Kidney Stones

What are kidney stones?

Kidney stones are hard lumps that can form inside your kidneys. They're made from waste products in your blood that stick together to form crystals. Over time, these crystals can build up into stones.

Your kidneys are two bean-shaped organs about the size of your fist. They sit near your back, on either side of your spine. Their job is to clean waste from your blood and make urine.

Kidney stones are quite common - more than 1 in 10 people get them at some point. They usually affect people between 30 and 60 years old, but can happen at any age.

What do kidney stones feel like?

Small stones often cause no symptoms at all. You might pass them when you pee without even knowing.

Larger stones can cause:

• Pain in the side of your tummy that can be very severe
• Pain that comes and goes in waves
• Feeling sick or being sick
• Blood in your urine (it might look pink, red, or brown)

The pain happens because the stone blocks the tube that carries urine from your kidney to your bladder. This tube is called the ureter.

When should you get help urgently?

You should contact your GP or call NHS 111 straight away if you have:

• Severe pain that won't go away
• A high temperature, or you feel hot, cold or shivery - this could mean you have an infection
• Blood in your urine

These are warning signs that need medical attention right away.

What causes kidney stones?

Kidney stones are more likely to form if you:

• Don't drink enough water - this is the most common cause
• Take certain medicines
• Have a medical condition that increases certain substances in your urine

When you don't drink enough fluids, your urine becomes concentrated. This makes it easier for waste products to stick together and form stones.

How are kidney stones treated?

Most kidney stones are small enough to pass naturally when you pee. Your body will try to push them out on their own. This can take days or weeks.

For small stones, you might only need:

• Pain relief medicine
• Plenty of water to help flush the stone out

Larger stones might need treatment such as:

• Sound waves to break up the stone
• Surgery to remove the stone

Your GP or hospital team will decide what treatment you need based on the size and position of your stone.

How can you prevent kidney stones?

The best way to prevent kidney stones is to drink plenty of water every day. This keeps your urine pale yellow or clear.

If your urine is dark yellow, you're not drinking enough. Aim for your urine to be pale in colour - this shows you're drinking enough fluids.

It's worth knowing that up to half of people who get kidney stones will get them again within 5 years. This is why prevention is so important.

When to speak to your GP

Speak to your GP if you think you might have kidney stones, especially if you have ongoing pain or other symptoms. They can arrange tests if needed and discuss the best treatment options for you.

Remember, kidney stones can lead to serious problems like kidney infections if left untreated, so don't ignore the symptoms.

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Based on NHS.uk guidance. Written by Dr Krishnan Pasupathi, NHS GP.