This post was written by Iqra Samreen, MD, internal medicine resident.
Kidney stones are small, hard deposits of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. They are a common problem and can cause significant pain. Fortunately, they are treatable, and you can often prevent them with simple lifestyle changes.
Why we get kidney stones
Normally, your urine contains dissolved minerals and salts. These usually do not cause problems and are flushed out when you pee. But if your urine gets too concentrated (because you are not drinking enough water or have too many waste products from protein and potassium), these substances can stick together and form a kidney stone.
Kidney stones come in all sizes, from tiny specks to golf-ball-sized. Some small stones pass unnoticed, but larger ones can get stuck and cause intense pain. The most common type is made of calcium. Other types include uric acid stones (often seen in gout), struvite stones (often caused by infections, and cystine stones (a rare inherited condition).
Many things can make you more likely to get kidney stones, including:
- Not drinking enough water: This is a major cause. Aim for 8-10 glasses of water daily, more if it is hot or you sweat a lot. Light yellow pee is a good sign; dark pee means you need more water.
- Diet: Too much salt, sugar and meat can increase your risk, so consider cutting back on salt and moderate meat. If you get calcium oxalate stones, enjoy foods like spinach, rhubarb, almonds and chocolate in moderation. Eat more citrus fruits. Get enough calcium from food (not supplements if possible).
- Being overweight: This can affect the chemical balance of your urine.
- Family history: If others in your family have had stones, you are more likely to get them.
- Medical problems: Some health issues, like gout, hyperparathyroidism and repeat urinary tract infections, can increase the risk.
- Medicines: Some medications, like certain diuretics, laxatives (if overused), antacids, and migraine medicines, can also increase your risk.
If you have had a kidney stone before, you are at higher risk of getting another.
Symptoms
Kidney stones can cause various symptoms, in varying degrees of severity. These include:
- Severe pain: This is the most common symptom. It is a sharp, cramping pain in your back, side or lower belly, often spreading to your groin. It can be very intense and come in waves.
- Pain when peeing: It might burn or hurt when you pee.
- Blood in your pee: Stones can irritate your urinary tract, causing blood in your pee. It might look pink, red, or brown.
- Nausea and vomiting: The pain can make you feel sick to your stomach.
- Frequent urination: You might need to pee constantly, especially if the stone is near your bladder.
- Fever and chills: These can indicate a urinary tract infection, which can be a complication. See a doctor immediately if you have these.
Treatment
If you think you have kidney stones, see a doctor right away. They will do a urine test, blood test and imaging (usually a CT scan) to diagnose it.
Treatment depends on the stone's size, type and location:
- Pain relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers can help. Sometimes stronger pain medicine is needed.
- Drink lots of water: This helps flush out small stones.
- Medicine: Some medicines can relax the tubes carrying urine, making it easier for the stone to pass.
- Medical procedures:
- Shock wave lithotripsy (SWL): Uses sound waves to break the stone into tiny pieces.
- Ureteroscopy: A thin scope is inserted to grab or break up the stone.
- Surgery: Rarely needed for large or complex stones.
After you pass a stone, your doctor may test it to see what it is made of. This helps them prevent future stones.
Kidney stones can be painful but manageable. Staying hydrated and eating a healthy diet are your best defenses. If you have severe pain, cannot pee, see blood in your pee, or have a fever or chills, get medical help immediately.
