Kidney Stones
Quick Facts
- Common names: Renal calculi, Nephrolithiasis, Urolithiasis
- Affected population: 1 in 10 people will have a kidney stone in their lifetime
- Key symptoms: Severe pain, blood in urine, nausea, frequent urination
- Treatment approach: Pain management, medical expulsion therapy, surgical removal if needed
What are Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. They develop when your urine contains more crystal-forming substances — such as calcium, oxalate, and uric acid — than the fluid in your urine can dilute. Stones can affect any part of your urinary tract, from your kidneys to your bladder, and passing them can be extremely painful.
Common Symptoms
Based on patient reports, the most frequently experienced symptoms include:
Sharp, severe pain in the side and back, below the ribs
Pain that radiates from the back to the lower abdomen
Persistent pain in the lower back region
Pink, red, or brown urine (hematuria)
Nausea and vomiting from severe pain
Burning sensation or pain when urinating
Persistent urge to urinate more often than usual
Severe, cramping pain in the abdomen
Pain and discomfort in the lower abdomen
Pain in the area above the pubic bone
Difficulty or inability to empty bladder completely
Types of Kidney Stones
Calcium Stones (80%)
Most common type, usually calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate. Associated with high oxalate foods, certain metabolic conditions, and high doses of vitamin D.
Struvite Stones
Form in response to urinary tract infections. Can grow quickly and become quite large, sometimes with few symptoms.
Uric Acid Stones
More common in men, associated with gout, chronic diarrhea, and high-protein diets. Can form when urine is too acidic.
Cystine Stones
Rare, hereditary stones that form in people with cystinuria, a disorder causing the kidneys to excrete too much of certain amino acids.
Causes and Risk Factors
- Dehydration: Not drinking enough water daily
- Diet: High in protein, sodium, and sugar
- Family history: Genetic predisposition to kidney stones
- Obesity: High body mass index and large waist size
- Medical conditions: Gout, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease
- Certain medications: Calcium-based antacids, diuretics, certain antibiotics
- Geography: Living in warm, dry climates increases risk
Diagnosis
Healthcare providers use several methods to diagnose kidney stones:
- CT scan: Most accurate imaging test for kidney stones
- Ultrasound: Non-invasive option, especially for pregnant women
- X-ray: Can detect some types of stones
- Urinalysis: Checks for blood, crystals, and infection
- Blood tests: Assess kidney function and mineral levels
- 24-hour urine collection: Analyzes stone-forming minerals
Treatment Options
Small Stones (Less than 5mm)
- Drinking 2-3 liters of water daily
- Pain relievers (NSAIDs, acetaminophen)
- Alpha blockers to relax ureter muscles
- Most pass within 1-2 weeks
Large Stones or Severe Symptoms
- Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL): Sound waves break up stones
- Ureteroscopy: Scope inserted to remove or break up stones
- Percutaneous nephrolithotomy: Surgical removal through small incision
- Open surgery: Rarely needed for very large stones
Prevention Strategies
- Hydration: Drink 2.5-3 liters of water daily
- Dietary changes: Reduce sodium, limit animal protein, moderate oxalate-rich foods
- Calcium intake: Get adequate calcium from food sources
- Citrus consumption: Lemon and orange juice may help prevent stones
- Weight management: Maintain healthy body weight
- Medications: Thiazide diuretics, citrate supplements for recurring stones
When to Seek Emergency Care
Seek immediate medical attention if experiencing:
- Severe pain that prevents you from sitting still
- Pain accompanied by fever and chills
- Blood in urine with severe pain
- Difficulty urinating or complete blockage
- Persistent nausea and vomiting
- Signs of infection (fever, cloudy or foul-smelling urine)
Living with Kidney Stones
Managing kidney stones involves both treatment and prevention:
- Follow-up care: Regular monitoring if you've had stones before
- Stone analysis: Save passed stones for laboratory analysis
- Medication compliance: Take prescribed preventive medications
- Lifestyle modifications: Maintain hydration and dietary changes
- Monitor symptoms: Track pain patterns and urinary changes
High-Risk Foods to Limit
High-Oxalate Foods
Spinach, rhubarb, almonds, cashews, beets, chocolate, tea, and certain berries. These don't need to be eliminated but should be consumed in moderation with calcium-rich foods.
High-Sodium Foods
Processed foods, canned soups, deli meats, pizza, and restaurant meals. Aim for less than 2,300mg sodium daily.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions.