kidney stone with nausea

Overview

A kidney stone is a hard, pebble-like piece that forms in your kidney when minerals and salts in your urine stick together. When a stone moves or blocks the flow of urine, it can cause sudden, severe pain and make you feel sick to your stomach (nausea).

Yes, kidney stones are fairly common, and nausea is a frequent companion to the severe pain they cause.

Anyone can get a kidney stone, but they are most common in adults between 30 and 60 years old. Men get them more often than women. People with a family history of stones, those who do not drink enough water, or those with certain health conditions (like gout or obesity) are at higher risk.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Sudden, sharp pain in the side or lower back, often spreading to the lower belly or groin
• Nausea and vomiting
• Pain that comes in waves and changes in intensity
• Blood in the urine (pink, red, or brown)
• Frequent or painful urination
• Cloudy or foul-smelling urine

Symptoms in children

• Children may have belly pain instead of the typical back or side pain.
• They may vomit or feel queasy.
• Young children might be fussy or have a fever without a clear cause.

Symptoms in older adults

• Pain may be less intense or harder to describe.
• Nausea and vomiting can be more common and may lead to dehydration.
• Older adults might also feel confused or have a fever if an infection is present.

Causes

Main causes

• When your urine is too concentrated, minerals and salts can crystalize and form stones.
• Not drinking enough water is the most common cause.
• Certain medical conditions (like urinary tract infections, gout, or inflammatory bowel disease) can make stones more likely.
• Some medicines (including certain diuretics, calcium-based antacids, or protease inhibitors) may increase stone risk.

Risk factors

• Family history of kidney stones
• Being overweight or obese
• Eating a diet high in salt, sugar, or animal protein
• Dehydration (not drinking enough fluids)
• Having had a kidney stone before (high chance of recurrence)

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have severe pain that suddenly gets worse or does not go away
• If you have fever, chills, or vomiting with the pain
• If you cannot pass urine at all

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have mild pain or blood in your urine that comes and goes
• If you have had a kidney stone before and think you may have another
• If you have any discomfort that worries you

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. They may do a physical exam and run tests to look for a stone.

Tests that may be done

• Urine test (to check for blood or infection)
• Blood test (to check kidney function and look for high levels of substances that form stones)
• Imaging test such as a CT scan or ultrasound (to see the stone and its location)
• Sometimes a plain X-ray (though not all stones show up)

What to expect at your appointment

If you have severe pain, you may be seen quickly in an emergency or urgent care setting. Imaging usually takes only a few minutes and does not hurt. Your doctor will explain the results and discuss the best next steps for you.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the size, location, and type of stone, as well as your symptoms. Small stones often pass with home care. Larger stones or those causing problems may need medical help.

Self-care at home

• Drink plenty of water (aim for 2 to 3 liters per day, unless your doctor advises otherwise)
• Use a hot water bottle or heating pad on the painful area for comfort
• Rest and avoid heavy activity
• Take over-the-counter pain relief as recommended by your pharmacist or doctor (but always follow the label)

Medical treatments

If self-care is not enough, your doctor may prescribe pain medicine or medicine to help your body pass the stone more easily. For larger stones, treatments like shock wave lithotripsy (which uses sound waves to break up the stone) or a scope procedure to remove the stone may be considered. Your doctor will explain what is best for your situation.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed for kidney stones. It may be considered if the stone is very large, causing a blockage, or cannot be broken up with other methods. Your doctor will discuss the options with you.

Living with this condition

If you have a kidney stone that is passing, expect a few days to a few weeks of discomfort. Stay hydrated and follow your doctor's advice. Once the stone passes, you can usually return to normal activities.

Lifestyle tips

• Drink enough fluids every day to keep your urine pale yellow
• Limit foods high in salt, sugar, and animal protein
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Stay active with regular exercise

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables can help prevent stones. Avoid eating too much salt (sodium) and limit foods high in oxalates (like spinach, rhubarb, and nuts) if your doctor suggests it. Exercise helps with weight control and overall health.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Having a kidney stone can be stressful and painful. The uncertainty of when it will pass and the fear of pain can cause anxiety. It's normal to feel worried. Talk to your doctor or a mental health professional if you need support.

Prevention

You can lower your risk of getting new stones by drinking enough water, eating a healthy diet, and following your doctor's advice based on the type of stone you had.

Complications

If left untreated

• The stone can block the flow of urine, causing kidney damage or infection
• A severe kidney infection (pyelonephritis) that can spread to the blood (sepsis)
• Long-term kidney damage or loss of kidney function

Long-term outlook

Most kidney stones pass or are treated successfully without lasting problems. With proper prevention, many people can reduce their chance of having another stone. Even if you need treatment, the outlook is very good.

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