preventing kidney stone

Overview

A kidney stone is a hard, pebble-like piece of material that forms in your kidneys, usually from minerals and salts in your urine. These stones can be as small as a grain of sand or larger than a pearl. When they stay in the kidney, they often cause no trouble, but when they move into the tube that carries urine out of your body, they can cause severe pain. The good news is that many kidney stones can be prevented by simple changes in what you drink and eat.

Yes, kidney stones are fairly common. Around 8 to 10 percent of people worldwide will experience a kidney stone during their lifetime. The number has been rising in recent decades, partly because of changes in diet and lifestyle.

Anyone can get a kidney stone, but they are more common in adults aged 30 to 60. Men are slightly more likely than women to have kidney stones. A family history of kidney stones, dehydration, obesity, and certain medical conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure also increase your risk.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• A sharp, cramping pain in the back or lower side, often coming in waves
• Pain that spreads to the lower belly or groin
• Pain while urinating
• Pink, red, or brown urine
• Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
• A constant need to urinate
• Nausea and vomiting

Symptoms in children

• Pain in the belly or side that may cause a child to cry or double over
• Blood in the urine (sometimes only visible under a microscope)
• Frequent urinary tract infections
• Needing to urinate often or with urgency
• In babies, unexplained crying, vomiting, or poor feeding

Symptoms in older adults

• Pain may be less typical, sometimes just a dull ache in the back or belly
• Confusion or agitation, especially if an infection is present
• Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite
• Blood in the urine
• Fever or chills with urinary symptoms
• Difficulty urinating or a weak stream

Causes

Main causes

• Low urine volume from not drinking enough fluids, which makes urine more concentrated
• Too much calcium, oxalate, or uric acid in the urine
• Too little citrate in the urine, a substance that helps prevent stones
• Urine that is too acidic or too alkaline
• Urinary tract infections that can lead to struvite stones

Risk factors

• Dehydration, especially in hot climates or with heavy exercise
• A diet high in sodium (salt), sugar, or animal protein
• Eating foods high in oxalate, such as spinach, rhubarb, beets, and nuts, without enough calcium
• Obesity or sudden weight changes
• Digestive diseases or previous bowel surgery that affect calcium and water absorption
• Certain health conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure, gout, and hyperparathyroidism
• Family history of kidney stones
• Some medications, such as certain diuretics or antacids containing calcium

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have sudden, severe pain in your back or side that does not go away
• If you see blood in your urine
• If you have pain with fever, chills, nausea, or vomiting
• If you cannot pass urine

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have had a kidney stone before and want to reduce your risk of another one
• If you have frequent urinary tract infections
• If you have a family history of kidney stones and are concerned about your risk
• If you experience lingering discomfort or changes in urination

Diagnosis

To diagnose a kidney stone, your doctor will ask about your symptoms, do a physical exam, and often order tests. They may also ask about your diet, fluid intake, and family history to understand what may have caused the stone.

Tests that may be done

• Urine tests: A sample of your urine is checked for blood, minerals, crystals, or signs of infection.
• Blood tests: These can measure kidney function and levels of calcium, uric acid, and other substances that affect stone formation.
• Imaging tests: A CT scan, ultrasound, or X-ray can show stones in your kidneys or urinary tract, even small ones.
• Stone analysis: If you pass a stone, your doctor may send it to a lab to find out what it is made of, which helps guide prevention.

What to expect at your appointment

You may be asked to drink plenty of fluids and collect your urine for 24 hours if your doctor wants to check what is in your urine over a full day. This test helps identify exactly why you are forming stones. You may also need to strain your urine through a fine mesh while you are passing a stone so it can be sent for analysis. The process is straightforward and painless, though sometimes waiting to pass a stone can be uncomfortable.

Treatment

Treatment for kidney stones depends on the size, type, and location of the stone, as well as whether it is blocking urine flow or causing an infection. Pain relief and drinking extra fluids are often the first steps. Some stones can be dissolved or helped to pass with the use of medications, but these are always prescribed by a doctor. If a stone is too large or does not move, a specialist may need to break it up or remove it with a minor procedure.

Self-care at home

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help flush out small stones
• Do not hold your urine — go when you feel the urge
• Use a heating pad or warm compress on the painful area for comfort
• Move around gently if you are able, as this may help a stone pass
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers only if your doctor says it is safe for you; always follow the label and your healthcare provider’s advice

Medical treatments

Doctors may prescribe medication to relax the muscles in the urinary tract, helping a stone pass more easily and reducing pain. For stones caused by high levels of certain minerals, prescription medicines can lower those levels in the urine. In some cases, antibiotics are needed if there is a urinary tract infection along with the stone. Always talk to your doctor about any medication, so you know it is right for you.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not always needed. In most cases, a stone will pass on its own within a few weeks. But if a stone is very large, is stuck, causes constant severe pain, or blocks the flow of urine, you may need a procedure. Common approaches include using sound waves to break up the stone, passing a thin tube to remove it, or rarely, a small incision to remove the stone directly.

Living with this condition

If you have had a kidney stone, one of your main goals is to prevent another one. This means staying well hydrated every day and being mindful of your diet. You may also need to keep track of any symptoms and stay in touch with your healthcare team. Many people feel fine most of the time, and they just make a few adjustments to their routine.

Lifestyle tips

• Aim to drink enough fluids so your urine is light yellow or clear, usually about 2 to 3 liters a day
• Reduce your salt intake by limiting processed foods and not adding extra salt to meals
• Include calcium-rich foods at meals, as this helps bind oxalate in the intestines
• Limit foods high in animal protein like red meat, poultry, and shellfish
• Stay at a healthy weight, as obesity increases stone risk
• Avoid crash diets or very low-carb diets that can raise uric acid levels

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet is key. Eat a variety of vegetables and fruits, whole grains, and low-fat dairy. For calcium, it is better to get it from food rather than supplements, unless your doctor advises otherwise. Regular moderate exercise — like walking, swimming, or cycling — helps keep your weight in check and reduces risk. Avoid very high-dose vitamin C supplements, as these can increase oxalate production. Also limit sugary drinks, especially soft drinks sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Going through a kidney stone can be stressful, especially if the pain was severe or if you worry about having another one. It is normal to feel anxious or frustrated. Give yourself time to recover, and talk to your doctor about your concerns. If you find yourself feeling down or constantly worrying, ask your healthcare team about sources of support, such as counseling or support groups.

Prevention

Yes, for most people kidney stones can be prevented, especially if you know what type of stone you tend to form. The most powerful prevention is drinking enough fluid every day, particularly water. Eating a balanced diet low in salt and animal protein, and making sure you get enough dietary calcium, can also greatly reduce your risk. If you have a medical condition that raises your risk, treating that condition is an important part of prevention.

Complications

If left untreated

• Severe pain that becomes hard to control
• Urinary tract infection that can spread to the kidney or bloodstream
• Blockage of urine flow, which can damage the kidney
• Scarring of the urinary tract
• Loss of kidney function in the long term if a blockage is not relieved

Long-term outlook

The outlook for people with kidney stones is usually very good. With prompt care and the right prevention plan, most people recover fully and go on to live healthy lives. Even if you have had more than one stone, you can take steps to greatly reduce your risk going forward. Your healthcare team is there to help you find the best way to prevent stones and keep your kidneys healthy.

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