney stones come and go due to its duration. Smaller stones can pass on their own while some may require medical treatment, medicines or surgeries. Planning to check urine at home using urine test strips? Make sure to wear gloves and wash your hands before and after testing. 
Other Ways to Know You Have Kidney Stones 
Once you describe your symptoms to the doctor, your doctor will recommend some tests. To check if you have kidney stones, here are some tests to follow:

Blood tests to check if you have excessive levels of certain chemicals in your blood that could lead to the formation of kidney stones. 
Urine tests to determine if you have minerals that can create stones in your urine. It can also determine whether you lack chemicals that stop them from developing. Over a day or two, your doctor may ask you to gather a urine sample in a urine collection container. 
Imaging tests such as CT scans, X-rays or ultrasounds can also determine if you have kidney stones. These tests can determine the size of your kidney stone if any and also where it is located. 

In some cases, the doctors may also suggest genetic tests. 

Tips to Prevent Kidney Stones
Whether you are doubting or already have kidney stones, a little change in your routine can reduce the risk. Furthermore, here are some ways you can prevent kidney stones: 

Drink at least 8 to 10 ounces of water each day. 
Cut back on foods that contain sodium and high amounts of salt and oxalate.
Cut off meat from your daily meals.
Avoid doing activities that cause a lot of sweating. 
In addition to red meat and organ meats, also avoid consuming shellfish. 
Limit your alcohol intake as well as sugar-sweetened foods and drinks. 

Prevention is Better than Cure
At Medguard, we are the leading supplier of healthcare products and equipment. We have a wide range of tools and products to cater to all your needs. Whether you need a few medical items or in bulk, we keep ourselves well-stocked. Talking about quality, you can rely on our products for optimal performance and accurate results. Besides, we have a team of hardworking experts who are always available to assist and guide you. 
Read More: How Urine Testing Help Detect Common Infections in Pregnancy

Paul Clifford is the Owner & CEO of Medguard. He aims to strengthen the healthcare infrastructure of the country by supplying medical devices and consumable products of top-notch quality.