kidney stone lifestyle tips for patients

Overview

Kidney stones are hard, pebble-like pieces made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. They can be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball. Most stones pass out of the body on their own, but some can cause severe pain or block the flow of urine.

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

Kidney stones can affect anyone, but they are most often seen in adults between 30 and 60 years old. Men are slightly more likely to get them than women, but women's risk increases after age 50.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Severe pain in the side, back, or lower belly that comes and goes
• Pain or burning feeling when urinating
• Pink, red, or brown urine (blood in urine)
• Needing to urinate more often than usual
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fever and chills (if there is also an infection)

Symptoms in children

• Pain in the belly or side
• Blood in the urine
• Fussiness or crying more than usual
• Vomiting or feeling sick
• Pain when urinating

Symptoms in older adults

• Less specific pain, like a dull ache in the back or belly
• Confusion or drowsiness, especially if an infection is present
• Blood in the urine
• Difficulty urinating or only passing small amounts

Causes

Main causes

• Not drinking enough fluids, leading to concentrated urine
• Eating a diet high in salt or certain minerals, like oxalate
• Having a medical condition that changes urine chemistry, like gout or some kidney diseases
• A family history of kidney stones

Risk factors

• Dehydration, especially in hot climates or with heavy sweating
• Being overweight or obese
• Eating a diet high in animal protein and low in fruits and vegetables
• Taking some medicines that can increase stone risk (ask your doctor or pharmacist)
• Having had a kidney stone before

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Severe pain that does not go away
• Fever or chills, which may mean an infection
• Vomiting that prevents you from keeping fluids down
• Not being able to urinate

Book a routine appointment if:

• You think you might have a kidney stone but your pain is manageable
• You have blood in your urine
• You have had a kidney stone before and want to reduce your risk of another one
• You want to learn more about what you can do to prevent stones

Diagnosis

Doctors diagnose kidney stones by asking about your symptoms, doing a physical exam, and ordering tests to look for stones and check your kidney function.

Tests that may be done

• Imaging tests, like a CT scan or ultrasound, to see the size and location of the stone
• A urine test to check for blood, minerals, and signs of infection
• A blood test to check how well your kidneys are working and look for high levels of stone-forming substances

What to expect at your appointment

If your doctor thinks you have a kidney stone, you will likely get pain relief and be asked to drink plenty of water. You may be asked to strain your urine to catch the stone so it can be tested. Most people can go home the same day, but in some cases you may need to stay in the hospital.

Treatment

Treatment for kidney stones depends on the size, location, and how much pain or blockage they cause. Small stones often pass on their own with fluids and pain relief. Larger stones may need a procedure to break them up or remove them.

Self-care at home

• Drink plenty of water (aim for 2 to 3 liters a day, or as directed by your doctor)
• Take pain relievers exactly as recommended by your doctor or pharmacist
• Urinate through a strainer to catch the stone for testing
• Rest and use a heating pad on the painful area
• Call your doctor if your pain worsens or you develop a fever

Medical treatments

For stones that do not pass on their own, doctors may use procedures like shock wave lithotripsy, which uses sound waves to break the stone into smaller pieces. Another option is using a thin scope to reach the stone and remove it or break it up with a laser. Sometimes a temporary tube is placed in the kidney to drain urine while the stone is treated. Your urologist will discuss the best option for your specific situation.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery may be needed if the stone is very large, blocks urine flow, causes severe bleeding, or does not respond to other treatments. In rare cases, open surgery is needed, but most stones can be treated with less invasive procedures.

Living with this condition

Living with kidney stones often means paying close attention to your fluid intake and any signs that a new stone is forming. Follow up with your doctor as recommended, especially if you have had multiple stones.

Lifestyle tips

• Drink water throughout the day, not just when you are thirsty
• Limit salty foods, processed meats, and high-sodium snacks
• Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables
• Maintain a healthy weight and stay physically active
• Ask your doctor whether you need to limit certain foods high in oxalate, like spinach, beets, and nuts

Diet and exercise

Regular exercise and a balanced diet can help reduce your risk of kidney stones. Staying active helps you keep a healthy weight, and drinking extra water before, during, and after exercise helps keep your urine dilute. Your doctor or a dietitian may give you personalised advice based on the type of stone you had.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Dealing with kidney stones can be stressful, especially if you have had severe pain. It is normal to feel anxious or worried. Talk to your doctor about your concerns, and reach out to friends, family, or a mental health professional if you need support.

Prevention

Kidney stones can often be prevented with lifestyle changes, especially drinking enough water and eating a balanced diet. If you have had stones, your doctor may run tests to find out what caused them and give you specific prevention tips.

Complications

If left untreated

• A stone can block urine flow, causing painful swelling of the kidney
• Kidney infection, which can become serious if not treated
• Scarring or damage to the kidney over time
• Recurrent stones that keep coming back

Long-term outlook

The outlook for people with kidney stones is very good. With proper treatment and simple lifestyle changes, most people recover fully and can reduce the chance of getting another stone. Even if you have had a stone before, taking steps to stay hydrated and eat well can make a big difference.

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