Many who have experienced kidney stones describe the pain as among the worst they have ever felt. Kidney stones are a common problem rising with modern lifestyles, low water intake, and our region's hot climate. The ClinicsJo Editorial Team offers this guide to understanding, treating, and preventing them.
What Are Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones are hard deposits of minerals and salts that form in the kidney when urine becomes concentrated. They start as small as a grain of sand and can grow. Small stones may pass with urine without problems, while large ones can lodge in the ureter, causing severe pain and blockage.
Causes and Risk Factors
- Low water intake and concentrated urine (the biggest factor).
- Diet: excess salt, animal protein, and oxalate-rich foods.
- Obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.
- Family history and previous stones.
- Certain diseases and drugs and metabolic disorders.
- Hot weather that increases fluid loss.
Symptoms
- Renal colic: severe, wave-like flank or lower-back pain radiating to the lower abdomen and groin.
- Blood in the urine (pink or brown).
- Nausea and vomiting with the pain.
- Burning and frequent urination as the stone nears the bladder.
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine.
- Fever and chills if infection accompanies the stone (an emergency).
How Are They Diagnosed?
- CT scan: most accurate for detecting size and location.
- Ultrasound, especially for pregnant women and children.
- Urine and blood tests to assess function and infection.
Treatment
- Conservative treatment: small stones may pass with plenty of water, painkillers, and drugs that ease passage.
- Shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL): from outside the body without surgery for suitable stones.
- Ureteroscopy with laser: to fragment and remove lodged stones.
- Percutaneous surgery: for large kidney stones.
Medical tip: drinking water is the cheapest and strongest prevention. Aim for pale urine all day (about 2.5–3 liters of water daily unless your doctor advises otherwise), especially in hot weather.
Preventing Recurrence
- Drink plenty of water daily.
- Reduce salt and excess animal protein.
- Moderate oxalate-rich foods based on your stone type.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Follow your doctor's advice after analyzing the stone type.
When to See a Doctor
See a doctor for severe flank pain or blood in urine. Seek urgent care immediately for unbearable pain, fever and chills with pain, persistent vomiting, or inability to urinate — possible blockage or infection needing rapid intervention.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a stone take to pass?
Small stones may pass within days to weeks with water; larger ones may need medical intervention.
Do stones recur?
Yes, recurrence risk is high, so prevention is very important after a first stone.
To diagnose, treat, and prevent stones, book with a urologist on ClinicsJo.