kidney stone overview for patients

Overview

A kidney stone is a hard, pebble-like substance that forms in your kidneys when certain waste products in urine become too concentrated. These stones can be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball.

Yes. Kidney stones are common. About 1 in 10 people will have a kidney stone at some point in their life.

Kidney stones are more common in adults between 30 and 60 years of age, and men are more likely than women to develop them. However, they can happen at any age, including in children and older adults.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Sharp, severe pain in the side or back, often coming in waves
• Pain during urination
• Pink, red, or brown urine
• Nausea and vomiting
• Frequent need to urinate
• Fever and chills if there is an infection

Symptoms in children

• Belly pain
• Blood in urine
• Pain or trouble while urinating
• Unexplained fussiness or irritability in young children

Symptoms in older adults

• Vague abdominal discomfort
• Changes in urination frequency
• Confusion or restlessness
• Less typical pain that may not be in the classic kidney area

Causes

Main causes

• Your urine contains more crystal-forming substances — like calcium or uric acid — than fluid can dilute
• The body does not have enough substances in the urine to stop crystals from sticking together
• A urinary tract infection is present
• Urine becomes very concentrated because you are not drinking enough water

Risk factors

• Not drinking enough fluids
• A diet high in salt
• Obesity or overweight
• A family history of kidney stones
• Certain medical conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease or diabetes
• Taking certain medicines — ask your doctor if any of your medicines affect stone risk

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• You have sudden, severe pain that makes you unable to sit still or find a comfortable position
• You have pain along with fever and chills
• You feel like you cannot pass any urine at all

Book a routine appointment if:

• You have persistent discomfort in your back or side
• You see blood in your urine
• You have had a kidney stone before and want to talk about prevention

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, examine you, and order tests to confirm whether a kidney stone is present.

Tests that may be done

• Urine tests to check for infection or stone-forming substances
• Blood tests to check kidney function and look for conditions that increase stone risk
• Imaging tests, such as a CT scan or ultrasound, to see the stone and any blockages
• Analysis of a passed stone, if you are able to catch it

What to expect at your appointment

You may be asked to strain your urine through a fine mesh or urine strainer to catch the stone. This does not hurt. Catching the stone lets your doctor send it to a lab to find out what it is made of, which helps guide prevention.

Treatment

Treatment for a kidney stone depends on its size, location, and how it is affecting your body. Many small stones pass on their own with no more than hydration and pain relief. Larger stones or stones that cause blockage or infection may need a procedure to remove or break them up.

Self-care at home

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day, unless your doctor tells you otherwise
• Take over-the-counter pain relief medicine as recommended by your doctor or pharmacist — never take more than the directions allow
• Keep active with normal movement, which may help the stone pass
• Use a urine strainer if your doctor provides one

Medical treatments

Doctors have many ways to treat kidney stones without a traditional open operation. These include using sound waves to break the stone into smaller pieces, using a thin telescope to locate and remove the stone, or placing a small temporary tube to keep urine draining. Prescription medicines are also sometimes used to help relax the urinary system and make it easier for smaller stones to pass.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is only needed when a stone is very large, is blocking urine completely, or is causing severe pain or infection. Your doctor will explain the least invasive option appropriate for your situation.

Living with this condition

If you have a kidney stone that is small enough to pass, you may feel waves of pain over a few days to weeks until it passes. After treatment, most people feel better within a few days and can return to their normal routines.

Lifestyle tips

• Drink 6–8 glasses of water a day, unless your doctor gives different advice
• Limit salty foods
• Avoid crash diets or very low-carbohydrate diets unless a dietitian advises them
• Follow any dietary changes your doctor recommends based on the type of stone

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet and regular physical activity can help keep your urine healthy and lower your risk of stones. If you have had a stone, your doctor may suggest specific dietary changes, such as adding more fruits and vegetables, reducing animal protein, or limiting foods rich in oxalates (a natural compound in many foods). Do not make major dietary changes on your own — ask your doctor or a registered dietitian.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Kidney stone pain can be intense, and the experience can be stressful. It is common to feel anxious or worried about a recurrence. These feelings are normal. If you are feeling overwhelmed, talk with your doctor, and in a mental health emergency, call your local emergency number right away.

Prevention

You can reduce your chance of developing another kidney stone by drinking plenty of water every day and following the diet and lifestyle advice your doctor gives you. Once you have had a stone, you are at higher risk, but prevention changes make a real difference.

Complications

If left untreated

• A stone can block the flow of urine, causing urine to back up and the kidney to swell
• The blockage can lead to a serious kidney infection that spreads to the blood
• Without timely care, a large or obstructing stone can cause permanent kidney damage

Long-term outlook

The outlook for kidney stones is generally very good. With proper diagnosis and care, most stones pass or are removed successfully without lasting kidney damage. Even if you are at higher risk for future stones, you can take effective steps to prevent them.

Find support

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