What it is
Not drinking enough water is a common cause. Some diets, medicines and conditions such as gout or hyperparathyroidism increase the risk.
Pain relief and drinking plenty of water help small stones pass. Larger stones can be broken up with shock waves or removed with a telescope or surgery.
Common signs
- Severe pain in the side or back that comes in waves
- Pain spreading to the groin
- Blood in the pee
- Feeling sick or vomiting
- Needing to pee often
How it is usually diagnosed
- Urine tests
- Blood tests
- CT scan or ultrasound
- Stone analysis, if a stone is passed
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- CT and ultrasound reports, with stone sizes
- Stone analysis results
- Blood and urine test results
- Urology letters and procedure notes
Questions to ask your doctor
- How big is the stone and where is it?
- Will it pass on its own?
- What can I change to prevent more stones?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Kidney pain with fever and shivering, or pain so severe that nothing helps: get urgent medical help
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.