kidney stone risks and benefits for patients

Overview

Kidney stones are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. They can cause sharp pain, but many pass on their own without lasting harm.

Yes, kidney stones are common. They affect around 10% of people worldwide, and the number has been rising.

Anyone can get a kidney stone, but they are more common in men, people aged 30 to 60, and those with a family history of stones.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Severe pain in the side, back, or lower abdomen that comes in waves
• Pain or burning when urinating
• Pink, red, or brown urine (blood in urine)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Frequent need to urinate or urinating only small amounts
• Fever and chills if an infection is present

Symptoms in children

• Children may complain of belly pain instead of typical side pain
• They might cry, refuse to eat, or act unusually fussy
• Blood in urine or painful urination are also possible

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults may have less specific pain, like a dull ache in the back or belly
• They might feel confused, weak, or have a fever without obvious pain
• Inability to urinate or sudden confusion can be signs

Causes

Main causes

• Not drinking enough water (dehydration)
• Diet high in salt, oxalate (found in spinach, nuts, chocolate), or animal protein
• Obesity or excess body weight
• Medical conditions like hyperparathyroidism, gout, or repeated urinary tract infections

Risk factors

• Family or personal history of kidney stones
• Certain digestive diseases that affect how your body absorbs nutrients
• Taking high doses of vitamin C or calcium supplements without medical advice
• Living in a hot, dry climate where you may lose fluids through sweat

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Severe pain that makes it hard to sit still or find a comfortable position
• Fever with pain, which could signal an infection
• Inability to urinate or only passing small amounts of dark urine

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have had a kidney stone before and want to talk about prevention
• If you have mild but repeated symptoms like ache in the side or blood in urine
• If you passed a stone and want to have it tested to find out what it is made of

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and then usually order an imaging test like a CT scan or ultrasound to see the stone. Urine and blood tests can help find the cause.

Tests that may be done

• CT scan (computed tomography) – the most common imaging to see stones
• Ultrasound – uses sound waves to make a picture of your kidneys
• Urine test to check for blood, infection, or high mineral levels
• Blood test to check kidney function and levels of calcium, uric acid, and other substances

What to expect at your appointment

The scan is painless and usually takes just a few minutes. You may need to give a urine sample and have blood drawn. The results will help your doctor decide the best treatment.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the size and location of the stone, how much pain it causes, and whether it blocks urine flow. Small stones often pass with home care. Larger stones may need procedures to break them up or remove them.

Self-care at home

• Drink plenty of water – aim for 2 to 3 liters (about 8 to 12 cups) daily unless your doctor advises differently
• Use a heating pad on your back or side to ease pain
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen – always follow the label and ask your doctor if you have other health conditions
• Strain your urine to catch the stone so it can be tested

Medical treatments

If the stone does not pass, doctors may use medicines to help relax the ureter so the stone can move. For larger stones, common procedures include: shock wave lithotripsy (sound waves from outside the body break the stone into small pieces), ureteroscopy (a thin tube is passed up into the ureter to remove or break the stone), or percutaneous nephrolithotomy (a small cut in the back to remove very large stones). These are all done under sedation or anesthesia.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is usually only needed if the stone is too large to pass, is blocked and causing infection, or is damaging the kidney. Your doctor will discuss the best option based on your specific situation.

Living with this condition

After passing a stone or having treatment, most people feel better within a few days. You can return to normal activities once the pain is gone. Your doctor may give you instructions on drinking more fluids and changing your diet.

Lifestyle tips

• Drink enough water throughout the day – carry a water bottle as a reminder
• Cut back on salt – avoid processed foods and salty snacks
• Limit foods high in oxalate like spinach, rhubarb, nuts, and chocolate – but only if your doctor says so, as these are healthy foods in moderation
• Maintain a healthy weight through balanced eating and activity

Diet and exercise

Eating a diet low in salt and moderate in animal protein can help prevent new stones. Staying well hydrated is especially important during exercise. Aim for clear or light-colored urine as a sign of good hydration.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Having a kidney stone can be very painful and stressful. It is normal to worry about it happening again. Talk to your doctor about your concerns. Some people find it helpful to connect with others who have had similar experiences, whether online or in a support group.

Prevention

In many cases, yes. Drinking enough water is the most important thing. You can also eat a balanced diet low in salt and avoid too much animal protein. Depending on the type of stone you had, your doctor may suggest specific diet changes.

Complications

If left untreated

• Kidney damage or scarring
• Urinary tract infection that could spread to the kidney
• Blockage of urine flow, which can cause the kidney to swell (hydronephrosis)
• Severe pain that can lead to dehydration or other problems

Long-term outlook

The outlook for most people with kidney stones is very good. With prompt treatment, stones usually pass or can be removed without lasting harm. However, stones come back in about half of people, so prevention is key. By staying hydrated and following your doctor’s advice, you can lower your risk of having another stone and stay healthy.

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