sudden kidney stone

Overview

A kidney stone is a hard, pebble-like piece of material that can form in one or both of your kidneys. When it moves or blocks the flow of urine, it can cause sudden, severe pain. Kidney stones are made of minerals and salts that normally dissolve in urine, but sometimes they clump together.

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

Anyone can get kidney stones, but they are more common in men, people aged 30 to 60, and those with a family history of stones.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Sudden, intense pain in your back or side, below the ribs
• Pain that comes in waves and moves to your lower belly or groin
• Pain when urinating
• Pink, red, or brown urine
• Frequent urge to urinate
• Nausea or vomiting

Symptoms in children

• Children may have stomach pain instead of back pain
• They might cry or be fussy without an obvious reason
• Blood in the urine (often only seen under a microscope)
• Frequent urinary tract infections

Symptoms in older adults

• Pain may be less sharp or felt more as a dull ache
• Confusion or agitation if an infection is present
• Loss of appetite
• Fever or chills without a clear cause

Causes

Main causes

• Not drinking enough fluids – concentrated urine makes stones more likely
• A diet high in salt or sugar
• Certain medical conditions like gout or repeated urinary tract infections
• Taking some medicines (for example, diuretics or antacids with calcium)

Risk factors

• Family or personal history of kidney stones
• Being overweight or obese
• Eating a diet high in animal protein, salt, or oxalate-rich foods (like spinach, rhubarb, nuts)
• Certain digestive diseases (e.g., Crohn’s disease) that affect how your body absorbs calcium and water

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have severe pain that suddenly starts in your back or side
• If you cannot urinate
• If you have a fever with your pain

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have mild pain that comes and goes for more than a day
• If you notice blood in your urine
• If you have recurrent urinary tract infections

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, examine you, and likely order imaging tests to find the stone. They may also test your urine and blood.

Tests that may be done

• CT scan (a special X‑ray that gives detailed pictures of your kidneys and bladder)
• Ultrasound (uses sound waves to see the stone)
• Urine test (checks for blood, infection, or crystals)
• Blood test (checks kidney function and levels of minerals like calcium)

What to expect at your appointment

The diagnosis is usually quick. You may be asked to drink extra water and collect your urine over 24 hours to see what’s in it. Most people can go home the same day unless the stone is large or causing complications.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the size, location, and type of stone, as well as your symptoms. Many stones pass on their own with time and fluids. Larger stones or those causing problems may need medical help.

Self-care at home

• Drink plenty of water – aim for 2 to 3 litres per day unless your doctor says otherwise
• Take pain relief recommended by your pharmacist (such as ibuprofen or paracetamol)
• Try a hot pack on your back or side to ease discomfort
• Keep moving gently if you can – it may help the stone pass

Medical treatments

For stones that do not pass, doctors may offer treatments like shock wave therapy (using sound waves to break the stone into smaller pieces), ureteroscopy (a thin tube with a camera to remove or break the stone), or medications that help relax the ureter so the stone can pass more easily. Your doctor will explain what is best for your situation.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery may be needed if the stone is very large (over 2 cm), causing blockage, infection, or damage, or if other treatments have not worked. The usual surgical option is called percutaneous nephrolithotomy, where a small cut is made in your back to remove the stone.

Living with this condition

While you have a stone, drink extra fluids and watch for signs that it is passing. After the stone is gone, most people return to normal activities within a few days to a week.

Lifestyle tips

• Drink enough water every day so your urine is light yellow
• Limit foods high in salt and animal protein
• If you had a calcium stone, do not cut out calcium‑rich foods – they actually help prevent stones
• Talk to a dietitian about your specific stone type

Diet and exercise

Drinking plenty of water is the most important habit. Moderate exercise is fine, but avoid very strenuous activity while you have a stone. After recovery, a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can lower your risk of new stones.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Having a kidney stone can be stressful. The pain can be frightening, and worrying about it coming back is normal. Reach out to friends or family, and talk to your doctor if you feel anxious.

Prevention

Yes, in many cases you can reduce your risk by staying well hydrated and making changes to your diet. If you have had a stone, your doctor may recommend a urine test or a special diet to prevent future stones.

Complications

If left untreated

• Blockage of urine flow, which can damage your kidney
• Severe infection in the kidney or bloodstream (sepsis)
• Scarring inside the urinary tract
• Return of pain when the stone moves again

Long-term outlook

Most kidney stones pass on their own without lasting problems. With proper care, even large stones can be treated successfully. After the stone is gone, you can take steps to lower your chance of having another one. The outlook is very good.

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