kidney stone on one side

Overview

A kidney stone is a hard, pebble-like deposit that forms in one of your kidneys. When it moves or grows, it can cause pain on the side of your body where the stone is.

Yes, kidney stones are common worldwide. About 1 in every 10 people will have one at some point in their life.

Anyone can get a kidney stone, but they are most common in adults between 30 and 60 years old. Men are slightly more likely to develop them than women.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Severe, sharp pain in your side or back, just below your ribs — this pain can travel to your lower belly or groin
• Pain when you urinate
• Pink, red, or brown urine (from blood)
• Nausea or vomiting
• A constant need to urinate, or urinating only small amounts

Symptoms in children

• Children may not describe the pain clearly but may be fussy, cry, or hold their belly or back
• They may have vomiting or blood in their urine
• Fever without other obvious cause

Symptoms in older adults

• Pain may be less severe or harder to pinpoint
• Symptoms like confusion, fatigue, or loss of appetite can occur
• Urinary tract infection can develop without the classic pain

Causes

Main causes

• Your urine becomes too concentrated with certain substances, like calcium, oxalate, or uric acid, causing them to form crystals that grow into stones
• Not drinking enough water — this is the most common cause
• Having a medical condition that affects how your body absorbs or processes certain minerals

Risk factors

• Family history of kidney stones
• Not drinking enough fluids, especially in hot climates
• A diet high in salt, animal protein, or sugar
• Being overweight or obese
• Certain medical conditions such as gout, inflammatory bowel disease, or recurrent urinary tract infections

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• You have sudden, severe pain in your side that prevents you from sitting still or getting comfortable
• You have a fever or chills along with the pain
• You cannot urinate or are passing only small amounts of urine

Book a routine appointment if:

• You have mild pain that lasts more than 24 hours
• You notice blood in your urine
• You have passed a stone and want to discuss how to prevent future stones

Diagnosis

Your doctor will listen to your symptoms and do a physical exam. They will likely ask for a urine sample to check for blood or infection and may order imaging scans to see the stone.

Tests that may be done

• Urine test (urinalysis): checks for blood, infection, and crystals
• Blood tests: to check your kidney function and look for substances that can cause stones
• CT scan (noncontrast): gives a clear picture of the stone and its location
• Ultrasound: uses sound waves to detect stones, especially in pregnant women or children

What to expect at your appointment

You may be asked to drink a lot of water and collect all your urine for a day or two to try to catch the stone. The doctor will work with you to find out the type of stone and recommend a plan to help it pass.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the size and location of the stone, your symptoms, and whether there is an infection or blockage. Most small stones (less than 5 mm) will pass on their own with home care.

Self-care at home

• Drink at least 2 to 3 litres of water a day (unless your doctor tells you otherwise) to help flush the stone out
• Take over-the-counter pain relief, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, as directed by your pharmacist or doctor
• Rest and apply a warm compress to the painful area
• Try to urinate through a strainer to catch the stone so your doctor can analyse it

Medical treatments

If the stone does not pass on its own, your doctor may prescribe medication to help relax the ureter and make it easier for the stone to move. These are called alpha-blockers. For pain, you may receive stronger pain relief in hospital. Your doctor will recommend the best options for you.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery may be needed if the stone is too large to pass, is causing a blockage, or is associated with an infection. Common procedures include shockwave lithotripsy (using sound waves to break the stone into smaller pieces) or ureteroscopy (passing a tiny scope to remove the stone).

Living with this condition

While you have a kidney stone, you may have episodes of pain that come and go. Drink plenty of water and rest when needed. Most stones pass within a few weeks, but you should follow up with your doctor to confirm it has passed.

Lifestyle tips

• Drink enough water every day to produce clear or pale yellow urine
• Reduce salt in your diet — avoid processed and salty foods
• Cut back on foods high in oxalate, such as spinach, rhubarb, and nuts, if your doctor advises
• Limit animal protein (red meat, poultry, eggs) if you have uric acid stones

Diet and exercise

A diet rich in fruits and vegetables and low in salt can help prevent stones. Staying active is good for overall health, but exercise does not directly treat or prevent kidney stones. Talk to a dietitian for personalised advice based on your stone type.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Dealing with recurrent or severe pain can be stressful and worrying. It is normal to feel anxious or frustrated. Let your doctor know if you feel overwhelmed — they can connect you with support services.

Prevention

Yes, many kidney stones can be prevented. The most important step is to drink enough water every day so your urine is not too concentrated. Depending on the type of stone, your doctor may also recommend specific dietary changes or medication.

Screening programmes

If you have had a kidney stone before, your doctor may recommend a 'metabolic evaluation' — a series of blood and urine tests — to look for factors that increase your risk. This is especially important if you have had more than one stone.

Complications

If left untreated

• Ureteral blockage: a stone that blocks the flow of urine can cause the kidney to swell (hydronephrosis) and may lead to kidney damage
• Infection: a stone can trap bacteria, leading to a kidney infection (pyelonephritis) that can spread to the bloodstream (sepsis) if not treated quickly
• Recurrent stones: without lifestyle changes or treatment, you are more likely to form new stones

Long-term outlook

Most people with a kidney stone recover fully without long-term problems. With the right treatment and prevention strategies, you can reduce your risk of future stones and keep your kidneys healthy.

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