long lasting kidney stone

Overview

A kidney stone is a hard piece of material that forms in your kidney, like a small pebble. A long-lasting (chronic) kidney stone means the stone stays in your kidney or urinary tract for a long time, often causing ongoing problems. These stones can grow large, like a staghorn stone that fills the kidney, and may not pass on their own.

Kidney stones are fairly common, affecting about 1 in 10 people at some point. Long-lasting stones are less common, but occur more often in people who have had stones before or have certain medical conditions.

Anyone can get a long-lasting kidney stone, but they are more common in adults between 30 and 60, men more often than women, and people with a family history of stones. Conditions like obesity, diabetes, and gout also raise your risk.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Sharp pain in your side or back that comes and goes
• Pain that spreads to the lower belly or groin
• Pain when urinating
• Pink, red, or brown urine (blood in urine)
• Cloudy or bad-smelling urine
• Needing to urinate more often or urgently

Symptoms in children

• Belly pain that doesn't go away
• Pain when urinating
• Blood in urine (may look like cola)
• Fever or chills if infection is present
• Nausea or vomiting

Symptoms in older adults

• Vague back or belly ache that is easy to miss
• Confusion or tiredness (especially with infection)
• Less noticeable pain, but still feel unwell
• Frequent urinary tract infections

Causes

Main causes

• Not drinking enough water, causing concentrated urine
• A diet high in salt, oxalate (found in spinach, nuts), or animal protein
• Certain medical conditions like gout, hyperparathyroidism, or urinary tract infections
• Family history of kidney stones

Risk factors

• Being overweight or obese
• Having diabetes or high blood pressure
• Taking certain medications (like some diuretics or calcium supplements) without monitoring
• Previous kidney stone episodes
• Structural problems in the urinary tract that block urine flow

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have severe pain in your side or belly that doesn't go away
• If you have a fever, chills, or vomiting along with the pain
• If you cannot pass urine at all

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have had a kidney stone before and are worried it's still there
• If you have frequent urinary infections or ongoing dull pain
• If you notice blood in your urine more than once

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history, then use imaging tests to see the stone and check if it's causing problems.

Tests that may be done

• CT scan (a detailed X-ray) – best for finding stones of all sizes
• Ultrasound – uses sound waves to see stones and any blockages
• Urine tests – to check for infection or blood
• Blood tests – to see how well your kidneys are working and look for high calcium or uric acid

What to expect at your appointment

The diagnosis is usually done in a clinic or hospital. You may be asked to drink extra water and collect a urine sample. Imaging tests are painless, though you might need to lie still for a short time. Results often come within a few days.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the size, location, and type of stone, as well as your symptoms. Small stones may pass with time and home care. Larger or long-lasting stones may need medical treatment to break them up or remove them. Your doctor will talk through the options with you.

Self-care at home

• Drink plenty of water – aim for 2 to 3 litres a day to help flush the stone out
• Take over-the-counter pain relief as directed by your pharmacist or doctor (avoid ibuprofen if you have kidney problems)
• Apply a warm compress to the painful area
• Rest and avoid strenuous activity while in pain

Medical treatments

Your doctor may prescribe medicines to help relax the ureter (the tube from kidney to bladder) so the stone can pass more easily. Pain relief is also given. If the stone is infected, antibiotics may be used. Never take any medicine without consulting your healthcare provider.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is considered when the stone is too large to pass, causes severe pain or infection, or blocks urine flow. Common approaches include shockwave lithotripsy (using sound waves to break the stone), ureteroscopy (a small scope to remove it), or percutaneous nephrolithotomy (a small cut in the back for very large stones). Your doctor will explain the best option for you.

Living with this condition

Living with a long-lasting stone can be uncomfortable, but most people manage well with pain relief and hydration. Keep track of your symptoms and report any changes to your doctor. You may need to adjust your activities during flare-ups.

Lifestyle tips

• Drink enough water every day – make it a habit
• Limit salty foods, red meat, and high-oxalate foods (like spinach, rhubarb, almonds)
• Ask your doctor about a balanced diet that suits your type of stone
• Stay active, but avoid heavy lifting when in pain

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet low in salt and animal protein can help prevent new stones. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Gentle exercise like walking is fine, but rest if pain increases. Your doctor may refer you to a dietitian for personalised advice.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Ongoing pain or worry about the stone can be stressful and affect your mood. It's normal to feel anxious or frustrated. Talk to your doctor or a mental health professional. If you feel very down or hopeless, reach out for support. In a crisis, contact your local emergency number or crisis helpline.

Prevention

While you can't always prevent a kidney stone, you can lower your risk by drinking plenty of water, eating a healthy diet low in salt and animal protein, and managing conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes. If you've had a stone, your doctor can help identify the cause and suggest specific steps.

Screening programmes

If you have had a long-lasting stone, your doctor may suggest regular check-ups, such as urine tests or imaging, to monitor for new stones. This is not a standard screening for everyone.

Complications

If left untreated

• Kidney damage from long-term blockage or infection
• Repeated urinary tract infections that can spread to the kidney
• Loss of kidney function in severe cases
• Increased pain and discomfort over time

Long-term outlook

With proper care, most long-lasting kidney stones can be managed or removed. Even if you've had one for a while, treatment options are effective and safe. Many people go on to live without further problems, especially if they follow prevention tips. Your outlook is generally positive with the right steps.

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