Kidney stones prevention living in older adults

Overview

Kidney stones are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. They can cause pain when they move through the urinary tract. This article explains how older adults can reduce their risk of getting kidney stones.

Yes, kidney stones are fairly common, particularly in adults over 40. In older adults, the risk may increase due to changes in diet, medication use, and decreased fluid intake.

Kidney stones affect both men and women, but men are more likely to develop them. The risk rises with age, especially after age 40. Older adults with certain medical conditions or those taking some medications may be at higher risk.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Sharp pain in the side or back, often in waves
• Pain that spreads to the lower belly or groin
• Pain or burning when urinating
• Pink, red, or brown urine (blood in urine)
• Frequent need to urinate or urinating small amounts
• Nausea and vomiting
• Cloudy or foul-smelling urine

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults may have less intense pain, which can delay diagnosis.
• They may experience confusion, nausea, or a general sense of feeling unwell without classic pain.
• Urinary tract infections may accompany kidney stones more often in older adults.

Causes

Main causes

• Not drinking enough water, leading to concentrated urine
• A diet high in salt, animal protein, or foods with high oxalate levels (like spinach, nuts, and chocolate)
• Too much calcium in the urine, often from high-dose supplements rather than food
• Certain medical conditions such as gout, inflammatory bowel disease, or urinary tract infections

Risk factors

• Age over 40
• Family history of kidney stones
• Previous kidney stone
• Obesity
• Dehydration, especially in hot climates or if you don't drink enough fluids
• Some medications, including certain diuretics (water pills) and calcium-based antacids
• Digestive diseases that affect calcium absorption

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have sudden, severe pain in your side or back
• If you have fever, chills, or vomiting with the pain
• If you cannot urinate at all

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have mild or recurrent urinary pain or discomfort
• If you notice blood in your urine (even without pain)
• If you have a history of kidney stones and want advice on prevention

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. They may order tests to check for stones and assess their size and location.

Tests that may be done

• Urine tests to check for blood, infection, or stone-forming crystals
• Blood tests to look for high calcium or uric acid levels
• Imaging scans like a CT scan or ultrasound to see the stones
• Sometimes a stone analysis (if you pass a stone) to find out what it is made of

What to expect at your appointment

The diagnosis is usually straightforward. Most imaging is painless. If you have a stone, your doctor will discuss the best treatment based on its size, location, and your overall health.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the stone’s size, type, and symptoms. Small stones often pass on their own. Larger stones may need medical help. Your doctor will recommend the safest approach for you.

Self-care at home

• Drink plenty of water (aim for 2-3 liters a day, unless your doctor advises otherwise)
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed (check with your doctor first)
• Apply heat to the painful area with a warm pad or compress
• Stay active as tolerated, but avoid strenuous activity if pain is severe

Medical treatments

For stones that do not pass, doctors may use medications to help relax the ureter (the tube from kidney to bladder) to make passage easier. Other treatments include using sound waves to break up stones (shock wave lithotripsy) or a scope to remove them. These are decided based on your specific case.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery may be needed for very large stones, stones blocking urine flow, or stones causing infection. Procedures are often minimally invasive, like ureteroscopy or percutaneous nephrolithotomy. Your surgeon will explain the options.

Living with this condition

After a kidney stone, focus on prevention. Drink enough fluids daily, make dietary changes as recommended, and talk to your doctor about any medications you take that may increase stone risk. Keep a note of symptoms and follow up as advised.

Lifestyle tips

• Drink water throughout the day, not just when you feel thirsty
• Reduce salt in your diet (limit processed foods, don't add salt at the table)
• Eat a balanced diet with calcium from food (like dairy, leafy greens) rather than high-dose supplements
• Limit foods high in oxalates (spinach, rhubarb, beets, nuts) if you have calcium oxalate stones
• Maintain a healthy weight through regular physical activity

Diet and exercise

A diet low in salt and moderate in protein (especially animal protein) can help prevent stones. Include enough calcium from food — low-calcium diets can actually increase risk. Regular exercise helps maintain a healthy weight and reduces stone risk, but stay hydrated during and after activity.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Dealing with kidney stones can be stressful, especially if they cause repeated pain or hospital visits. It is normal to feel anxious or frustrated. Talk to your healthcare team about your concerns. They can help you manage both the physical and emotional aspects.

Prevention

Yes, many kidney stones can be prevented. The most important steps are drinking enough water, eating a balanced diet low in salt and animal protein, and getting the right amount of calcium from food. If you have had a stone, your doctor may recommend specific diet changes based on the stone type.

Vaccines

There is no vaccine for kidney stones.

Screening programmes

Routine screening for kidney stones is not recommended for most people. If you have a high risk (like a family history or previous stones), your doctor may suggest periodic urine or blood tests.

Complications

If left untreated

• Blockage of urine flow, which can damage the kidneys
• Urinary tract infections that can spread to the kidneys (pyelonephritis)
• Scarring of the urinary tract
• Chronic kidney disease in rare, severe cases

Long-term outlook

With proper treatment and prevention, most people recover fully from kidney stones. Taking steps to prevent future stones can greatly reduce your risk and help you maintain good kidney health. Staying informed and working with your healthcare provider gives you the best chance of avoiding complications.

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