Avoiding Kidney Stones

Overview

Kidney stones are hard, pebble-like pieces of mineral that form inside your kidneys, often when your urine becomes too concentrated. They can be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball.

Kidney stones are quite common. In the UK, about 1 in 10 people will experience a kidney stone at some point in their life.

They are more likely to occur in adults, especially between the ages of 30 and 60, and slightly more common in men. However, children and older adults can develop them too, especially if they have certain medical conditions.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Sharp, severe pain in the back or side, often coming in waves
• Pain or burning when urinating
• Blood in the urine (pink, red, or brown)
• Needing to urinate more often or urgently
• Nausea and vomiting

Symptoms in children

• Vague belly pain rather than the classic back pain
• Unexplained crying or fussiness in younger children
• Blood in the urine
• Painful urination

Symptoms in older adults

• Symptoms may be less specific, with confusion or loss of appetite
• Pain may be milder or in a different area
• Fever or signs of infection without obvious pain
• Changes in urination patterns

Causes

Main causes

• Not drinking enough fluid, leading to concentrated urine
• Eating a diet very high in salt (sodium) or foods high in oxalates (like spinach, rhubarb, and nuts) in some people
• Having a medical condition such as urinary tract infections, gout, or inflammatory bowel disease
• Taking certain types of medicines or supplements (speak with your doctor about your personal risk)
• A family history of kidney stones

Risk factors

• Not drinking enough water, especially in hot climates or during exercise
• Being overweight or living with obesity
• Having had a kidney stone before
• Eating a diet rich in animal protein (red meat, poultry, eggs) and high in salt
• Certain conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and digestive diseases
• Some types of surgery, like gastric bypass, can change urine chemistry

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Sudden, severe pain that prevents you from sitting still or getting comfortable
• Fever or chills together with pain
• Inability to pass urine
• Blood in your urine along with pain and fever

Book a routine appointment if:

• Mild or persistent pain in your back or side that lasts more than a day
• Blood in your urine without severe pain
• If you have pain during urination or need to urinate more often than usual
• If you have repeated urinary tract infections

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and may examine your back or abdomen. They will likely suggest tests to look for stones and to check the health of your kidneys.

Tests that may be done

• Urine test to look for blood, crystals, or signs of infection
• Blood test to check kidney function and calcium levels
• Imaging, such as a CT scan, ultrasound, or X-ray, to see the stone's location and size

What to expect at your appointment

These tests are usually simple. Imaging is painless, though you may need to drink fluid beforehand. You might be asked to collect a urine sample. It may take a few days to get results, and your doctor will explain what they mean.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the size, location, and type of stone, and whether it is blocking the flow of urine. Many stones pass on their own with some help. The goal is to relieve pain and help the stone pass while protecting your kidneys.

Self-care at home

• Drink plenty of clear fluids (water is best) to help flush the stone through
• Take over-the-counter pain relief as advised by your pharmacist or healthcare provider
• Use a warm compress on your side or back to ease discomfort
• When passing a stone, strain your urine to catch it for testing if asked by your doctor

Medical treatments

Your doctor may prescribe medication to help relax the urinary tract, making it easier for the stone to pass. For larger stones, procedures such as sound waves to break up stones, or a tube called a stent to drain the kidney, may be used. In many cases, medication to help prevent future stones is also considered, but any prescription should be discussed with your doctor.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely the first option, but it may be needed if a stone is very large, causing severe blockage, or cannot pass with other treatments. Surgical techniques are minimally invasive in most cases and have a short recovery time.

Living with this condition

If you have had a kidney stone, staying hydrated is essential. Follow your doctor's advice about managing pain and any tests you need. You may need to pass the stone and collect it for analysis, which helps tailor prevention.

Lifestyle tips

• Keep a water bottle with you to encourage regular sips throughout the day
• Limit salty foods and check food labels for salt content
• Maintain a healthy weight with balanced nutrition
• Avoid sugary drinks, especially cola-type beverages
• If you are prone to stones, your doctor may recommend dietary changes based on the stone's type

Diet and exercise

Drinking at least 2 to 3 liters of fluid per day (depending on your climate and activity level) is often advised. Aim for a balanced diet with vegetables and calcium from food (like milk, yogurt, and cheese). There is no need to start a strict diet unless your doctor gives specific guidance. Regular exercise and reducing animal protein in the diet may also help lower risk.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Passing a kidney stone can be a painful, stressful experience. You may worry about another stone forming, especially if it caused severe symptoms. This is normal. Talk to your healthcare team about your concerns and ask for a clear prevention plan.

Prevention

Yes, kidney stones can often be prevented, especially if you know what type of stone you had and what caused it. The most important step is drinking enough fluid, especially water, to keep your urine diluted.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening for kidney stones in the general population, but if you have a history of stones or a strong family history, your doctor may suggest periodic checks to monitor your kidney health.

Complications

If left untreated

• Blockage of urine flow, leading to kidney swelling (hydronephrosis) and possible kidney damage
• Urinary tract infection that can spread into the kidney (pyelonephritis) or into the bloodstream, which is a medical emergency
• Severe pain and vomiting that can lead to dehydration
• In rare cases, prolonged obstruction can permanently reduce kidney function

Long-term outlook

With proper care, most kidney stones pass or are treated without lasting damage. Once you know your risk factors, prevention is highly effective. Most people who take the necessary steps can avoid future stones and enjoy good kidney health.

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