kidney stone complications awareness

Overview

A kidney stone is a hard, crystal-like lump that forms in the kidney from substances in the urine. Complications are extra health problems that can happen when a stone blocks the flow of urine, damages the kidney, or causes an infection.

Yes. Kidney stones are increasingly common. In the UK, around 1 in 10 people will have one at some point in their life.

Anyone can get a kidney stone, but they are more common in adults aged 30–60, and men are affected more often than women. If you have a family history or certain health conditions, your risk is higher.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Sharp or severe pain in your back, side, or lower belly that comes and goes
• Pain or burning when you urinate
• Pink, red, or brown urine
• Feeling sick to your stomach or vomiting
• A strong urge to urinate or urinating more often than usual

Symptoms in children

• Vague, crampy belly pain rather than a clear pain location
• Trouble or discomfort when urinating
• Blood in the urine
• Fussiness, poor feeding, or vomiting in younger children

Symptoms in older adults

• Aching in the lower back or side rather than sharp pain
• Fever, confusion, or just feeling very unwell without a specific pain
• Weakness or a fall
• Blood in the urine or cloudy urine

Causes

Main causes

• Not drinking enough fluid, which makes urine too concentrated and allows crystals to form
• High levels of natural chemicals in the urine – such as calcium, oxalate, or uric acid
• Certain medical conditions that change your urine chemistry
• Some medicines can also affect your risk – your doctor can tell you if any of your regular medicines are a factor

Risk factors

• Drinking too little water, especially in hot climates or if you sweat a lot
• Eating a diet high in salt or sugar
• Being overweight or having diabetes
• Having a family history of kidney stones
• Having had a kidney stone before

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• You have pain so severe you cannot sit still or find a comfortable position
• You have a fever, chills, or signs of infection
• You have not passed urine in 12 hours or more
• You are vomiting and cannot keep any fluids down

Book a routine appointment if:

• You think you may have passed a stone, but you are not sure
• You have had a kidney stone before and want to talk about prevention
• You see blood in your urine, even if it goes away
• You want advice about pain relief or diet changes

Diagnosis

Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and medical history and do a physical exam. If they suspect a stone, they will usually order one or more tests to confirm it and measure its size and location.

Tests that may be done

• Urine test – to check for blood, infection, or crystals
• Blood test – to check your kidney function and look for high mineral levels
• Imaging scans – such as a CT scan or ultrasound, to see the stone and any blockage
• Stone analysis – if you catch a stone after it passes, a lab can tell you what it is made of

What to expect at your appointment

The tests are simple and painless. You may be asked to drink plenty of fluids and let the stone pass. Your doctor will explain results and, if needed, refer you to a urologist (kidney and bladder specialist) for treatment.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the stone size, where it is, and whether it is causing pain, blockage, or infection. Many small stones pass on their own. Larger stones or stones that cause complications usually need a procedure.

Self-care at home

• Drink extra fluids – aim for 2–3 liters of water a day (unless your doctor says otherwise)
• Take pain relief that is suitable for you – ask your pharmacist or doctor for advice
• Apply a warm compress or heat pad to the painful area
• Try gentle movement – walking can help pass a stone, but talk to your doctor first

Medical treatments

If a stone is too large, blocking urine, or causing infection, your urologist may recommend a procedure. These approaches include using shock wave energy to break the stone into smaller pieces, placing a thin tube (stent) to keep urine flowing, or using a small scope to remove the stone. The exact treatment will be explained by your specialist.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is usually only needed when a stone is very large, is completely blocking the kidney, or has already caused an infection or kidney damage. There are several modern keyhole operations that allow stones to be removed without a large cut, and recovery is often quick.

Living with this condition

While waiting for a stone to pass, try to rest, drink plenty of fluids, and take your pain relief as advised. Keep in touch with your healthcare team if the pain changes or gets worse. Most stones pass within a few weeks.

Lifestyle tips

• Drink plenty of water every day – this is the single most helpful habit
• Cut down on salt in food – choose fresh foods over packaged snacks
• Have calcium at meals – but do not take high-dose calcium supplements without advice
• Keep a healthy weight and be physically active

Diet and exercise

Eat a balanced diet with plenty of vegetables, fruit, whole grains, and enough calcium from food. Regular exercise helps control weight and improves overall health. If you have had repeated stones, a dietitian can create a personal plan based on your stone type.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Living with kidney stones can be stressful, especially when you have repeated episodes or you are waiting for a procedure. Pain and uncertainty can affect your mood and sleep. It is okay to feel worried – talk to your doctor, family, or a counselor. You can also call a local mental health support line if you need to talk.

Prevention

Yes, many kidney stones can be prevented. The most important step is drinking enough fluids so your urine is light yellow and you rarely feel thirsty. Diet changes can also lower your risk, especially if you have had more than one stone.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening for kidney stones. After a stone, your doctor may recommend follow-up tests to find out the stone type and look for risk factors, so you can get personal prevention advice.

Complications

If left untreated

• Blockage of the ureter (the tube from kidney to bladder), which causes swelling of the kidney (hydronephrosis)
• Kidney infection (pyelonephritis) – can cause fever, chills, and severe illness
• Kidney damage or scarring – often permanent if the blockage is left too long
• Sepsis – a life-threatening reaction of the body to infection. This is why quick treatment matters

Long-term outlook

The outlook is very good, especially when you get care early. Most people with kidney stones recover fully and do not lose kidney function. Even people who need surgery do very well, and simple prevention habits can lower the chance of future stones.

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