Kidney Stones: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options Explained

What Is a Kidney Stone?

A kidney stone is a hard deposit of minerals and salts that forms inside the kidney when urine becomes concentrated, allowing crystals to stick together. Most stones are made of calcium oxalate, though uric acid, struvite, and cystine stones also occur. Stone size varies widely — some pass unnoticed, while others grow large enough to block the flow of urine.

Common Symptoms to Watch For

• Sudden, sharp pain in the flank or back that may radiate toward the groin
• Pain that comes in waves as the stone moves through the urinary tract
• Blood in the urine (visible or detected only on testing)
• Nausea and vomiting alongside the pain
• A burning sensation or increased urgency when urinating
• Cloudy or foul-smelling urine

What Causes Kidney Stones?

Low fluid intake is the single biggest risk factor, since concentrated urine gives minerals more opportunity to crystallize. Diets high in salt, animal protein, or oxalate-rich foods, along with obesity, a family history of stones, and certain metabolic conditions, also raise the risk.

When to See a Urologist

Most stone pain warrants a same-week evaluation, but some situations need urgent attention: fever or chills alongside pain (which can signal an infected, obstructed kidney), complete inability to urinate, uncontrollable pain or vomiting, or a blockage affecting a single functioning kidney.

How Kidney Stones Are Diagnosed

Diagnosis typically involves a urine test, blood test, and imaging — usually an ultrasound or a non-contrast CT scan of the kidneys, ureters and bladder (CT KUB), which is the most reliable way to confirm a stone's size and exact location.

Treatment Options

Small stones, generally under 5–6 mm, often pass on their own with increased fluids and pain relief. Larger or obstructing stones typically need active treatment: ESWL (extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy) uses focused shock waves to fragment stones from outside the body; RIRS (retrograde intrarenal surgery) uses a flexible scope and laser passed through the urinary tract to break up stones without any incision; and PCNL (percutaneous nephrolithotomy) is used for larger or complex stones, accessing the kidney through a small port in the back. The right option depends on stone size, location, and composition.

Preventing Future Stones

• Drink enough water to keep urine consistently pale in color
• Moderate salt and animal protein intake
• Limit oxalate-rich foods if you're a recurrent stone former
• Ask about a metabolic evaluation if you've had more than one stone

When to Consult Dr. Raju R

If you're experiencing flank pain, blood in your urine, or have been told you have a kidney stone, timely evaluation helps avoid complications like infection or kidney damage. Dr. Raju R offers the full range of stone treatments — from ESWL to RIRS and PCNL — at Genesiss Multi-Speciality Hospital, Bangalore.