kidney stone that comes and goes

Overview

A kidney stone is a hard piece of material that forms in your kidney. When the stone moves around or tries to pass through the tube that carries urine, it can cause sudden, severe pain. For some people, stones come and go over time — meaning they may have episodes of pain and then feel fine for a while.

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

Kidney stones can happen to anyone, but they are more common in men than women. People aged 30 to 60 are most often affected. Certain health conditions, like obesity, diabetes, or gout, can raise your risk.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Sudden, severe pain in your side or back, just below the ribs
• Pain that travels to your lower belly or groin area
• Pain that comes and goes in waves (called colicky pain)
• Pain when you urinate or feeling like you need to go often
• Blood in your urine (pink, red, or brown color)
• Nausea or vomiting

Symptoms in children

• Children may not describe pain clearly — look for restlessness, crying, or holding the belly
• Unexplained vomiting or fever
• Blood in the diaper or in the toilet after urination

Symptoms in older adults

• Pain may be less typical or less intense — they may just feel generally unwell
• Confusion or tiredness due to infection
• Trouble urinating or a weak stream

Causes

Main causes

• Not drinking enough water (dehydration) — urine becomes too concentrated
• Diet high in salt, oxalate (found in some vegetables and nuts), or animal protein
• Certain medical conditions that make urine too acidic or too alkaline

Risk factors

• Family history of kidney stones
• Obesity or being overweight
• Taking certain medicines (but never stop prescribed medicines without talking to your doctor)
• Digestive diseases or surgeries that affect how you absorb nutrients

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Any sign of infection — pain with fever, chills, or feeling very ill
• Unable to pass urine
• Pain that is so severe you cannot sit still

Book a routine appointment if:

• You have had a stone before and want to prevent another one
• You notice blood in your urine that comes and goes
• You have a family history of kidney stones or a condition that increases your risk

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. They may press on your belly or back to check for tenderness. If they suspect a stone, they will recommend tests to confirm it.

Tests that may be done

• CT scan (a special X‑ray that gives detailed images of the kidneys and bladder)
• Ultrasound (uses sound waves to see stones without radiation)
• Urine tests to check for blood, infection, or crystals
• Blood tests to look for signs of infection or kidney function problems

What to expect at your appointment

If you go to an emergency room with sudden pain, they will likely do a CT scan quickly. If your stone is small, they may send you home with instructions to drink water and take pain relief. For larger stones or if you have infection, you may need to stay in hospital.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the size and location of the stone, your symptoms, and whether it is causing complications. Many stones pass by themselves with good hydration and pain relief.

Self-care at home

• Drink plenty of water (aim for 2 to 3 litres per day, unless your doctor tells you otherwise)
• Use a warm pack or heating pad on the painful area
• Take over‑the‑counter pain relief like paracetamol or ibuprofen — always follow the instructions on the package
• Walk gently if you can, as movement may help the stone move

Medical treatments

If the stone is too large or painful to pass, your doctor may suggest medicine to relax the tube that carries urine, making it easier for the stone to pass. Another option is a treatment called lithotripsy, which uses sound waves to break the stone into smaller pieces. For some stones, a small procedure with a scope may be done to remove or crush the stone.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery may be needed if the stone is very large, stuck, or causing serious problems like infection or kidney damage. The type of surgery depends on the stone's location and size. Your doctor will explain what is best for you.

Living with this condition

Living with stones that come and go can be stressful because you never know when the pain will start. It helps to stay prepared — keep drinking water throughout the day, and have a plan with your doctor for how to handle a pain episode.

Lifestyle tips

• Drink enough water every day so your urine stays light yellow
• Reduce the amount of salt you eat — this includes salty snacks, processed foods, and adding salt at the table
• Limit foods high in oxalate (like spinach, rhubarb, beets, and nuts) — but do not cut them out completely without advice
• Avoid high‑dose vitamin C supplements and eat animal protein in moderation

Diet and exercise

Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables can help prevent stones. Moderate exercise is good for overall health and may help reduce your risk of obesity, a risk factor for stones. If you have a specific type of stone, your doctor may give you more detailed dietary advice.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Worrying about the next attack of pain can be draining. It is normal to feel anxious or frustrated. If the stress becomes overwhelming, talk to your doctor or a counsellor. You are not alone.

Prevention

In many cases, yes. The most important step is to drink enough water so that your urine is never too concentrated. You can also reduce salt, eat a balanced diet, and maintain a healthy weight. If you have recurrent stones, your doctor may do tests to find out why and give you a personalised plan.

Vaccines

Omit

Screening programmes

Routine screening for kidney stones is not recommended for everyone. However, if you have had stones before or have a family history, your doctor may suggest occasional urine or blood tests to look for risk factors.

Complications

If left untreated

• Kidney infection (pyelonephritis) — this can be serious and may need hospital treatment
• Kidney damage or scarring if a stone blocks the urine flow for a long time
• Sepsis (a life‑threatening reaction to infection) if the stone is infected

Long-term outlook

The good news is that most kidney stones pass without causing lasting harm. With proper treatment and prevention, you can reduce your risk of getting another stone. Many people live well with occasional stones and manage them effectively.

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