kidney stone with fatigue

Overview

A kidney stone is a hard, crystal-like lump that forms in the kidney from substances in your urine. Fatigue (feeling very tired) can happen because the stone causes pain, dehydration, or infection, which drains your energy.

Yes, kidney stones are a common condition. They are becoming more frequent, possibly because of diet and lifestyle changes.

Anyone can get a kidney stone, but they are more common in men than women, especially between ages 30 and 60. People with a family history, certain medical conditions (like high blood pressure or diabetes), or who have had a stone before are at higher risk.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Severe pain in the side or back, below the ribs (often comes in waves)
• Pain that spreads to the lower belly or groin
• Blood in the urine (pink, red, or brown)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Frequent or painful urination
• Fatigue or feeling unusually tired

Symptoms in children

• Belly pain that may be hard to describe
• Vomiting
• Blood in the urine
• Fever without other clear cause
• Tiredness or fussiness

Symptoms in older adults

• Pain may be less sharp but can feel like a dull ache
• Confusion or fogginess (especially if infection develops)
• Fatigue that seems out of proportion
• Loss of appetite
• Urinary urgency or difficulty

Causes

Main causes

• Not drinking enough water (dehydration makes urine more concentrated)
• Diet high in salt (sodium) or animal protein
• Certain medical conditions like gout, hyperparathyroidism, or repeat urinary tract infections
• Obesity
• Some medications or supplements (though rare)

Risk factors

• Family or personal history of kidney stones
• Living in a hot, dry climate where you lose more fluids
• Having only one kidney or kidney disease
• Digestive issues (like inflammatory bowel disease) that affect how you absorb nutrients

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Any of the emergency symptoms listed above
• Pain that becomes severe or changes in character (e.g., shooting, constant)
• Signs of infection: fever, chills, cloudy or foul-smelling urine

Book a routine appointment if:

• You have mild to moderate pain that comes and goes but lasts more than a day or two
• You notice blood in your urine – even if it's just a trace
• You feel very tired and have other symptoms like frequent urination or belly discomfort

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, then do tests to confirm the stone and check for infection or blockage.

Tests that may be done

• Urine test (to look for blood, infection, or crystals)
• Blood test (to check kidney function, calcium, and uric acid levels)
• Imaging scan (CT scan or ultrasound – CT is most detailed, but ultrasound avoids radiation and is often used first)

What to expect at your appointment

If the imaging shows a stone, the doctor will tell you its size and location. You may be asked to collect your urine to catch the stone for analysis. This helps find out what caused it so you can prevent more stones. The whole process is usually straightforward, and you don't need to do anything special beforehand.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the stone's size, location, and symptoms. Small stones often pass naturally, while larger ones may need medical help. Pain management and hydration are key.

Self-care at home

• Drink plenty of water (aim for 6–8 glasses a day, or enough to keep your urine light yellow)
• Use over-the-counter pain relievers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen if safe for you – always follow the label and check with a pharmacist
• Apply a warm compress or take a warm bath to ease muscle cramps around the stone
• Rest, but also try light activity like walking to help the stone move

Medical treatments

Your doctor may prescribe medicines to help relax the ureter (the tube that carries urine) so the stone can pass more easily. This is called medical expulsive therapy and is often used for stones that are stuck but not causing blockage. For stones that are too large or cause complications, procedures like shockwave lithotripsy (breaking the stone with sound waves) or ureteroscopy (using a thin scope to remove the stone) may be needed. In rare cases, surgery is required.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is usually needed only for very large stones, stones that block urine flow, or if the stone causes severe infection or damage to the kidney. Your doctor will discuss the best option for you.

Living with this condition

While you have a kidney stone, you may feel tired and uncomfortable. Focus on staying hydrated and managing pain with rest and gentle movement. Keep a symptom diary – note when the pain comes, how bad it is, and what you've eaten or drunk. This helps your doctor find triggers.

Lifestyle tips

• Drink enough water every day – it's the single most important step
• Limit salt: avoid processed foods, salty snacks, and adding salt to meals
• Eat a balanced diet with plenty of vegetables, whole grains, and moderate protein
• If you're overweight, losing weight gradually can reduce your risk of stones

Diet and exercise

No single diet works for everyone, but cutting back on salt and animal protein helps many people. Drink citrus juices like lemonade or orange juice, which may help prevent stones. Stay active with gentle exercise like walking or swimming – it helps overall health and may reduce stone risk. Avoid extreme diets or detoxes that can stress your kidneys.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Living with pain and fatigue can be emotionally draining. You might feel anxious every time you feel a twinge, or discouraged by the tiredness. It's normal to feel this way. Talk to your doctor if you're struggling – they can suggest counselling or pain management programs.

Prevention

Yes, many kidney stones can be prevented with lifestyle changes. The most important is staying well-hydrated. Depending on the type of stone you had, your doctor may recommend other changes, like reducing salt or avoiding certain foods high in oxalates (like spinach, rhubarb, nuts) or animal protein. But always get personalised advice.

Complications

If left untreated

• A stone can block the flow of urine, causing the kidney to swell (hydronephrosis) and possibly become damaged
• Infection can develop behind the stone, leading to a serious condition called sepsis
• Scarring inside the urinary tract may cause long-term narrowing or stricture
• Chronic kidney stones can increase the risk of kidney disease over time

Long-term outlook

The outlook for most people with kidney stones is very good. Small stones often pass without lasting problems, and modern treatments are highly effective for larger ones. With the right prevention steps, you can greatly reduce your chance of getting another stone. Even if stones come back, you can manage them with your doctor's help.

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