Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTypesSymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatmentPreventionCoping
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Types
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Prevention
Coping
Kidney stones, also known asrenal calculi, are hardened deposits of minerals that form in the kidneys and can cause pain as they pass through the urinary tract. Kidney stones do not usually cause permanent damage if recognized early and treated appropriately.
Depending on the size of the stone, treatment may involve drinking a lot of water and letting the stone pass naturally or taking active measures to break up and remove the stone.Doctors refer to kidney stone disease as eithernephrolithiasisorurolithiasis.
Javier Fernandez Sanchez / Getty Images
Kidney Stone Types
Role of Urinary pH
Calcium oxalate stones can form in slightly acidic, neutral, or even slightly alkaline urine.
Phleboliths: Understanding Calcification in Veins and Pelvis
Gastrointestinal Symptoms to Never Ignore
Symptoms of Kidney Stones
Some kidney stones are as small as a grain of sand. Others can be as large as a pebble or even bigger. As a general rule, the larger the stone, the more noticeable the symptoms.
A kidney stone will not cause any symptoms until itbegins to pass through the urinary tract. Pain is the central feature, which occurs as the stone moves through thekidneyitself or through any part of the urinary tract, including theureters,bladder, andurethra.
If the stone gets stuck in a ureter (the tube leading from the kidney to the bladder), it can block the flow of urine, causing the kidney to swell and the ureter to spasm. When this happens,symptoms typically include:
Fever and chills, as well as cloudy, foul-smelling urine, may occur if there is an infection.
Appendicitis vs. Kidney Stones: Symptoms of Pain
Complications
If treated appropriately and in a timely manner, most kidney stones will not cause any lasting injury. With that said, if a stone is large and not treated appropriately, a kidney stone can cause potentially severe complications, such as:
Causes of Kidney Pain You Should Know
Kidney stones are a common condition affecting one of every 11 people in the United States, most often those who are 30 years and over.
Dehydrationis a major contributing factor to all types of kidney stones. Inadequate fluids increase the concentration of compounds in the urine, some of which can crystallize and form into hardened masses.
Diet can also play a part, including the high intake of animal proteins,sodium, and sugars. Some types are linked to underlying metabolic disorders (disruption of the processes your body uses to get energy from food) that directly or indirectly affect the kidneys.
Calcium Oxalate Stones
Risk factors for calcium oxalate stones include:
Calcium Phosphate Stones
Risk factors for calcium phosphate stones include:
Cystine Stones
Risk factors for cystine stones include:
Struvite Stones
Risk factors for struvite stones include:
Uric Acid Stones
Risk factors for uric acid stones include:
How to Lower Uric Acid With or Without Medication
Key to the diagnosis of kidney stones is the early recognition of symptoms. This can sometimes be difficult because the symptoms are easily confused for other conditions likediverticulitis(inflammation of outpouchings of the colon) or akidney infection, particularly in the early stages.
Other tests may be ordered based on the initial findings:
Stone AnalysisAny passed stones will be sent to the lab for analysis. By determining the composition and cause of the stone, your doctor will be better able to prescribe preventive therapies and avoid repeat episodes.
Stone Analysis
Any passed stones will be sent to the lab for analysis. By determining the composition and cause of the stone, your doctor will be better able to prescribe preventive therapies and avoid repeat episodes.
When It’s Time to See a Kidney Doctor
Smaller Stones
Doctors will often recommend time and patience with smaller stones, allowing them to pass on their own without the need for more invasive treatments. This often includes:
Several homeremediescan help prevent kidney stone formation. These include drinking dilutedlemon juiceorapple cider vinegar, which contain citrate, an inhibitor of stone formation.
Larger Stones
More aggressive treatments may be needed for larger kidney stones. This is especially true if they are causing bleeding, pose a risk of kidney damage, or are associated with a severe infection.
Based on the size, symptoms, and cause, your doctor may recommend:
When Is Surgery Needed for a Kidney Stone?
There is no minimizing the fact that kidney stones can be extremely painful and that minutes can seem like hours when you are trying to pass one. However, there are a number of things you can do to better cope until the stone finally passes:
When to Seek Medical Care
Summary
A kidney stone is a hardened deposit of minerals that forms in the kidneys and causes pain as it passes through the urinary tract. There are several types of kidney stones, the causes of which include dehydration, medications, metabolic conditions, genetic disorders, digestive diseases, and diets rich in sodium, sugar, and animal proteins.
Kidney stones typically cause pain in the side and back, which can be excruciating and come in waves. Depending on the size of the stone, it may be treated conservatively (with pain killers, alpha-blockers, and plenty of water) or more aggressively (with surgery or shock wave therapy).
A Word From Verywell
If you don’t have any of the typical risk factors for kidney stones or have recurrent episodes, it is important to see anephrologist(a specialist in kidney diseases) for a comprehensive evaluation. You may find that you have an undiagnosed condition like cystinuria or hyperparathyroidism that can either be managed or treated.
If you need help building the appropriate diet to manage or prevent kidney stones, ask your doctor for a referral to aregistered dietitianwith expertise in kidney health.
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Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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