kidney stone with fever

Overview

A kidney stone is a hard, pebble-like deposit that forms in the kidney. When a person has a kidney stone and also develops a fever, it often means there is an infection in the kidney or urinary tract. This can be serious and needs medical care right away.

Kidney stones themselves are common, affecting about 1 in 10 people at some point. However, having a fever along with a kidney stone is less common but is a serious warning sign.

Anyone can get kidney stones, but they are more common in middle-aged adults, men, people with a family history, and those who are dehydrated or have certain medical conditions. Fever with a stone can affect anyone with a stone, but people with weakened immune systems or diabetes may be at higher risk.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Sharp, severe pain in the side or back, often coming in waves
• Pain that spreads to the lower belly or groin
• Nausea or vomiting
• Blood in the urine (pink, red, or brown)
• Frequent need to urinate or pain when urinating

Symptoms in children

• Fussiness or crying
• Not wanting to eat
• Pain that the child cannot describe well
• Fever with no clear cause

Symptoms in older adults

• Confusion or acting more tired than usual
• Less specific pain or discomfort
• Chills or shaking
• Loss of appetite

Causes

Main causes

• Kidney stones form when minerals in the urine become very concentrated and stick together.
• A fever develops when bacteria get trapped behind the stone, causing an infection in the kidney (pyelonephritis) or urinary tract.

Risk factors

• Not drinking enough water
• A diet high in salt, sugar, or animal protein
• Being overweight or obese
• Family history of kidney stones
• Certain medical conditions like gout, diabetes, or inflammatory bowel disease
• Taking some medicines or supplements (talk to your doctor)

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have kidney stone pain along with fever, chills, or shaking
• If you cannot pass urine or have only a small amount of dark urine
• If you feel confused, faint, or very unwell

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have mild pain and no fever, but you think you may have a stone
• If you have had a stone before and want to prevent another one

Diagnosis

A doctor will ask about your symptoms, examine you, and likely order tests to check for a stone and infection.

Tests that may be done

• Urine test (to look for blood, infection, or stone-forming minerals)
• Blood test (to check kidney function and signs of infection)
• Imaging such as a CT scan or ultrasound (to see the stone and any blockage)

What to expect at your appointment

You may be asked to give a urine sample and have blood drawn. Imaging is painless and usually takes about 30 minutes. The doctor will explain the results and discuss the best next steps.

Treatment

If a kidney stone is present with a fever, the infection needs to be treated first, usually with antibiotics. Then the stone itself may need to be removed or broken up to prevent the infection from coming back.

Self-care at home

• Drink plenty of water (unless your doctor tells you otherwise) to help flush the urine
• Rest and take over-the-counter pain relief as directed by your doctor or pharmacist
• Watch for signs that symptoms are getting worse, such as higher fever or less urine

Medical treatments

Doctors may prescribe antibiotics for the infection. For the stone, treatment options include watching and waiting for it to pass, using sound waves to break it into smaller pieces (lithotripsy), or using a thin scope to remove the stone (ureteroscopy). Your doctor will choose the best option based on the stone size, location, and your overall health.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery may be needed if the stone is too large to pass, if the infection is severe, or if the stone is blocking urine flow. This is usually done through small incisions with a camera (percutaneous nephrolithotomy).

Living with this condition

After treatment, most people recover fully. If you have had a stone with infection, your doctor may want to follow up with urine tests to make sure the infection is gone. Stay in touch with your healthcare team.

Lifestyle tips

• Drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water a day to keep urine diluted
• Limit salt, processed foods, and sugary drinks
• Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables

Diet and exercise

A diet low in salt and animal protein can help prevent stones. Gentle exercise, like walking, is fine, but avoid heavy activity until your doctor says it is safe. If you have questions about diet, ask your doctor or a dietitian.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Dealing with kidney stones and infection can be painful and stressful. It may cause anxiety, especially if you worry about it happening again. It is okay to feel this way. Talk to your doctor or a mental health professional if you need support.

Prevention

You can lower your risk of getting another kidney stone by drinking enough water, eating a balanced diet, and avoiding too much salt and animal protein. If you have a metabolic condition, your doctor may suggest specific dietary changes or medicines.

Complications

If left untreated

• Kidney infection (pyelonephritis) that can spread to the blood (sepsis) – a life-threatening emergency
• Permanent kidney damage or scarring
• Recurring stones and infections

Long-term outlook

With prompt treatment, the outlook is very good. Most people with a kidney stone and fever recover completely after antibiotics and stone removal. Taking steps to prevent future stones can help you stay healthy.

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