kidney stone at night

Overview

A kidney stone is a hard, crystal-like lump that forms in one or both of your kidneys. When it moves or blocks the flow of urine, it can cause sudden, severe pain, often at night. This pain is sometimes called renal colic.

Yes, kidney stones are 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 men than in women. People aged 30 to 50 are most often affected. You are also more likely to get them if you have a family history or certain medical conditions.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Sudden, severe pain in your side or back, just below your ribs.
• Pain that spreads to your lower belly or groin.
• Pain that comes in waves and changes in intensity.
• Pain when urinating.
• Pink, red, or brown urine (blood in urine).
• Cloudy or smelly urine.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Feeling the need to urinate more often or urgently.

Symptoms in children

• Pain in the side or belly that may be hard for a child to describe.
• Blood in the urine.
• Fussiness or crying without a clear cause.
• Fever if there is an infection.

Symptoms in older adults

• Pain may be less intense but still present.
• Confusion or feeling unwell, especially if an infection is present.
• Trouble passing urine or needing to urinate often.
• Lower back pain that is not typical.

Causes

Main causes

• Not drinking enough water, which makes your urine more concentrated.
• A diet high in salt, sugar, or certain proteins (like animal protein).
• Having too much calcium or oxalate in your urine.
• Obesity or being overweight.
• Certain medical conditions, such as gout or inflammatory bowel disease.

Risk factors

• Family history of kidney stones.
• Personal history of kidney stones.
• Dehydration, especially in hot climates or from not drinking enough fluids.
• Eating a diet high in processed foods, salt, or sugar.
• Taking certain medications or supplements without a doctor's advice.
• Having a urinary tract infection or blockage.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have severe pain that comes on suddenly and is not going away.
• If you have fever and chills along with the pain.
• If you are unable to pass urine or have blood in your urine.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have had a kidney stone before and want to talk about preventing another one.
• If you are passing small stones regularly.
• If you have mild symptoms that come and go.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, do a physical exam, and order tests to confirm if you have a kidney stone and to see its size and location.

Tests that may be done

• Urine test – to check for blood, infection, or crystals.
• Blood test – to check your kidney function and look for high levels of minerals that cause stones.
• Imaging tests – such as a CT scan (computed tomography) or ultrasound to see the stone.
• Sometimes a test where the stone is caught for analysis (if it passes).

What to expect at your appointment

You may be asked to drink extra water to help pass the stone. If the stone is large or causing problems, your doctor will talk with you about the best way to treat it. Most tests are painless and done in a clinic or hospital.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the size, location, and type of stone, as well as your symptoms. Many small stones pass with just pain relief and increased fluids. Larger stones may need medical help.

Self-care at home

• Drink plenty of water – aim for 6 to 8 glasses a day, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
• Take over‑the‑counter pain relievers as directed on the label (like ibuprofen or paracetamol).
• Apply a warm compress or heat pack to the painful area.
• Rest in a comfortable position while the stone passes.

Medical treatments

Your doctor may prescribe stronger pain medicine or medicine to help relax the ureter (the tube from kidney to bladder) so the stone can pass more easily. If the stone is too large or stuck, procedures like shockwave therapy (breaking the stone into smaller pieces) or using a thin scope to remove it may be needed. These are done by a specialist.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is usually only needed if the stone is very large, blocking urine flow, or causing severe pain or infection. There are different types of surgery, and your surgeon will explain the best option for you.

Living with this condition

Once a kidney stone passes or is treated, most people can return to normal activities. You may need to follow up with your doctor to check for any new stones.

Lifestyle tips

• Drink enough water every day to keep your urine pale and clear.
• Limit foods high in salt, such as processed meats, chips, and canned soups.
• Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables.
• If you have had a specific type of stone, your doctor may give you more targeted advice about calcium or oxalate foods.

Diet and exercise

Eating a healthy diet and staying physically active can help prevent stones. Aim for a diet low in salt and sugar, and include moderate amounts of calcium from food (like milk, yogurt, or cheese). Avoid high‑dose vitamin C supplements unless your doctor says it's safe.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Dealing with kidney stone pain can be stressful and worrisome. It's normal to feel anxious about having another stone. Talk to your doctor if you are feeling worried – they can offer advice on prevention and help ease your mind.

Prevention

In many cases, kidney stones can be prevented by drinking enough water, eating a healthy diet, and managing any underlying health problems. If you have had a stone, your doctor can give you specific advice based on the type of stone you had.

Vaccines

There are no vaccines to prevent kidney stones.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening for kidney stones for most people. If you have a history of stones, your doctor may recommend periodic urine or blood tests.

Complications

If left untreated

• Kidney infection, which can spread to the bloodstream (sepsis).
• Blockage of urine flow, which can damage the kidney.
• Recurring stones that cause repeated pain or infections.

Long-term outlook

With proper care, most people recover fully from kidney stones and can take steps to prevent them from coming back. Even if a stone is large or causes complications, modern treatments are very effective. Most people are back to normal life soon after treatment.

Find support

International organisations

• International Kidney Stone Institute ↗
• The Urology Care Foundation ↗

Local organisations

• NHS (UK) ↗ · United Kingdom
• Kidney Care UK ↗ · United Kingdom
• National Kidney Foundation (USA) ↗ · United States

Helplines

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