Kidney Stones Symptoms: Everything You Should Know

What are Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones are hard mineral and salt deposits that form inside your kidneys. They can vary in size and may be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a pebble. These stones develop when certain substances in your urine—like calcium, oxalate, and uric acid—become too concentrated and stick together. 

While kidney stones are more common in adults, they can affect anyone at any age. Fortunately, with the right care and awareness, they are manageable. 

How Common are Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones are relatively common and affect around one in ten people during their lifetime. They are more likely to occur in people aged between 30 and 60 years. Men are more frequently affected than women, although cases in women are rising. 

With changes in diet and lifestyle, kidney stones are becoming increasingly prevalent, but the good news is that awareness and early management can reduce their impact significantly. You don’t need to panic—just understanding the symptoms and kidney stones treatment options can go a long way.

Symptoms of Kidney Stones

It’s completely natural to feel concerned when you experience discomfort and wonder if it might be a sign of kidney stones. The symptoms can vary depending on the size and location of the stone. Early recognition helps you seek timely help.

• Severe pain in your side, back, or lower abdomen, often referred to as kidney stone pain, can be sudden and intense. It may come and go in waves and is usually one of the most notable signs.
• Pain while urinating can be sharp or burning, making everyday tasks feel more difficult.
• Frequent urge to urinate, even if little comes out, especially if the stone is near the bladder.
• Cloudy or foul-smelling urine, which can indicate an infection along with the stone.
• Blood in urine (pink, red, or brown discolouration) is common when a stone irritates or damages the urinary tract.
• Nausea and vomiting may occur, especially when the pain becomes severe.
• Fever and chills might be present if there is an associated infection.

Causes of Kidney Stones

Understanding what causes kidney stones is key to prevention and treatment. These stones form when your urine contains more crystal-forming substances than the fluid in urine can dilute. A variety of factors may contribute.

• Dehydration is one of the leading causes. Not drinking enough water concentrates the urine, making it easier for stones to form.
• Dietary habits such as high salt intake, too much animal protein, or foods high in oxalates (like spinach, nuts, and chocolate) can promote stone formation.
• Family history or genetics play a role, meaning you may be more prone if others in your family have had kidney stones.
• Obesity alters the acid levels in your urine, increasing the risk of certain types of stones.
• Digestive diseases like inflammatory bowel disease or surgeries like gastric bypass can affect calcium and water absorption.
• Certain supplements and medications, including vitamin D, calcium-based antacids, or some kidney stone medicine, can increase the likelihood of stones if used excessively.

Types of Kidney Stones

There are different types of kidney stones, and knowing which one you have can guide treatment and prevention.

• Calcium stones the most common and usually formed from calcium oxalate. They may result from eating high-oxalate foods or certain metabolic disorders.
• Struvite stones can develop quickly and are often linked to urinary tract infections. They can grow large with few symptoms.
• Uric acid stones form when urine is too acidic. Diets high in red meat and shellfish or conditions like gout can lead to their formation.
• Cystine stones are rare and usually inherited. They result from a genetic condition called cystinuria, which causes the kidneys to excrete too much cystine.

Identifying your specific stone type helps in tailoring your kidney stones treatment more effectively.

Risk Factors for Kidney Stones

You might wonder why kidney stones develop in some people and not in others. Several risk factors can increase your likelihood of forming them.

• Not drinking enough water leads to more concentrated urine, which is more likely to form stones.
• A high-protein, high-salt, or high-sugar diet can increase your risk by altering urine composition.
• Obesity or weight gain can change the acid levels in your urine, promoting stone formation.
• Certain medical conditions, such as renal tubular acidosis, cystinuria, or hyperparathyroidism, elevate risk.
• Taking specific medications, including diuretics or calcium-based supplements, may raise your chances.
• Having a family history of kidney stones significantly increases your own risk.
• Frequent urinary tract infections can contribute, especially to the development of struvite stones.

Which Medical Issues Cause Kidney Stones?

Sometimes, kidney stones don’t just appear without reason—underlying medical conditions can be a contributing factor. Recognising them helps in preventing recurrence.

• Hyperparathyroidism, where too much parathyroid hormone increases calcium levels in urine.
• Renal tubular acidosis, a kidney disorder that leads to stone formation by disturbing acid-base balance.
• Gout, where high uric acid levels in the blood can also lead to uric acid stones.
• Cystinuria, a rare genetic condition causing too much cystine to pass into the urine.
• Inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis can alter digestion and lead to more oxalate absorption.
• Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) can lead to the formation of struvite stones.
• Diabetes may also increase the risk by affecting urine composition and acid levels.

Complications of Kidney Stones

If left untreated, kidney stones can cause more than just pain. While most pass on their own, complications can arise, especially with larger or repeated stones.

• Persistent pain that interferes with daily life and may become chronic if not managed properly.
• Infections, particularly if the stone causes a blockage, increasing the risk of urinary tract infections.
• Kidney damage, which may occur if stones block the flow of urine over time.
• Hydronephrosis, a condition where the kidney swells due to urine build-up behind a blockage.
• Reduced kidney function in severe or untreated cases, although this is uncommon.
• Bleeding or injury to the urinary tract caused by sharp stones scraping tissue.
• Recurrent stones, which are common if the underlying cause isn’t addressed through proper kidney stones treatment and prevention.

How are Kidney Stones Diagnosed?

If you suspect a kidney stone, don’t worry—diagnosis is straightforward and helps to clarify the best course of treatment.

• Urine testing helps detect crystal-forming substances or blood in the urine, pointing toward a stone.
• Blood tests identify excess minerals or conditions that might lead to stone formation.
• Imaging tests, like CT scans or ultrasounds, can confirm the presence, size, and location of the stone.
• X-rays, though less sensitive, may show larger stones, particularly calcium-based ones.
• Stone analysis, if a stone passes, allows your doctor to test its type and suggest targeted prevention.
• With accurate diagnosis, your healthcare provider can suggest the most appropriate kidney stones treatment plan for you.

How are Kidney Stones Treated?

When it comes to kidney stones treatment, the good news is that there are a variety of effective options. The right approach depends on the size, type, and location of the stone, as well as your overall health. Most small stones pass naturally with time, while larger ones may require medical intervention.

Medications

Sometimes, medications can help ease symptoms or prevent future stones from forming. These are typically recommended alongside lifestyle changes.

• Pain relievers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol to manage kidney stone pain.
• Alpha-blockers, which relax muscles in your urinary tract and help the stone pass more quickly and with less discomfort.
• Uric acid reducers, like allopurinol, for those with uric acid stones to prevent recurrence.
• Citrate supplements may be given to help prevent calcium stones from forming.
• Diuretics might help reduce calcium levels in urine but should only be used under medical advice.
• Always speak to your doctor about the best kidney stone medicine for your situation.

Kidney Stone Procedures

If medications and lifestyle changes aren't enough, procedures may be needed to remove the stone safely.

• Shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) uses sound waves to break the stone into smaller pieces that can pass more easily.
• Ureteroscopy involves inserting a thin tube through the urethra to reach and remove or break up the stone.
• Percutaneous nephrolithotomy is a minimally invasive surgery for larger stones where instruments are inserted through a small cut in the back.
• Surgical removal is rare but might be necessary in complex cases or when other methods fail.
• Rest assured, these procedures are well-established and usually very successful in resolving the problem.

Home Remedies for Kidney Stones

If your kidney stone is small and doesn’t require surgery, home care can be quite effective. Always consult a doctor first, but these tips may help ease discomfort and promote stone passage.

• Stay well-hydrated by drinking at least 2–3 litres of water a day, which helps flush the kidneys.
• Lemon juice contains citrate, which may prevent calcium stones from forming.
• Apple cider vinegar in small amounts (diluted in water) might support kidney health, although more research is needed.
• Reduce salt and animal protein intake to decrease the substances that form stones.
• Eat calcium-rich foods, but avoid calcium supplements unless advised by a doctor.
• Monitor your urine output and colour, aiming for clear or light yellow urine as a sign of good hydration.
• These remedies are supportive and not a substitute for professional kidney stones treatment.

Prevention

Preventing future stones is often as important as treating existing ones. Fortunately, simple steps can significantly lower your risk.

• Drink plenty of water daily to dilute your urine and minimise stone-forming substances.
• Limit foods high in oxalate, such as spinach, beetroot, and nuts, especially if you've had calcium oxalate stones.
• Reduce salt intake, which can cause calcium to be excreted in the urine.
• Moderate protein consumption, particularly from animal sources, as it increases uric acid levels.
• Include dietary calcium, which binds to oxalate in the gut and prevents absorption.
• Regular follow-ups and testing help monitor changes and avoid recurrence.
• These lifestyle changes are simple yet powerful in keeping kidney stones symptoms at bay.

Conclusion

If you or a loved one are dealing with symptoms of kidney stones, remember that early diagnosis can make all the difference. From routine blood work to specialised kidney function tests, choosing a trusted lab is key. Metropolis Healthcare, with its advanced diagnostics, expert pathologists, and reliable home sample collection, is a dependable partner in your journey to better kidney health.

FAQs

Q1. What can I expect if I have kidney stones?

You may feel pain, discomfort while urinating, or nausea. Most stones pass with proper treatment and care.

Q2. What is the best way to get rid of kidney stones?

Drink plenty of fluids, take prescribed medication, and follow medical advice. Larger stones may need minor procedures.

Q3. Can I live a normal life with kidney stones?

Yes, with the right lifestyle, hydration, and monitoring, you can live comfortably and avoid future stone formation.

Q4. Do kidney stones cause kidney disease?

Not usually, but untreated stones can sometimes cause infections or blockages that may affect kidney function over time.

Q5. Are kidney stones deadly?

No, kidney stones are rarely life-threatening. With prompt care, they can be treated safely and effectively.

Q6. When should I go to the emergency department?

Seek emergency help for severe pain, fever, vomiting, or difficulty passing urine, as these require urgent medical attention.