Avoiding The Pain Of Kidney Stones

Overview

Kidney stones are small, hard, pebble-like pieces that form inside the kidneys. They are made from minerals and salts in your urine. Many are tiny, like grains of sand, but some can grow larger. They can cause intense pain when they move through the urinary tract, especially when they block the flow of urine.

Yes. Kidney stones are common and becoming more common worldwide. Many people will have at least one kidney stone at some point in their life.

Anyone can develop a kidney stone, but they are most often seen in adults between 30 and 60 years old. Men are affected more often than women. You are also more likely to get them if you have a family history, are dehydrated, or have certain medical conditions.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Severe pain in the side or back, below the ribs
• Pain that travels to the lower belly or groin
• Pain that comes in waves and changes in intensity
• Pain or burning when urinating
• Pink, red, or brown urine
• Feeling the need to urinate more often or urgently
• Nausea or vomiting

Symptoms in children

• Unexplained fussiness or crying, especially in younger children
• Belly pain that is hard to pinpoint
• Vomiting
• Blood in the urine
• A frequent need to urinate

Symptoms in older adults

• More vague back or belly discomfort rather than classic sharp pain
• Confusion, sleepiness, or feeling generally unwell if an infection is present
• Burning when urinating
• Fever or chills
• Changes in urination, such as going less often

Causes

Main causes

• Not drinking enough water, which makes urine too concentrated
• Too much salt in the diet
• A diet rich in oxalate-containing foods in some people, such as spinach, rhubarb, and nuts
• Medical conditions that change how your body handles minerals
• Urinary tract infections or structural problems in the urinary tract

Risk factors

• Dehydration, especially in hot climates or with heavy exercise
• A diet high in salt, animal protein, or sugary drinks
• Obesity
• Family history of kidney stones
• Digestive conditions such as Crohn's disease or after weight-loss surgery
• Certain medicines or supplements – ask your doctor about your own medicines

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Sudden, severe pain in your side or back
• Pain accompanied by fever or chills
• Inability to urinate
• Vomiting that stops you from drinking fluids

Book a routine appointment if:

• You suspect you may have a stone but the pain is mild or manageable
• You notice blood in your urine, even without pain
• You have had a kidney stone before and want help preventing another one
• You have symptoms that keep coming back, such as burning when urinating or vague back discomfort

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, your medical history, and your family history. They will examine you and order tests to look for stones and to check for signs of infection or blockage.

Tests that may be done

• Urine test to look for blood, infection, or crystals
• Blood test to check kidney function and look for substances that cause stones
• Imaging test such as an ultrasound, CT scan, or X-ray to see the size and location of the stone

What to expect at your appointment

You may be asked to drink extra water and pass urine through a fine strainer so that any stone can be caught and sent to a laboratory. Most tests are simple and do not need special preparation. Your doctor will explain the results and talk through the next steps with you.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the size and position of the stone, your symptoms, and whether the stone is causing a blockage or infection. Many stones are small enough to pass with home care and time. Your doctor will help you manage pain and monitor your recovery.

Self-care at home

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help the stone move along
• Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain reliever – do not take any medicine beyond the recommended length without talking to your doctor
• Strain your urine to catch the stone, if you have been given a strainer or can use a clean container
• Rest and apply a hot pack to your back or belly if it feels soothing

Medical treatments

If a stone is not passing on its own, doctors may prescribe a medicine that relaxes the tube that carries urine, making it easier for the stone to move. Other approaches include procedures to break the stone into smaller pieces or to remove it with a thin scope passed through the urinary tract. These are done by a specialist such as an urologist. The right choice depends on your exact situation.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery may be needed if the stone is very large, completely blocks urine flow, causes repeated infections, or if severe pain cannot be controlled by other means. Your doctor will explain why surgery is recommended and what to expect.

Living with this condition

If you have had a kidney stone, your main focus is to stay well hydrated and to watch for the return of symptoms. Keep a simple record of your symptoms, any stones you have passed, and any treatments you received. This information can be very helpful for your healthcare team.

Lifestyle tips

• Drink 2 to 3 litres of fluid a day, unless your doctor advises otherwise
• Reduce salt in your diet and avoid processed foods
• Keep meat portions modest and include plant-based proteins like beans and lentils
• Eat calcium-rich foods at mealtimes, because calcium can bind oxalate in the gut and help prevent stones
• Limit fizzy drinks, especially cola

Diet and exercise

Regular physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight and may lower your risk of stones. A balanced diet with vegetables, fruit, whole grains, and adequate calcium is recommended. If you have had stones, your doctor or a dietitian may give you personalised advice based on the type of stone you formed.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Living with recurring or very painful kidney stones can feel stressful and exhausting. It is normal to feel anxious about another attack. Talk to your doctor about your worries, and let family or close friends know how they can support you. Simple relaxation techniques or talking to a counsellor can also help.

Prevention

Not all kidney stones can be prevented, but for most people, drinking more fluid and making simple diet changes can greatly reduce the chance of having another one. If you have repeated stones, your doctor may recommend tests to find an underlying cause and create a personalised prevention plan.

Screening programmes

If you have had more than one kidney stone or a complicated stone, your doctor may arrange tests such as a 24-hour urine collection or blood tests to look for specific risk factors. These results help guide prevention.

Complications

If left untreated

• A stone that blocks urine flow can cause swelling in the kidney and very severe pain
• A blocked kidney can become damaged over time
• Urine trapped behind a stone can become infected, leading to a serious infection that requires urgent care

Long-term outlook

With the right care, most kidney stones pass without lasting harm. If you are prone to them, simple prevention steps make another stone much less likely. Your healthcare team can guide you every step of the way, so you do not have to face it alone.

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