kidney stone after diagnosis

Overview

A kidney stone is a hard, pebble-like deposit that forms in the kidneys from substances in urine. If you have been diagnosed with a kidney stone, it means your healthcare team has found a stone and will help you manage symptoms, decide on treatment, and reduce the chance of future stones.

Kidney stones are common. About 1 in 10 people will have one at some point in their life.

Kidney stones can affect anyone, but they are most common in adults aged 30 to 60. Men are slightly more likely to get them than women, though the gap has narrowed in recent years.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Sharp or severe pain in the side or back, just below the ribs
• Pain that spreads to the lower belly or groin
• Pain that comes in waves and changes in intensity
• Pain or burning when urinating
• Blood in the urine, which can look pink, red, or brown
• Nausea or vomiting
• A frequent or urgent need to urinate

Symptoms in children

• Children may complain of tummy pain rather than back pain
• They may be fussy, cry, or vomit
• They might have fever or blood in the urine
• Younger children may not be able to explain where it hurts

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults may not have the classic sharp pain
• They may feel generally unwell, weak, or confused
• They might have lower belly discomfort or a reduced amount of urine
• Sometimes the stone is found by chance during a scan for another problem

Causes

Main causes

• High levels of calcium, oxalate, or uric acid in the urine
• Not drinking enough water, making the urine too concentrated
• A diet that is very high in salt, sugar, or animal protein
• Certain medical conditions such as gout or inflammatory bowel disease
• Some urinary tract infections

Risk factors

• A family history of kidney stones
• Having had a kidney stone before
• Carrying extra weight or obesity
• Diabetes or high blood pressure
• Digestive problems or having had stomach surgery
• Taking some regular medications or supplements

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• You have signs of an infection, like fever or chills
• Your pain is severe and not controlled with prescribed medication
• You are vomiting and cannot keep fluids down
• You have not been able to pass urine for several hours

Book a routine appointment if:

• You have been diagnosed but your symptoms are mild and you have no emergency signs
• Your stone has not passed after a few weeks and you need a follow-up
• You need to discuss a prevention plan or review your diet and medications

Diagnosis

Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and examine you. They will likely order imaging tests to see the stone and check its size and location.

Tests that may be done

• Urine test to look for blood, minerals, or signs of infection
• Blood test to check kidney function and mineral levels
• Imaging test, such as a CT scan or ultrasound, to find the stone
• Stone analysis, if you pass it, to identify what it is made of

What to expect at your appointment

You may be asked to drink lots of fluids and catch your urine in a strainer to collect the stone for testing. Your care team will explain what the size and location of the stone mean for your treatment.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the size, location, and symptoms caused by the stone. Small stones often pass with fluids and pain relief. Larger stones or stones that block urine flow may need a procedure.

Self-care at home

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help flush the stone out
• Use over-the-counter or prescribed pain relief as recommended by your provider
• Rest when the pain is sharp, but move gently between attacks
• Strain your urine to catch the stone for testing

Medical treatments

Medical treatments include prescription pain relievers, medicines to relax the urinary tract so the stone can pass more easily, and sometimes intravenous fluids. If you are at risk for future stones, your doctor may prescribe a medication to help prevent them. Always follow your healthcare provider's advice about any treatment.

When is surgery considered?

A procedure is considered when a stone is very large, causes severe pain, blocks urine flow, or is infected. Options include external shock-wave therapy to break the stone into small pieces, or a thin scope passed into the urinary tract to remove or shatter the stone. Your doctor will explain which approach is best for you.

Living with this condition

After a diagnosis, focus on staying hydrated and watching your symptoms. If you pass the stone, save it for testing. You can usually continue daily activities, but take rest breaks when pain increases.

Lifestyle tips

• Drink 2 to 3 liters of fluid a day, mostly water
• Cut down on salt in your meals
• Include calcium-rich foods like low-fat dairy or fortified plant milks
• Limit foods high in oxalate, such as spinach, rhubarb, and nuts, if your doctor advises
• Eat a moderate amount of animal protein, and choose more plant proteins if suggested

Diet and exercise

Eat a balanced diet and try to keep a healthy weight. Exercise is helpful, but during an acute stone attack, rest and pain relief are more important. Once the stone passes, you can gradually return to your usual activity and ask your care team for a personalised diet plan.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Dealing with kidney stone pain or repeat stones can be stressful and tiring. It is normal to feel anxious about having another attack. Speak to your healthcare provider about your worries, and consider talking to a counselor or joining a support group.

Prevention

You can lower your chances of another kidney stone. Drinking enough fluid is the most important step. Your doctor can run tests to find out why the stone formed and give you specific diet and medication advice.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening for everyone, but if you have had a stone, your doctor may suggest periodic urine tests or imaging to monitor for new stones.

Complications

If left untreated

• A stone can block the flow of urine, causing severe pain and possible kidney damage
• Infection can develop in the kidney or urinary tract and spread to the bloodstream
• Long-term blockage may reduce kidney function over time

Long-term outlook

Most people with kidney stones recover well. Small stones pass without lasting harm, and even large stones can be successfully treated. With a good prevention plan, you can greatly reduce the chance of another stone and keep your kidneys healthy.

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