kidney stone X ray explained

Overview

A kidney stone is a hard, pebble-like piece of material that can form in one or both of your kidneys. An X-ray is a common imaging test that uses a small amount of radiation to create pictures of the inside of your body. A kidney stone X-ray is often used to find stones in the urinary tract and to see their size and location.

Yes, kidney stones are quite common — about 1 in 10 people will have a kidney stone at some point in their life.

Anyone can get a kidney stone, but they are more common in adults between 20 and 50 years old. Men are slightly more likely to get them than women. People with a family history of stones, certain medical conditions, or who do not drink enough water are at higher risk.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Sharp pain in the side or back, often coming in waves
• Pain that spreads to the lower belly or groin
• Pain when urinating
• Pink, red, or brown urine (blood in the urine)
• Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
• Needing to urinate more often or urgently

Symptoms in children

• Children may not be able to describe the pain clearly; they might cry, hold their belly, or refuse to eat.
• Blood in the urine or a urinary tract infection could be a sign.
• If your child has vomiting or a fever along with belly pain, see a doctor.

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults may have less typical pain, or feel generally unwell.
• Confusion or drowsiness can sometimes be a sign of a serious infection.
• Any new or worsening back pain or trouble urinating should be checked.

Causes

Main causes

• Not drinking enough water, so urine becomes too concentrated
• A diet high in salt, animal protein, or oxalate-rich foods (like spinach, nuts, chocolate)
• Obesity and certain medical conditions like gout or urinary tract infections

Risk factors

• Family or personal history of kidney stones
• Dehydration from living in a hot climate or not drinking enough fluids
• Certain medications or supplements (talk to your doctor)
• Some medical conditions such as hyperparathyroidism, Crohn's disease, or recurrent urinary tract infections

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have severe pain that does not let up
• If you have a fever or chills at the same time as the pain
• If you are unable to pass urine

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have mild or occasional pain that might be from a stone
• If you have noticed blood in your urine even once
• If you have had a kidney stone before and want to prevent another one

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. Then they will likely order imaging tests to look for stones. A kidney stone X-ray (sometimes called a KUB X-ray — kidney, ureter, bladder) is often the first step because it is quick and widely available. If the stone does not show up on X-ray, your doctor may recommend a CT scan which is more detailed.

Tests that may be done

• Kidney, ureter, bladder (KUB) X-ray
• CT scan (computed tomography) — gives a more detailed 3D image
• Ultrasound — uses sound waves and can be used instead of X-rays, especially in pregnancy
• Urine tests to check for infection or minerals that cause stones
• Blood tests to check kidney function and levels of calcium, uric acid, etc.

What to expect at your appointment

For a KUB X-ray, you will lie on a table while a technician positions the X-ray machine. You may need to hold your breath for a few seconds. The test is painless and takes about 10 to 15 minutes. You can usually go home right after.

Treatment

Treatment for kidney stones depends on the stone's size, location, and whether it is blocking the flow of urine. Many small stones pass on their own with increased fluid intake and pain relief. Larger stones may need medical procedures to break them up or remove them.

Self-care at home

• Drink plenty of water — aim for 6 to 8 glasses (1.5 to 2 litres) a day to help the stone pass
• Use over-the-counter pain relievers like paracetamol or ibuprofen (always follow the label and consult a doctor if needed)
• Take warm baths or use a heating pad on your side or back to ease discomfort
• Strain your urine through a sieve or filter to catch the stone and bring it to your doctor for analysis

Medical treatments

For stones that do not pass on their own, your doctor may recommend medications to help the stone pass or to manage pain. Procedures such as shock wave lithotripsy (using sound waves to break the stone into small pieces) or ureteroscopy (a thin scope to remove the stone) are common. Your healthcare team will discuss the best option for you.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery may be needed if the stone is very large, is causing bleeding or infection, or is blocking urine flow. A procedure called percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) uses a small cut in your back to remove the stone. This is usually done under general anaesthesia.

Living with this condition

After a kidney stone, most people can go back to normal activities fairly quickly. If you had a procedure, you may need to rest for a day or two. Drink extra fluids as advised by your doctor.

Lifestyle tips

• Stay well hydrated — water is best
• Limit salty foods and reduce animal protein like red meat
• Maintain a healthy body weight
• Avoid high-dose vitamin C supplements unless your doctor recommends them

Diet and exercise

Drinking enough water every day is the most important step. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, and limiting high-oxalate foods (like spinach, rhubarb, and nuts) may help. Regular physical activity is generally good, but avoid becoming dehydrated from sweating. Talk to your doctor or a dietitian for personalised advice.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Passing a kidney stone can be very painful and stressful. The experience may cause worry about having another stone. It is normal to feel anxious. Talk to your doctor about any concerns. If you continue to feel anxious or down, consider speaking to a mental health professional.

Prevention

Yes, in many cases kidney stones can be prevented by drinking enough water, eating a balanced diet low in salt and animal protein, and maintaining a healthy weight. If you have had a stone, your doctor may suggest specific dietary changes based on the type of stone you had.

Complications

If left untreated

• Blockage of urine flow, which can damage the kidney
• Kidney infection (pyelonephritis)
• Scarring of the urinary tract
• Long-term kidney problems (rare if treated promptly)

Long-term outlook

The outlook for kidney stones is very good. Most stones pass on their own or are removed with simple procedures. With proper treatment and lifestyle changes, the risk of future stones can be greatly reduced. You can live a full, healthy life after having a kidney stone.

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