Kidney Stones - Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
Kidney stones are hard mineral and salt deposits that form inside the kidneys. They can cause severe pain when passing through the urinary tract.
Overview
Kidney stones affect about 12% of the Indian population and are more common in men. India falls in the "stone belt" region where kidney stones are particularly prevalent due to climate and dietary factors.
Most small stones pass on their own, but larger stones may require medical intervention. Recurrence is common — about 50% of people who have had a kidney stone will develop another within 5-10 years.
Symptoms of Kidney Stones
- Abdominal PainPrimary
Abdominal pain is discomfort felt anywhere between the chest and groin. It can range from a dull ache to sharp, severe pain and can have many causes.
- Blood in UrinePrimary
Blood in urine (hematuria) is the presence of blood or red blood cells in the urine. It can be visible (gross hematuria) or detected only by testing (microscopic hematuria).
- Nausea
Nausea is an uneasy feeling in the stomach that often comes before vomiting. It can be caused by many conditions including infections, pregnancy, motion sickness, and digestive disorders.
- Burning Urination
Burning urination (dysuria) is a painful or burning sensation during urination. It is one of the most common urinary symptoms.
- Fever
Fever is a temporary increase in body temperature, usually above 100.4°F (38°C). It is a sign that the body is fighting an infection or illness.
- Frequent Urination
Frequent urination is the need to urinate more often than usual. It can be a symptom of various conditions including diabetes, urinary tract infections, and prostate problems.
Causes of Kidney Stones
Dehydration and low fluid intake
High-sodium diet
High-protein diet
Excess calcium, oxalate, or uric acid in urine
Family history
Urinary tract infections
Certain medications
Metabolic conditions
Treatment for Kidney Stones
Increased fluid intake for small stones
Pain management (NSAIDs, opioids)
Alpha-blockers to relax ureter muscles
Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL)
Ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy
Percutaneous nephrolithotomy for large stones
Dietary modifications based on stone type
Prevention
Drink 2.5-3 liters of water daily
Reduce sodium intake
Limit animal protein
Eat calcium-rich foods (but avoid calcium supplements)
Reduce oxalate-rich foods if prone to calcium oxalate stones
Add lemon juice to water (citrate prevents stones)
Maintain a healthy weight
Risk Factors
Dehydration
Family or personal history of kidney stones
High-sodium, high-protein diet
Obesity
Digestive diseases (IBD, chronic diarrhea)
Certain supplements (vitamin C, calcium)
Hot climate
Recurrent urinary tract infections
When to See a Doctor
Seek immediate medical attention for severe pain in the side, back, or below the ribs, pain that radiates to the lower abdomen and groin, blood in urine, nausea and vomiting with pain, fever and chills, or difficulty urinating.
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Which Doctor to Consult for Kidney Stones
If you are experiencing symptoms of kidney stones, you may want to consult a specialist in one of these areas:
Related Conditions
These conditions share similar symptoms with kidney stones and may be relevant:
Urinary Tract Infection
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of the urinary system including kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Most UTIs affect the lower urinary tract.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, or both).
Gastritis
Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining that can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and a feeling of fullness in the upper abdomen.
Fatty Liver Disease
Fatty liver disease (hepatic steatosis) is a condition where excess fat builds up in the liver. It can be alcohol-related or non-alcoholic (NAFLD/NASH).
Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a gradual loss of kidney function over months or years, eventually requiring dialysis or transplant if it progresses to end-stage.
Dengue
Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection causing high fever, severe headache, body aches, and in severe cases, potentially life-threatening bleeding and shock.
FAQS
Kidney Stones FAQs
Common questions about kidney stones.
Symptoms include severe pain in the back or side (renal colic), pain that radiates to the groin, blood in urine (pink, red, or brown), nausea, vomiting, and frequent urination. Some small stones may pass without symptoms.
Yes, drinking plenty of water (2.5-3 liters daily), reducing sodium intake, limiting animal protein, and dietary modifications based on your stone type can significantly reduce recurrence risk.
Medical Disclaimer
The content provided on Zospital is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.