kidney stone flare ups

Overview

A kidney stone flare-up happens when a small, hard mineral deposit moves through your kidney or into the tube that carries urine. This can cause sudden waves of severe pain. It is not usually life-threatening, but the pain can be intense and needs medical review.

Yes. Kidney stones affect around 1 in 10 people at some point in their lives, and they are becoming more common.

Kidney stones most often affect adults between 30 and 60 years old, but children and older adults can also get them. Men are affected slightly more often than women. You may have a higher risk if someone in your family has had stones, if you do not drink enough fluids, or if you eat a diet high in salt and animal protein.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Sudden, severe pain in the side, back, or lower belly
• Pain that comes in waves and moves toward the groin
• Pink, red, or cloudy urine (blood in the urine)
• Pain or burning when you urinate
• An urgent need to urinate more often than usual
• Nausea, vomiting, or feeling generally unwell

Symptoms in children

• Vague tummy pain that may be hard to pinpoint
• Pain when urinating or needing to go often
• Blood in the urine
• A child who is unusually fussy, tired, or not eating well

Symptoms in older adults

• Pain that may be less severe or less specific than in younger adults
• Confusion, tiredness, or a change in appetite
• A urinary tract infection that seems slow to clear
• Blood in the urine or difficulty holding urine

Causes

Main causes

• Urine that becomes concentrated, allowing minerals to clump together
• Too much calcium or oxalate in the urine in some people
• Not drinking enough fluids, especially in hot weather
• A urinary tract infection that affects the kidneys

Risk factors

• Not drinking enough water throughout the day
• A diet high in salt, sugar, or animal protein
• Being overweight
• Having a family history of kidney stones
• Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, gout, or inflammatory bowel disease
• Some urinary tract or bowel surgeries in the past

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• You have a fever or chills with your back pain
• You are unable to urinate
• You have ongoing vomiting and cannot keep fluids down
• You see a large amount of blood in your urine

Book a routine appointment if:

• You think you might have passed a stone and want a follow-up check
• You have had a stone before and want to talk about prevention
• You keep having urinary symptoms that worry you

Diagnosis

A doctor will ask about your symptoms, your medical history, and your family history. They may examine your back and belly. To confirm a kidney stone, they will usually order one or more tests and may ask for a urine sample.

Tests that may be done

• Urine test to look for blood, infection, or crystals
• Blood test to check kidney function and look for signs of infection
• Imaging scans, such as a CT scan or ultrasound, to see the stones
• Sometimes an analysis of a stone you have passed, to help with prevention

What to expect at your appointment

You may be asked to drink extra fluids and collect your urine to strain for a stone. If the stone is small, the doctor may suggest managing the pain at home and waiting for it to pass. If the stone is large, is blocking urine, or there is a sign of infection, more urgent treatment may be needed.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the size, position, and type of stone, and whether you have infection or blockage. Small stones often pass on their own. Larger stones may need medical help to break them up or remove them.

Self-care at home

• Drink plenty of fluids, unless your doctor tells you otherwise
• Move gently when you can — this may help a stone shift
• Use a warm compress or warm shower to ease discomfort
• Take pain-relief medication only as recommended by your doctor or pharmacist
• Strain your urine through a clean container or sieve if the doctor requests it, to catch the stone for testing

Medical treatments

Medical care may include prescription medicines that help relax the tube carrying urine, making it easier for a small stone to pass. Medicines may also be given to control nausea or reduce stone-forming substances in the urine. Doctors can use sound waves or laser energy to break stones into smaller pieces. The exact approach will depend on your situation and should be explained by your care team.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not usually the first choice. It may be recommended if the stone is too large to pass, is completely blocking urine, or is causing severe bleeding or infection. A urologist can discuss the least invasive options with you.

Living with this condition

If you have had a kidney stone flare-up, give yourself time to recover. Drink plenty of water, keep up with any follow-up appointments, and do not ignore new pain or fever. Most people return to normal activities once the stone has passed or been treated.

Lifestyle tips

• Drink enough water so your urine stays pale and clear
• Cut back on salty and processed foods
• Keep a steady meal schedule and avoid very high-protein crash diets
• Stay physically active within your comfort level
• Keep a note of any stones you pass and tell your doctor

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet with enough fruits, vegetables, and fluids is good for kidney health. You often do not need to avoid calcium completely; getting calcium from food can actually help prevent stones. Gentle exercise, like walking, is safe once your pain is under control. Always ask your healthcare team about specific diet changes based on the type of stone you had.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Living with repeated kidney stone flare-ups can be stressful and exhausting. The pain can be frightening, and worry about another episode may affect sleep or mood. It is normal to feel anxious. If you feel overwhelmed or depressed, tell your doctor and consider reaching out to local mental health support services.

Prevention

Kidney stones cannot always be prevented, but many flare-ups can be reduced with simple habits. Drinking enough fluids is the most important step. Depending on the type of stone, your doctor may suggest specific diet changes or medicines that lower the risk of new stones.

Complications

If left untreated

• A stone that blocks urine can cause kidney swelling and damage
• A urinary tract infection that spreads to the kidney can become serious
• Repeated stones may lead to scarring or reduced kidney function over time
• Severe untreated pain and vomiting can cause dehydration

Long-term outlook

Most kidney stone flare-ups do not cause permanent harm, especially when treated promptly. Once you know what type of stone you have, you and your doctor can take steps to lower the chance of another one. Many people go on to live healthy, active lives.

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