kidney stone and family life

Overview

Kidney stones are hard, pebble-like pieces that can form in your kidneys from minerals and salts in your urine. They can be tiny like a grain of sand or larger, and they may cause intense pain when they move through the urinary tract. Most kidney stones pass on their own with plenty of fluids, but some need medical help. Having a kidney stone can affect your daily routine and your family, but most people recover well.

Yes. Kidney stones are one of the most common urinary tract problems. Studies in many countries, including the UK, suggest that around 10 percent of people will have a kidney stone at some point, and the number has been rising.

Kidney stones can affect anyone, but they are more common in adults between 30 and 60, in men, and in people with a family history of stones. Certain health conditions, diets, and not drinking enough fluids can also raise your risk. Children can get them too, but less often.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Sharp, cramping pain in your side or back, often below the ribs
• Pain that comes in waves and moves to your lower belly or groin
• Pain when urinating
• Pink, red, or brown urine
• Urinating more often than usual or feeling a strong urge to urinate
• Nausea or vomiting
• Feeling restless or unable to lie still because of pain

Symptoms in children

• Children may complain of stomach pain rather than back pain
• Unexplained fussiness or crying in younger children
• Blood in the urine, turning it pink or red
• Pain or burning during urination
• Needing to urinate more often

Symptoms in older adults

• Pain may be less typical, such as a dull ache in the belly or side
• Confusion or being less alert can sometimes be a sign of a urinary infection
• Fever without an obvious cause
• Less specific symptoms like tiredness, nausea, or poor appetite

Causes

Main causes

• Not drinking enough fluid, which makes urine more concentrated
• High levels of certain minerals or salts in the urine, such as calcium, oxalate, or uric acid
• Repeated urinary tract infections that can lead to certain types of stones
• A blocked or abnormal urinary tract that stops urine draining properly

Risk factors

• A personal or family history of kidney stones
• Living in a hot climate or working in a hot environment where you sweat a lot
• Eating a diet high in salt or processed foods
• Being overweight or having conditions like diabetes, gout, or inflammatory bowel disease
• Taking certain medicines or supplements that can raise stone risk – always ask your doctor or pharmacist

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Any of the emergency symptoms listed above – call for urgent help
• New blood in your urine – call your GP or local clinic today

Book a routine appointment if:

• You have your first possible kidney stone episode and want a check-up
• You keep getting stones and want to talk about prevention
• You want to know if the stone has passed and if your kidneys are working well

Diagnosis

To find out whether you have a kidney stone, your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms, examine you, and usually order imaging – such as a CT scan or ultrasound – to see the stone. Urine and blood tests check for infection, kidney function, and stone-forming substances.

Tests that may be done

• Imaging scan (CT scan or ultrasound) to confirm the stone and see its size and location
• Urine test to check for blood, infection, or crystals
• Blood test to check kidney function and look for things that can cause stones
• If a stone is passed, it may be sent to a lab to identify its type

What to expect at your appointment

Diagnosis usually happens in the clinic or emergency department. A doctor will talk to you about your pain and any urinary symptoms. You may be asked for a urine sample and to have a blood test. Imaging is quick and painless. You will usually be told the size and position of the stone, and the care team will explain the next steps.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the size, location, and symptoms. Many small stones pass on their own. For larger or painful stones, doctors may use a type of shock wave to break the stone into smaller pieces, or they may remove it with a thin scope. Any procedure is done to relieve pain and protect your kidneys. Your healthcare team will choose the safest approach for you.

Self-care at home

• Drink water regularly – aim to keep your urine light and clear, unless your doctor has advised otherwise
• Use a heating pad or warm compress on your side or back for comfort
• Ask your doctor which over-the-counter pain relief is safe for you
• Move around gently – simple movement can help a small stone pass
• Strain your urine if your doctor suggests it, so you can catch a stone to be tested

Medical treatments

Your doctor may prescribe medication to help relax the tube that carries urine, making it easier for a small stone to pass. For larger stones, common procedures are extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy – using focused sound waves to break the stone – or a procedure called ureteroscopy, where a thin tube with a camera is used to remove the stone. In some cases, keyhole surgery is used. Your medical team will explain the risks and benefits and help you choose.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not always needed. It is usually considered when a stone is too large to pass, blocks urine flow, causes repeated infection, or does not go away after a reasonable time. In these cases, there are several minimally invasive options to remove or break up the stone, and most people recover quickly.

Living with this condition

A kidney stone is a temporary event for most people. At home, focus on staying hydrated, getting rest, and following your doctor's advice about pain management. You may need a few days off work or school. Ask your family for help with lifting, driving, or household tasks if you are still uncomfortable. Let your employer or school know as much as you are comfortable sharing.

Lifestyle tips

• Keep a water bottle with you and take regular sips, not just when you are thirsty
• Limit salty processed foods and check food labels if you want to reduce sodium
• Eat calcium-rich foods like dairy at meals – this helps bind oxalate in the gut, but follow your doctor's advice
• Avoid crash diets or very high-protein low-carbohydrate plans unless supervised
• Keep a gentle routine once the acute pain settles

Diet and exercise

No single diet works for every type of stone. Your doctor or dietitian can give you a plan based on the stone type. In general, it helps to drink 2 to 3 litres of fluid over the day (unless you have heart or kidney failure and are told to limit fluids), enjoy a balanced diet, and stay moderately active. Regular walking is often the best way to start. Sudden, intense exercise when dehydrated can increase stone risk.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Living with a kidney stone – or worrying that another one will appear – can be stressful and exhausting. It is normal to feel anxious about pain, time off work, and how it affects your partner and children. Tell your family what you need, and don't hesitate to ask your GP about support. If you or a family member are feeling low or overwhelmed, speaking to a counsellor or calling a mental health helpline can help.

Prevention

You can lower your risk of kidney stones, but not always prevent them completely. The most effective steps for most people are drinking enough fluid, reducing salt, keeping a healthy weight, and eating a balanced diet. Your doctor can help you understand the stone's cause and make a personal prevention plan.

Vaccines

Vaccines do not prevent kidney stones. However, staying up to date with recommended vaccines, such as flu and pneumonia vaccines if your doctor suggests them, can help avoid infections that might affect your kidneys.

Screening programmes

Kidney stones are not screened for routinely in people without symptoms. If you have had stones before or have a higher risk, your doctor may suggest periodic urine tests or imaging to catch new stones early.

Complications

If left untreated

• Urinary tract infection that can spread to the kidney
• A blocked urinary tract that prevents urine from draining and can damage the kidney
• Long-term kidney damage if stones are large or repeatedly block the flow of urine
• Intense pain and discomfort that can affect your sleep and daily responsibilities

Long-term outlook

The outlook for kidney stones is very good. Most people pass a small stone without needing any procedure, and when treatment is needed, modern techniques are effective and less invasive than in the past. With the right prevention plan, you can reduce the chance of another stone and get back to normal life with your family.

Find support

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