Kidney Stones: A Quick Guide for Patients
Kidney stones are hard mineral deposits that form in the kidneys. They can cause sudden, intense pain as they move through the urinary tract, but with the right care, they are manageable — and often preventable.
What Are Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones form when certain minerals and salts build up in the urine and stick together, creating solid crystals. Stones can vary in size — from tiny grains to larger, more painful masses.
Most stones are made of:
- Calcium oxalate, calcium phosphate
- Uric acid
- Struvite
- Cystine (less common, often genetic)
Common Signs & Symptoms
You may have a kidney stone if you notice:
- Sudden, sharp pain in the side or lower back
- Pain that moves to the lower abdomen or groin
- Burning or discomfort while urinating
- Urgent or frequent need to urinate
- Pink, red, or brown urine (may indicate blood)
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
- Nausea or vomiting
Note: Small stones sometimes pass without symptoms.
Why Do Kidney Stones Form?
Many factors can contribute to stone formation, including:
- Not drinking enough water
- Diets high in sodium, protein, or oxalates
- Genetics or family history
- Metabolic conditions (e.g., gout, obesity)
- Certain medications or supplements
Some medical conditions — like inflammatory bowel disease, repeated UTIs, or hyperparathyroidism — can also raise your risk.
Diagnosis & Evaluation
If a stone is suspected, your provider may request:
- Urinalysis – to check for blood, infection
- Imaging – such as ultrasound, X-ray, or CT scan
- Lab tests – including bloodwork or stone analysis if passed
Understanding the type of stone can help guide treatment and future prevention.
How Kidney Stones Are Treated
Treatment depends on stone size, type, and location:
Small Stones
- Drink plenty of water (unless restricted)
- Take pain relievers as needed
- Medications (alpha blockers, nifedipine, tadalafil) may help stones pass more easily
Larger or Complicated Stones
- Shock wave therapy (ESWL) – breaks up stones using sound waves
- Ureteroscopy – minimally invasive procedure using a small scope
- Surgical removal – used for very large stones or those causing complications
Work with your care team to choose the safest option.
Prevention Tips
Kidney stones often come back, but prevention is possible:
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
- Maintain adequate hydration, as recommended/advised by your healthcare provider
Adjust What You Eat
- Lower sodium intake (follow your healthcare provider’s specific guidance)
- Ask your healthcare provider if you should limit animal protein (meat, eggs, fish)
- Pair calcium-rich foods with high-oxalate foods (like spinach or nuts)
- Ask your healthcare provider if there are any supplements you should avoid
Get Regular Monitoring
- If you’ve had stones before, work with your healthcare provider for ongoing prevention and testing
Key Takeaways
- Kidney stones are common — and can be extremely painful — but most are treatable
- Staying adequately hydrated and making simple dietary changes can dramatically reduce your risk
- If you’ve had a stone before, personalized prevention can help stop them from coming back
- If you experience sudden, severe pain or notice blood in your urine — seek medical care right away
- Always ask your healthcare provider for specific advice on when to call to report symptoms, and when to seek urgent/emergency care.
Sources:
- https://www.urologyhealth.org/educational-resources/kidney-stones
- https://www.uptodate.com/contents/kidney-stones-in-adults-diagnosis-and-acute-management-of-suspected-nephrolithiasis?search=kidney%20stones&source=search_result&selectedTitle=2~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=2
- https://www.uptodate.com/contents/kidney-stones-in-adults-the-basics?search=kidney%20stones&topicRef=7366&source=see_link