kidney stone follow up care
Informed by recognized medical guidance
Overview
Kidney stone follow-up care is the check-up and support you receive after a kidney stone has passed or been treated. It helps your care team make sure your kidneys have cleared the stone, look for any pieces left behind, and reduce your risk of getting another stone.
Key facts
- Most kidney stones pass on their own, but follow-up care is still important.
- A follow-up visit may include urine tests, blood tests, imaging, or a review of your symptoms.
- Changing what you drink and eat can significantly lower your chance of forming new stones.
Yes. Kidney stones are common and becoming more common. About one in ten people will have a kidney stone at some point in their life, and many will have a repeat stone without preventive care.
Kidney stones can happen to anyone, but they are more likely in adults, especially men, and in people who are overweight, have diabetes, or have a family history of stones. They are also more likely in hot climates or if you do not drink enough fluids.
Symptoms
- Sudden, severe pain that makes it hard to sit or lie still
- Fever with chills or shaking, which can be a sign of infection
- Being unable to pass any urine
- Repeated vomiting that prevents you from keeping fluids down
- Feeling confused, having rapid breathing, or feeling very unwell
- ⚠New or heavy blood in your urine
- ⚠Pain that is getting worse and is not controlled by usual pain relief
- ⚠Burning, stinging, or difficulty passing urine
- ⚠Fever or a feeling of being generally off-colour
- ⚠Any symptoms after a procedure, like bleeding, severe pain, or fever
Common symptoms
- Mild pain or discomfort in the back, side, or lower belly
- Blood in the urine, which may look pink, red, or brown
- Pain or burning when passing urine
- Need to urinate more often or urgently
- Small stone fragments in your urine
Symptoms in children
- Tummy pain that may come and go
- Pain or crying when urinating
- Frequent trips to the toilet
- Blood in the urine
- Unexplained fussiness or poor appetite
Symptoms in older adults
- Less obvious pain, or pain felt in the lower back or side
- Confusion or unusual tiredness
- A bladder or kidney infection that is slow to settle
- Reduced urine output or trouble urinating
Causes
Main causes
- Kidney stones form when urine becomes too concentrated, so minerals and salts crystallise.
- Some stones develop because there is too much calcium, oxalate, or uric acid in the urine.
- Not drinking enough fluid is the most common cause of concentrated urine.
- An underlying medical condition can change the balance of your urine and make stones more likely.
Risk factors
- Not drinking enough water and fluids
- Eating a diet high in salt and certain animal proteins
- Being overweight
- Having a family history of kidney stones
- Having certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, gout, or recurrent urinary tract infections
- Previous kidney stone(s)
When to see a doctor
See a doctor urgently if:
- Severe pain that comes on suddenly
- Fever, chills, or signs of infection
- Vomiting that keeps you from drinking
- Not passing urine or passing very little urine
Book a routine appointment if:
- A follow-up appointment within a few weeks after your stone has passed or been treated
- A review of any imaging or test results
- Discussion about your stone type and a prevention plan
- Advice about diet, fluids, and any medicines you may need
Diagnosis
A doctor will ask about your symptoms, examine you, and often arrange tests to see if a stone is present and whether it is affecting your kidney.
Tests that may be done
- Urine test to check for blood, infection, or crystals
- Blood test to check kidney function and measure minerals like calcium and uric acid
- CT scan, ultrasound, or X-ray to locate stones and check for blockage
- Analysis of any stone you pass to find out what it is made of
What to expect at your appointment
During a follow-up visit, your doctor may ask about any symptoms since the stone, review your tests, and talk to you about preventing future stones. They may give you a stone-catching strainer to use at home if you have not passed the stone yet.
Treatment
Your treatment depends on the size, type, and location of the stone, and whether it causes pain, infection, or blockage. Some stones only need fluids and time, while others need medical help to break up or remove the stone.
Self-care at home
- Drink enough fluids each day, especially water, to keep urine light and clear
- Take pain relief as recommended by your pharmacist or doctor; do not exceed the advised dose
- Use a strainer to catch the stone if you are still trying to pass it
- Rest when you have pain, and let your body recover before returning to intense activity
- Keep a simple record of your fluid intake and any symptoms to share at your follow-up appointment
Medical treatments
Medical care for kidney stones can include medicines to make passing a stone easier, control pain, or treat an infection. Some stones are broken into smaller pieces with sound waves, and some are removed with a small operation. Your healthcare team will tailor the approach to you and will explain what is involved.
When is surgery considered?
Surgery is usually needed if a stone is too large to pass, blocks the flow of urine, or causes an infection that does not improve. The specialist may recommend a procedure to remove the stone or a tube to keep the urine flowing while the kidney recovers.
Living with this condition
After a stone has gone, you may still have a few days of mild discomfort or light blood in the urine. Drinking plenty of water, moving around gently, and following your care plan will help you get back to normal. Attend your follow-up appointment even if you feel fine.
Lifestyle tips
- Drink enough water throughout the day, particularly in warm weather or during exercise
- Cut down on salty foods and processed foods
- Eat a balanced diet with moderate protein and plenty of fruits and vegetables
- Keep a healthy weight through regular physical activity
- If you have had a stone, ask your doctor or dietitian which foods may be helpful for your stone type
Diet and exercise
A healthy, balanced diet and regular exercise support kidney health. Depending on the type of stone you had, you may be advised to eat more or less of certain foods. It is important not to remove entire food groups without first speaking to your healthcare team.
Mental health and emotional wellbeing
Kidney stones can be very painful, and it is common to feel anxious about another stone or about leaving the house when you are recovering. These feelings are normal. Speak to your doctor if worry, low mood, or pain is affecting your daily life.
Prevention
For most people, yes. Kidney stones can often be prevented by drinking enough fluids, making targeted diet changes, and treating any underlying health problems. Your follow-up care is the best time to build a personal prevention plan.
Vaccines
There is no vaccine for kidney stones. However, preventing urinary infections by staying hydrated and practising good hygiene may help reduce some kidney stone risks.
Screening programmes
There is no routine screening test for kidney stones in the general population. If you have risk factors or a history of stones, your doctor may recommend regular urine and blood checks or imaging to monitor your kidneys.
Complications
If left untreated
- A stone can block urine flow and cause intense pain and damage to the kidney
- Infection spreading into the bloodstream can become a medical emergency
- Repeated stones can lead to scarring and long-term loss of kidney function
- Frequent blockages may increase the need for procedures or surgery
Long-term outlook
The outlook for kidney stones is generally very good. Most stones pass or are treated without permanent harm. With sensible follow-up and prevention, many people never have another stone, and those who do can manage it well with their healthcare team.
Find support
International organisations
Local organisations
- Kidney Care UK ↗ · United Kingdom
- NHS ↗ · United Kingdom
External links open third-party websites. Ruqelo Health is not responsible for external content. Listing an organisation does not imply endorsement.
Always verify with your doctor
Health guidelines vary by country and region. The information in this article is based on international clinical guidelines but may not reflect the specific guidelines, medications, or practices in your country. Always discuss your health concerns with your own doctor or healthcare provider, and refer to your local national health guidelines where available.
Important notice This information is for educational purposes only. It does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider about your specific situation. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency services immediately.
Related conditions
Sources and guidance
This article is educational and is prepared with reference to recognized health information and clinical guidance sources where available. Specific source links may vary by topic.
Last updated: July 31, 2026
Educational note: This information is for education only and is not a diagnosis.
Use it to support, not replace, advice from a licensed clinician.
If symptoms are severe, worsening, or urgent, call your local emergency number or seek emergency care.