Overview
Kidney stones are hard mineral deposits that form inside the kidneys, usually when urine becomes too concentrated. Small stones may pass unnoticed, but a stone moving into the urinary tube causes some of the most severe pain known — cramping waves from the flank to the groin. Many stones pass on their own with fluids and pain relief; larger ones may need breaking by sound waves or removal by keyhole procedures.
Symptoms
- Severe cramping pain in the side or back, coming in waves
- Pain spreading to the lower abdomen or groin
- Burning or pain while urinating
- Pink, red or brown (bloody) urine
- Nausea and vomiting with the pain
- Frequent urge to urinate in small amounts
When to see a doctor
See a doctor for flank pain with bloody or burning urination. Drink 2.5–3 litres of water daily once confirmed, and get follow-up scans — stones recur in about half of people.
Emergency — call 108 or go to the nearest hospital
- Stone pain with fever and chills (an infected blocked kidney), or inability to pass any urine — go to a hospital immediately
Causes
Low water intake is the biggest factor, along with dietary habits, family history, obesity, recurrent urine infections and certain metabolic conditions.