Kidney Stones: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Kidney Stones - Hard mineral deposits in the kidney that can cause severe one-sided back or groin pain.

What is Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside the kidneys. Small stones may pass unnoticed, but larger ones can block the urinary tract and cause intense pain known as renal colic. The most common type is calcium oxalate. Hot climates and low fluid intake raise the risk, which is one reason stones are common in South Asia and the Middle East.

Causes and Risk Factors

• Not drinking enough water
• Diets high in salt, animal protein or oxalate
• Obesity and diabetes
• Family history
• Some medicines and supplements
• Gout and certain bowel conditions

Signs and Symptoms

• Severe pain in the side or back, spreading to the groin
• Pain in waves
• Blood in the urine (pink, red or brown)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Frequent or painful urination

Red Flags: When to See a Doctor Urgently

Diagnosis: Tests, Lab and Imaging

Urine tests, blood tests for kidney function and calcium, and imaging (non-contrast CT scan or ultrasound) confirm stones and their size.

Treatment and Medicines

Many small stones pass with fluids and pain relief. Medicines may help relax the ureter. Larger stones can be treated with shock wave lithotripsy, ureteroscopy or keyhole surgery. Stone analysis guides prevention.

Emergency

If you notice any red-flag sign, call 1122 (Pakistan), 911 (USA), 999 (UK) or 112 (Europe), or go to the nearest emergency department. See our emergency first aid guide.

Complications

Urinary infection, kidney damage and repeated stones.

Prevention

• Drink enough water to pass pale urine (often 2.5 L or more daily)
• Reduce salt
• Do not cut calcium from diet unless told
• Limit sugary drinks

Outlook and Follow-up

Many people pass stones without surgery, but about half may get another within 5-10 years without prevention.

Patient Education

Write down your questions before appointments, bring a list of all medicines, and ask what results mean for you. Use our symptom checker to learn which departments relate to your symptoms. This Kidney Stones guide is educational and reviewed against WHO, CDC and NIH sources by the ghkh.site editorial team.

Frequently Asked Questions