kidney stone in the morning

Overview

A kidney stone is a small, hard deposit of minerals and salts that forms inside your kidney. They can cause intense pain, often felt in the side or back, and may be more noticeable in the morning because of overnight dehydration.

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

Adults, especially men, are more likely to get kidney stones. But anyone can get them, including children and older adults.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Sharp, cramping pain in the back or side that can spread to the lower belly or groin
• Pain that comes and goes in waves, often worse in the morning
• Pain or burning when you urinate
• Feeling the need to urinate often or urgently
• Blood in the urine (pink, red, or brown)
• Nausea or vomiting

Symptoms in children

• Children may not be able to describe the pain well; they might cry, hold their belly, or refuse to eat.
• Fussiness, vomiting, or a fever without a clear cause can be a sign.
• Blood in the urine is also possible.

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults may have less typical pain, such as a dull ache rather than sharp cramps.
• Confusion or a sudden change in behavior can sometimes be the only sign.
• Urinary tract infections are more common and can make symptoms worse.

Causes

Main causes

• Not drinking enough water, which makes urine more concentrated
• Diet high in salt, sugar, or certain foods like spinach and nuts (which contain oxalates)
• Medical conditions such as obesity, gout, or inflammatory bowel disease

Risk factors

• Family history of kidney stones
• Being overweight or obese
• Taking certain medications (like some diuretics or calcium-based antacids)
• Having had a kidney stone before

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have severe pain that makes it hard to function
• Fever, chills, or vomiting along with pain
• You can't urinate at all

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have mild or occasional pain that goes away
• If you notice blood in your urine once or twice
• If you have a family history of kidney stones and want to learn prevention

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and do a physical exam. They'll likely order tests to confirm a kidney stone.

Tests that may be done

• CT scan (a type of X-ray) to see the stone's size and location
• Ultrasound to look for stones without radiation
• Urine test to check for blood or infection
• Blood test to check kidney function

What to expect at your appointment

You may be asked to collect your urine for 24 hours to measure what's in it. The tests are usually straightforward and not painful.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the stone's size, location, and whether it blocks urine or causes infection. Small stones often pass on their own with plenty of water and pain relief. Larger stones may need procedures to break them up or remove them.

Self-care at home

• Drink 2 to 3 litres of water a day to help flush out the stone
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers (like ibuprofen or paracetamol) as directed by your doctor
• Apply a warm compress to the painful area
• If you can, walk around gently to help the stone move

Medical treatments

Your doctor may prescribe medications that help relax the ureter so the stone passes more easily. For larger stones, a common treatment is shockwave lithotripsy, which uses sound waves to break the stone into smaller pieces. In some cases, a thin scope is used to remove the stone directly.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery may be needed if the stone is too large to pass, blocks urine flow, or causes a severe infection. Your urologist will discuss the best option.

Living with this condition

While waiting for a stone to pass, you may have episodes of pain. Stay hydrated, rest when needed, and keep track of your symptoms. Most stones pass within a few days to weeks.

Lifestyle tips

• Drink water throughout the day, even when you're not thirsty
• Limit salty foods and processed snacks
• Reduce foods high in oxalates (like spinach, rhubarb, beets, and nuts) if your doctor advises it
• Get regular physical activity

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables is good for kidney health. Avoid high-dose vitamin C supplements (they can increase stone risk) and stay active to maintain a healthy weight.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Repeated bouts of kidney stone pain can be stressful and cause anxiety. It's normal to feel worried. Talk to your doctor about ways to manage anxiety, and don't hesitate to seek support.

Prevention

Yes, for many people kidney stones can be prevented or the risk lowered. The most important step is to drink enough water so your urine is light yellow. Your doctor may also recommend dietary changes based on the type of stone you had.

Complications

If left untreated

• Kidney damage from prolonged blockage
• Severe infection (kidney infection or sepsis)
• Scarring inside the urinary tract

Long-term outlook

The good news is that most people recover completely once the stone passes or is treated. With proper prevention, many people can avoid or reduce future stones. Your doctor can help you make a plan.

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