15604 Kidney Stones

Overview

Kidney stones are small, hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. They can vary in size from a grain of sand to a golf ball. Most stones pass out of the body in urine, but some can be very painful or cause problems.

Yes, kidney stones are fairly common. Around 1 in 10 people will have a kidney stone at some point in their life.

Anyone can get a kidney stone, but they are more common in adults, especially men. Some people get them more than once.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Severe pain in the back, side, lower belly, or groin
• Pain that comes and goes in waves
• Burning or pain during urination
• Blood in the urine (pink, red, or brown)
• Needing to urinate more often than usual
• Nausea and vomiting

Symptoms in children

• Belly pain that doesn't go away
• Blood in the urine
• Pain or burning when urinating
• Fussiness or crying in younger children

Symptoms in older adults

• Less typical pain, sometimes only a dull ache
• Confusion or feeling unusually unwell
• Blood in the urine
• Signs of a urinary tract infection, like fever or burning

Causes

Main causes

• Kidney stones form when your urine becomes too concentrated, allowing minerals and salts to crystallize and stick together.
• Not drinking enough water is the most common cause behind concentrated urine.
• Some medical conditions, like gout or urinary tract infections, can also lead to stones.

Risk factors

• Not drinking enough fluids
• A diet high in salt, sugar, or animal protein
• Being overweight or obese
• Having a family history of kidney stones
• Having certain medical conditions such as diabetes, gout, or inflammatory bowel disease
• Taking some medicines that can increase stone risk — ask your doctor about this

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have sudden, severe pain that you cannot manage at home
• If you have fever, chills, or signs of infection
• If you see blood in your urine
• If you have trouble passing urine

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have persistent pain in your back or side
• If you have passed a stone and want to know how to prevent more
• If you have frequent urinary symptoms and are concerned

Diagnosis

A doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, examine you, and likely order tests to confirm whether a kidney stone is present and how large it is.

Tests that may be done

• Imaging scans, such as a CT scan, ultrasound, or X-ray, to see the stone
• Urine tests to check for blood, infection, or crystals
• Blood tests to check kidney function and look for substances that form stones

What to expect at your appointment

The process is usually done at an outpatient clinic, your GP surgery, or a hospital emergency department. You may be asked to drink extra water and collect a urine sample. If you pass a stone, you might be asked to catch it in a strainer so it can be analysed.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the size, location, and symptoms caused by the stone. Many small stones can be managed at home with fluids and pain relief. Larger or troublesome stones may need a medical procedure.

Self-care at home

• Drink plenty of water, unless your doctor advises otherwise, to help flush the stone out
• Ask your pharmacist about suitable pain relief — and always follow the recommended dose
• Place a warm compress on your back or side to ease discomfort
• Keep moving gently — being active can help you pass the stone
• Strain your urine if your doctor asks, so the stone can be collected for testing

Medical treatments

There are medicines that can help relax the tube that carries urine, making it easier for the stone to pass. For certain types of stones, other medicines may help change urine chemistry. These are always prescribed by a doctor. Procedures such as shock wave lithotripsy use sound waves to break stones into smaller pieces. Ureteroscopy uses a thin scope to remove the stone. Surgery is sometimes needed for very large stones.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery may be needed if a stone is too large to pass, is blocking urine flow, is causing infection, or is severely painful despite other treatments.

Living with this condition

Most people recover fully after a kidney stone passes. While the stone is present, you may experience episodes of pain that come and go. After that, the focus is on preventing new stones.

Lifestyle tips

• Drink enough water through the day — aim for pale-coloured urine
• Limit salt in your diet, including processed and packaged foods
• Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables
• Maintain a healthy weight through regular physical activity
• Limit drinks with added sugar

Diet and exercise

Keeping active and maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce your risk of stones. Diet can also play a role — for example, some stones are linked to high salt or animal protein. The right advice depends on the type of stone you had, so ask your doctor or a dietitian for guidance.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Dealing with the pain of a kidney stone can be stressful and tiring. It is normal to feel anxious about whether another stone will form. Talking about your worries with your doctor or a trusted friend can help.

Prevention

In many cases, yes. Drinking enough fluids and making healthy eating changes are the most important steps. However, some people still get stones even with good prevention.

Vaccines

There is no vaccine that prevents kidney stones.

Screening programmes

No routine screening is recommended for everyone. If you have had stones before or have certain risk factors, your doctor may suggest periodic tests to monitor your urine and kidney function.

Complications

If left untreated

• A blocked urinary tract, which can lead to kidney swelling
• A urinary tract infection that can spread to the kidney or bloodstream
• Kidney damage or loss of kidney function in severe cases

Long-term outlook

The outlook for kidney stones is very good. Most stones pass on their own, and even those that don't can be successfully treated. Having one stone increases the chance of having another, but many people can reduce their risk by staying hydrated, eating well, and following their doctor's advice.

Find support

External links open third-party websites. Ruqelo Health is not responsible for external content. Listing an organisation does not imply endorsement.