Kidney and ureteral stones
A pain in the side that comes and goes and sometimes spreads to the groin. Most stones pass with water and medicine, and some need breaking up or removing.
How does a stone form?
When certain substances build up in the urine, they can slowly stick together and form a stone in the kidney. A small stone may cause no symptoms and pass in the urine without you noticing. Trouble usually starts when a larger stone makes it hard for urine to pass down the ureter.
Symptoms
Stone pain usually:
- Starts in the side or lower back
- May spread to the groin, a testicle or the area around the vagina
- Comes and goes, sometimes very severe and sometimes less so
It may come with nausea and vomiting, frequent urination, cloudy urine, fever and shivering.
How is it diagnosed?
The doctor usually suspects a stone from your symptoms and asks about your conditions, medicines, diet and family history. Urine and blood tests may be needed. With severe pain, adults usually have a CT scan. Ultrasound is used for children and pregnant women.
What are the options?
Most stones are treated at home with medicine. They can take a few weeks to pass and can be painful. The doctor advises drinking enough water and may give painkillers, anti-sickness medicine or medicine to help the stone pass.
Larger stones may need a procedure in hospital:
- Shock wave treatment from outside the body: shock waves break the stone so it passes more easily. It does not need an anaesthetic.
- Removing or breaking the stone with a thin tube: the tube goes in through the urethra or a small cut in the back. This is done under general anaesthetic.
Which method suits you depends on the size, position and type of the stone.
Preventing stones from coming back
- Drink 2.5 to 3 litres of water a day, unless your doctor has told you otherwise
- Watch the colour of your urine; dark urine means you are not drinking enough
- Add a little lemon juice to your water
- Avoid too many fizzy and caffeinated drinks
- Eat enough calcium and cut down on salt
- Do not change your diet without talking to a doctor
When not to wait
If you have severe pain, or pain in the side with fever and shivering, see a doctor or go to the emergency department soon. A stone with infection should not be endured at home.
Frequently asked questions
If I pass a stone, should I keep it?
You may be asked to collect the stone so it can be examined. You will be told how.
Will the stone come back?
It can. Being inactive, repeated infections, a family history and having had stones before all make it more likely. Drinking enough and a suitable diet help.
Should I eat less calcium?
Not on your own. You need enough calcium in your diet. Do not change your diet without talking to a doctor.
To begin: a clear conversation.
Go to the booking page or talk to the support team. Have your test results, scans and list of medicines ready.