What Are Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones form when minerals and salts in urine — most commonly calcium and oxalate — crystallize and stick together. They range from as small as a grain of sand to as large as a golf ball. Pain typically starts when a stone moves out of the kidney and into the ureter, the narrow tube connecting the kidney to the bladder.
What Are the Symptoms?
- Sudden, severe pain in the back or side, below the ribs
- Pain that comes in waves and may radiate to the lower abdomen or groin
- Pink, red, or brown urine
- Nausea and vomiting
- A frequent urge to urinate, or pain during urination
- Fever and chills, if an infection is present
What Causes Kidney Stones?
- Not drinking enough fluids
- A diet high in sodium, animal protein, or oxalate-rich foods
- Obesity
- Family or personal history of kidney stones
- Certain medical conditions, such as gout or hyperparathyroidism
How Are Kidney Stones Diagnosed?
A CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis is the most reliable way to locate a stone and determine its size, and ultrasound is sometimes used as a first step, especially to limit radiation exposure. Urine and blood tests help identify what the stone is made of and whether an infection is present.
How Are Kidney Stones Treated?
- Small stones: increased fluids, pain management, and sometimes medication to help the stone pass naturally
- Larger stones: shock wave lithotripsy (breaking the stone into smaller pieces from outside the body)
- Ureteroscopy: a thin scope removes or breaks up the stone directly
- Percutaneous surgery: used for very large stones, through a small incision in the back
Everything in One Place
A stone that's causing severe pain or blocking urine flow needs imaging, lab work, and — if necessary — a same-day procedure. Hospital CMQ coordinates emergency evaluation, urology, and imaging under one roof so treatment isn't delayed.
When Should I Go to the Emergency Room?
Seek urgent care if pain is unbearable, if you have a fever with pain (a possible sign of infection behind a blocked kidney), or if you can't keep fluids down.
Sudden back or side pain? Our urology team can evaluate and treat kidney stones the same day.
Prevention
- Drink enough water to keep urine pale yellow throughout the day
- Reduce sodium and limit foods very high in oxalate if you're prone to stones
- Ask your doctor whether a 24-hour urine test could help identify your specific risk factors
References
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIH) — Kidney stones
- Mayo Clinic — Kidney stones overview
- American Urological Association — Kidney stone guidelines
