Kidney stones prevention living patient overview

Overview

Kidney stones are hard, pebble-like pieces that form in your kidneys. They are made from substances in your urine that stick together. Most kidney stones can pass on their own, but some need treatment.

Yes, kidney stones are quite common. They affect about 10-15% of people worldwide at some point in their lives.

Kidney stones can affect anyone, but they are more common in men, people aged 30-60, and those with a family history of kidney stones. Dehydration and certain diets also increase risk.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Pain in the side or back (often sudden and severe)
• Pain that comes in waves
• Blood in urine (pink, red, or brown)
• Pain when urinating
• Frequent need to urinate
• Nausea or vomiting

Symptoms in children

• Similar symptoms but may be harder to describe
• Unexplained fussiness or crying
• Blood in urine
• Fever if infection present

Symptoms in older adults

• Pain may be less sharp or harder to locate
• Confusion or changes in behaviour (especially with infection)
• Urinary tract infections that keep coming back

Causes

Main causes

• Concentrated urine: not drinking enough water
• High levels of certain minerals like calcium, oxalate, or uric acid in the urine
• Some medical conditions like gout or urinary tract infections

Risk factors

• Not drinking enough fluids
• Diet high in salt, sugar, or animal protein
• Obesity
• Family history of kidney stones
• Certain bowel diseases or surgeries
• Taking some medications (talk to your doctor)

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have severe pain that stops you from moving or finding a comfortable position
• If you have pain along with fever or chills
• If you cannot urinate at all

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have ongoing mild pain that doesn't go away
• If you notice blood in your urine
• If you have had a kidney stone before and want to prevent future ones

Diagnosis

Your doctor will start by asking about your symptoms and medical history. They will also do a physical exam.

Tests that may be done

• Urine tests (to check for infection or high mineral levels)
• Blood tests (to check kidney function and mineral levels)
• Imaging tests like a CT scan or ultrasound (to see the size and location of the stone)

What to expect at your appointment

Most tests are painless. An ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of your kidneys. A CT scan takes detailed X-ray pictures. You may be asked to strain your urine to catch a passed stone for analysis.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the size, type, and location of the stone, as well as your symptoms. Many small stones pass on their own with home care. Larger stones may require medical procedures.

Self-care at home

• Drink plenty of water (aim for at least 8-10 glasses a day)
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers if approved by your doctor
• Strain your urine to catch the stone for analysis

Medical treatments

Your doctor may prescribe medication to help relax the muscles in your ureter (the tube from kidney to bladder) so the stone passes more easily. For larger stones, treatments like shock wave lithotripsy (using sound waves to break the stone) or ureteroscopy (using a tiny scope to remove the stone) may be used. Do not take any specific medication without your doctor's advice.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed. It may be recommended for very large stones, stones that block urine flow, or stones that cause ongoing pain or infection. The type of surgery depends on the stone's location.

Living with this condition

If you have a kidney stone, you can still go about your daily activities, but you may have periods of pain. It helps to stay active and drink plenty of fluids. Your doctor will give you a plan to manage your symptoms until the stone passes.

Lifestyle tips

• Stay well hydrated every day
• Eat a balanced diet low in salt and animal protein
• Maintain a healthy body weight

Diet and exercise

Drinking enough water is the most important step. Aim for 2-3 litres (8-12 cups) a day unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Regular exercise is fine, but avoid extreme dehydration from sweating without replacing fluids. Some foods may increase your risk depending on the type of stone – your doctor or a dietitian can give you personalised advice.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Passing a kidney stone can be painful and stressful. It is normal to feel anxious about another stone or about the pain. Talk to your doctor if these feelings affect your daily life. Many people find that learning prevention steps helps them feel more in control.

Prevention

In many cases, yes. The most important thing is to drink enough water every day to keep your urine dilute. If you know what type of stone you had, your doctor can give specific advice about diet changes. For example, limiting salt, animal protein, and oxalate-rich foods (like spinach and nuts) may help some people.

Screening programmes

If you have a family history of kidney stones or certain medical conditions, your doctor may recommend regular urine or blood tests to check for high mineral levels. However, routine screening is not needed for most people.

Complications

If left untreated

• Severe pain that does not go away
• Urinary tract infection that could spread to the kidney (pyelonephritis)
• Kidney damage or scarring
• Blockage of urine flow causing kidney swelling (hydronephrosis)

Long-term outlook

Most people with kidney stones do very well. Once the stone passes or is removed, you can get back to your normal life. The main risk is having another stone. But with the right prevention steps – especially drinking plenty of water – you can greatly reduce that risk. Your doctor can help you create a plan that works for you.

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