A complete guide to understanding and managing kidney stones
What are Kidney stones?
Kidney stones are hard, pebble-like substances that form inside your kidneys when minerals like calcium, oxalate, or uric acid concentrate in your urine and crystallise. They can vary in size, from a grain of sand to a golf ball, and may stay in the kidney or travel down the urinary tract, causing intense pain along the way.
Stones are more common than you’d think. It’s estimated that one in ten people will experience a kidney stone in their lifetime. And once you’ve had one, the chances of recurrence increase unless proper steps are taken to prevent it.
Common causes: Why do Kidney stones form?
Kidney stones develop when your urine becomes too concentrated, allowing minerals to crystallise and stick together. Some of the most common risk factors include:
• Inadequate water intake
• High-protein or high-salt diets
• Excessive consumption of oxalate-rich foods (like spinach, chocolate, or nuts)
• Obesity
• Family history of kidney stones
• Certain medical conditions (e.g., hyperparathyroidism, gout, recurrent UTIs)
Knowing your risk factors can help you modify your lifestyle and prevent stones from forming.
Which symptoms to watch out for?
Kidney stones often make their presence known through pain but not always immediately. Some stones remain “silent” and are discovered only through scans. When they do cause symptoms, they can be severe. Common signs include:
• Sharp pain in the lower back or side, often radiating to the lower abdomen or groin
• Blood in the urine (pink, red, or brown discoloration)
• Painful or frequent urination
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fever and chills (in case of infection)
• Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
If you’re experiencing any of these, don’t delay seeing a urologist. Early detection can make treatment much easier.
How are Kidney stones diagnosed?
Diagnosis usually begins with a clinical evaluation followed by imaging tests. These may include:
• Ultrasound of kidneys and bladder
• CT scan (for detailed imaging)
• X-ray (to locate radio-opaque stones)
• Urine and blood tests (to check for infection or underlying issues)
These tests help determine the size, location, and composition of the stone, which guides the choice of treatment.
When do Kidney stones need removal?
Not all stones require surgical removal. In fact, small stones (less than 5mm) often pass on their own with increased fluid intake and medications. However, removal may be necessary if:
• The stone is too large to pass naturally
• It’s causing a blockage in the urinary tract
• There is ongoing bleeding, infection, or unbearable pain
• The stone doesn’t move for several weeks
In such cases, urologists recommend one of the following treatment options based on your specific condition.
Kidney stone removal: Treatment options
1. Medical Expulsion Therapy
• For small stones
• Involves hydration and medications that relax the ureter to ease passage
2. Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL)
• Non-invasive procedure using sound waves to break the stone into smaller pieces
• Effective for moderate-sized stones (typically under 2 cm)
3. Ureteroscopy (URS)
• Minimally invasive
• A thin scope is passed through the urethra to access and remove or break down the stone
• Suitable for stones in the ureter or kidney
4. Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL)
• Preferred for large or complex kidney stones
• Involves a small incision in the back to directly remove the stone
• Done under general anesthesia
5. Laser Lithotripsy
• Often used in conjunction with ureteroscopy
• A laser fiber is used to break the stone into dust-like particles
Each option has its pros and cons, and the best approach depends on your stone’s size, location, and overall health status.
Life after stone removal: Prevention matters
Once the stone is gone, the focus shifts to making sure it doesn’t come back. Here’s what you can do:
• Stay Hydrated: Aim for at least 2.5 to 3 litres of water daily
• Watch Your Diet:
• Reduce sodium and animal protein
• Limit oxalate-rich foods
• Include adequate calcium (from food, not supplements)
• Maintain a Healthy Weight
• Follow-Up Testing: Repeat imaging and metabolic workup may be advised to assess risk of recurrence
Your doctor might also recommend a stone analysis to understand what it was made of, calcium oxalate, uric acid, cystine, or struvite. This can offer tailored dietary and medical advice for prevention.
Common myths about Kidney stones busted
“Only men get kidney stones.”
False. While men are more commonly affected, women are increasingly being diagnosed, especially due to dietary and lifestyle changes.
“Drinking milk causes kidney stones.”
Not entirely true. Calcium from food (like milk) can actually help prevent stones by binding oxalates in the gut.
“Once you’ve had a kidney stone, there’s nothing you can do to stop it from coming back.”
Wrong. With proper changes in diet, hydration, and medical care, recurrence can be significantly reduced.
Final word: Don’t wait for the pain to strike
Kidney stones are treatable, manageable, and most importantly, preventable. If you’ve had them before or are showing early symptoms, don’t wait for the pain to become unbearable.
Consult a qualified urologist, get the right diagnosis, and take proactive steps to protect your kidney health.
Because when it comes to your kidneys, a little awareness today can save you a lot of pain tomorrow.