10 Symptoms of Kidney Stone Everyone Should Know

Q: How are Kidney Stones Diagnosed?

After taking a thorough medical history and description of symptoms, doctors are likely to use lab tests and imaging to diagnose kidney stones. These include: Urinalysis Analysis of any stone that has been passed in the urine Blood tests to check kidney functions and detect infections Abdominal X-ray CT and ultrasound

Q: What are The Treatment Options for Kidney Stones?

Treatment of kidney stones depends upon their size and location. Small kidney stones may not need treatment. But they can cause pain till they pass out in the urine. They can be managed with: Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) Intake of plenty of fluids, ideally water to produce clear urine Alpha-blockers to help stones pass and medicines for nausea or vomiting Large kidney stones may need surgical procedures like: Shockwave lithotripsy Ureteroscopy Percutaneous nephrolithotomy

Q: How to Prevent Kidney Stones

To reduce the risk of developing kidney stones, it is advisable to: Drink enough water, especially when there is a history of cystine stones Consume a low-salt diet and limit animal protein like beef, organ meat and fish Maintain body weight within a reasonable range Take prescription medications like potassium citrate or allopurinol that help prevent stone formation For those who tend to develop calcium oxalate stones, a calcium-rich diet is advised. They could include cow’s milk, yoghurt, cheese and broccoli. Foods like chocolate, beets, rhubarb, spinach, strawberries, tea, beans and nuts that are rich in oxalates should be avoided.

Q: When Should I See a Doctor if I Suspect I Have Kidney Stones?

Immediate medical attention is necessary if the following symptoms of kidney stones appear: Severe pain Fever, nausea, and vomiting along with pain Blood in urine Difficulty in urinating

By Dr. Jatin Kothari in Nanavati Max Institute of Renal Sciences & Transplant

Dec 20 , 2023 | 4 min read

Kidney stones, also known as renal calculi or nephrolithiasis, are hard mineral and salt deposits that form inside the kidneys. These stones affect approximately 1 in 10 people worldwide, with higher prevalence in India due to dietary and climatic factors. They can remain asymptomatic for long periods, but movement into the urinary tract often causes severe pain and other symptoms. Early recognition of kidney stone symptoms is crucial to prevent complications like infection or kidney damage.

Kidney stone symptoms vary by stone size (typically 2-10 mm for symptomatic cases), type, location, and degree of obstruction. Some people experience mild discomfort, while others suffer intense, wave-like pain. Prompt medical evaluation helps differentiate stones from other conditions like appendicitis or urinary infections.

What Are Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones are solid crystal-like masses formed when minerals and salts in urine (such as calcium, oxalate, uric acid) become concentrated and crystallize. These stones can remain in the kidneys or travel through the ureters, bladder, and urethra. Small stones (<5 mm) pass spontaneously in 80-90% of cases, but larger ones often require intervention.

Kidney Stone Symptoms: 10 Common Signs to Watch For

The following are the most common and clinically significant kidney stone symptoms:

Sharp Pain in the Back, Side, or Lower Abdomen
This is the hallmark symptom, starting suddenly in the flank (below ribs) and radiating to the abdomen or groin. The pain, known as renal colic, is colicky (wave-like) due to ureteral spasm.
Intensity of Pain (Renal Colic)
Often described as one of the worst pains experienced, fluctuating with stone movement. Patients feel restless and pace due to inability to find relief.
Pain Triggered by Stone Movement
Pain intensifies as the stone shifts, causing ureteral obstruction and kidney pressure buildup.
Painful Urination (Dysuria)
Burning or sharp pain occurs as the stone nears the bladder, often mimicking UTI.
Cloudy or Foul-Smelling Urine
Indicates possible infection or pus; foul odor suggests bacteria.
Blood in Urine (Hematuria)
Visible (gross) or microscopic blood from tract irritation; urine appears pink/red/brown. Seen in 85-90% of cases.
Nausea and Vomiting
Due to shared visceral nerve pathways (T10-L1) between kidneys and gut.
Fever and Chills
Signals infection (e.g., pyelonephritis), a medical emergency requiring antibiotics and possible drainage.
Difficulty Passing Urine
Urgency with low volume output from partial obstruction.
Frequent Urination
Irritative symptoms worsen as stone approaches bladder.

When to See a Doctor for Kidney Stone Symptoms

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

Severe unrelenting pain
Pain with fever >38°C (100.4°F) or chills
Persistent vomiting (>4-6 hours)
Gross hematuria
Inability to pass urine
Symptoms during pregnancy

These indicate potential obstruction, infection, or sepsis.

How Are Kidney Stones Diagnosed?

Standard diagnosis combines history, exam, and tests:

Ultrasound: Safe first-line, detects hydronephrosis
Non-contrast CT (NCCT): Gold standard, 95-100% sensitivity for stones
Urinalysis: Checks for hematuria, crystals, infection
Blood tests: Serum creatinine, electrolytes, uric acid
Stone analysis: Post-passage/removal to guide prevention

Read More about Types of Kidney Diseases and Causes

Types of Kidney Stones

Composition guides prevention:

Calcium Oxalate (70-80%): Most common
Uric Acid (5-10%): From acidic urine, high-purine diet
Struvite (10-15%): Infection-related (urease-producing bacteria)
Cystine (<1%): Genetic

Causes and Risk Factors of Kidney Stones

Key causes: Supersaturation of urine with stone-forming salts.
Risk factors:

Dehydration (<2L/day urine output)
High-sodium/oxalate/animal protein diet
Obesity (BMI >30)
Family history (2-3x risk)
Metabolic conditions (hyperparathyroidism, gout)
Recurrence risk: 50% within 5-10 years without prevention.

Treatment Options for Kidney Stones

Tailored to stone size/location:

<5 mm: Expectant management + hydration, alpha-blockers (tamsulosin)
5-10 mm: ESWL or ureteroscopy
>20 mm: PCNL
Infected/obstructing: Urgent drainage (stent/nephrostomy) + antibiotics

Prevention and Lifestyle Tips to Avoid Kidney Stones

Drink 2.5-3L water daily (aim for clear urine)
Limit salt (<5g/day), animal protein
Maintain normal calcium intake (1000-1200 mg/day); low-calcium diets increase risk
Reduce oxalate (spinach, nuts) if high-oxalate stone
Weight management
Citrate-rich fluids (lemonade) for calcium stones

Know More about the Kidney Stone Prevention Diet: Foods to Eat and Avoid

Complications of Untreated Kidney Stones

Untreated stones risk:

Recurrent UTIs
Hydronephrosis → acute kidney injury
Sepsis (mortality 10-20% if delayed)
Chronic kidney disease (5-10% long-term)

Read More about the Difference between Kidney Pain and Back Pain

Conclusion

Kidney stone symptoms range from subtle to severe; early intervention prevents 80-90% of complications. Consult a urologist or nephrologist promptly for flank pain with urinary changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How are Kidney Stones Diagnosed?

After taking a thorough medical history and description of symptoms, doctors are likely to use lab tests and imaging to diagnose kidney stones.

These include:

Urinalysis
Analysis of any stone that has been passed in the urine
Blood tests to check kidney functions and detect infections
Abdominal X-ray
CT and ultrasound

2. What are The Treatment Options for Kidney Stones?

Treatment of kidney stones depends upon their size and location.

Small kidney stones may not need treatment. But they can cause pain till they pass out in the urine. They can be managed with:

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
Intake of plenty of fluids, ideally water to produce clear urine
Alpha-blockers to help stones pass and medicines for nausea or vomiting

Large kidney stones may need surgical procedures like:

Shockwave lithotripsy
Ureteroscopy
Percutaneous nephrolithotomy

3. How to Prevent Kidney Stones

To reduce the risk of developing kidney stones, it is advisable to:

Drink enough water, especially when there is a history of cystine stones
Consume a low-salt diet and limit animal protein like beef, organ meat and fish
Maintain body weight within a reasonable range
Take prescription medications like potassium citrate or allopurinol that help prevent stone formation

For those who tend to develop calcium oxalate stones, a calcium-rich diet is advised. They could include cow’s milk, yoghurt, cheese and broccoli. Foods like chocolate, beets, rhubarb, spinach, strawberries, tea, beans and nuts that are rich in oxalates should be avoided.

4. When Should I See a Doctor if I Suspect I Have Kidney Stones?

Immediate medical attention is necessary if the following symptoms of kidney stones appear:

Severe pain
Fever, nausea, and vomiting along with pain
Blood in urine
Difficulty in urinating

Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized guidance. Seek emergency care for severe symptoms.