Kidney stones are solid formations composed of minerals and salts that develop within the kidneys. These formations can range in size from a grain of sand to a golf ball. While kidney stones are often associated with severe pain, they can also lead to less obvious symptoms such as tiredness or fatigue.
How Kidney Stones Cause Fatigue
Kidney stones can lead to fatigue through several interconnected bodily responses. The intense and often sudden pain, known as renal colic, significantly depletes energy reserves. This discomfort makes restful sleep difficult, contributing to exhaustion. The body’s constant effort to cope with pain consumes substantial energy, leaving individuals drained.
The presence of kidney stones can also trigger inflammation or obstruct the normal flow of urine. This obstruction creates an environment conducive to bacterial growth, potentially leading to urinary tract infections (UTIs) or kidney infections (pyelonephritis). When an infection occurs, the immune system mounts a response that requires considerable energy, resulting in symptoms like fever, chills, and profound fatigue. Toxins can also build up when the kidneys are not functioning optimally due to infection, contributing to nausea and tiredness.
Sleep disruption is another factor contributing to fatigue in individuals with kidney stones. Pain, the need for frequent urination, or general discomfort can interrupt normal sleep patterns, preventing restorative rest. A lack of quality sleep directly translates to daytime tiredness and reduced energy levels. Additionally, inadequate fluid intake can worsen dehydration, which itself contributes to fatigue and can exacerbate kidney stone symptoms. The psychological burden of managing a painful medical condition also contributes to exhaustion, as chronic pain leads to increased stress and anxiety.
Other Common Kidney Stone Symptoms
While fatigue can be present, kidney stones primarily manifest with other common symptoms. Individuals often experience sharp pain in the side, back, or lower abdomen, which may spread to the groin. This pain can fluctuate in intensity, often coming in waves. Another common symptom is pain or a burning sensation during urination.
The presence of blood in the urine, known as hematuria, makes urine appear pink, red, or brown. Nausea and vomiting are also common symptoms. People with kidney stones may also experience a frequent or urgent need to urinate, sometimes producing only small amounts of urine. If an infection is present, fever and chills can develop alongside these symptoms.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Prompt medical evaluation is needed if kidney stone symptoms, including fatigue, are severe or worsening. Immediate attention is needed for excruciating pain in the back or side that does not improve. Symptoms suggesting an infection, such as fever, chills, nausea, or vomiting, require urgent medical attention.
An inability to urinate or significant difficulty passing urine also requires immediate medical care, as this could indicate a blockage. Any visible blood in the urine warrants assessment. If fatigue is new, severe, or significantly impacting daily activities alongside other potential kidney stone symptoms, seek medical advice. A healthcare professional can accurately assess the situation and determine the appropriate course of action.
Relieving Fatigue Through Stone Management
Addressing the underlying kidney stone is the most effective way to alleviate associated fatigue and other symptoms. Diagnosis involves imaging tests such as CT scans or ultrasounds to locate the stone and determine its size. Blood and urine tests also identify stone composition and check for infection or kidney function issues.
For smaller stones, a healthcare provider may recommend conservative management, including pain relief medications and increased fluid intake to help the stone pass naturally. Effective pain control directly reduces the physical and mental strain that contributes to fatigue. Medical expulsive therapy can also assist in passing stones by relaxing the ureter.
Larger stones may require medical procedures. Shockwave lithotripsy uses sound waves to break stones into smaller fragments for easier passage. Ureteroscopy involves inserting a thin scope to remove or break up stones with a laser. Resolving the stone through these treatments allows the body to recover from the pain, inflammation, and stress it caused, leading to a return to normal energy levels.