Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are hard masses of mineral deposits formed in the kidney(s). They can be as small as a tiny pebble or an inch or more across. They are more common in men.

Signs & Symptoms

Lactose Intolerance

Some kidney stones cause no symptoms. Small ones can be passed, without pain, when you urinate. When symptoms occur, they include:

• Crampy pain that comes and goes. The pain starts in the lower back, travels down the side of the abdomen, and into the groin area. The pain can be severe.

• Bloody, cloudy, or dark-colored urine.

• You may need to pass urine often. You may pass only small amounts of urine. You may only be able to pass urine in certain positions.

• Nausea and vomiting. Fever and chills (if an infection is also present).

Peptic Ulcer

Heartburn & Indigestion

Vomiting & Nausea

How Aging Effects Digestion

SEE ALL ABDOMINAL & URINARY ARTICLES

Kidney Stones

Causes

• Too much calcium in the urine or in the blood.

• High levels of uric acid in the blood.

• A diet high in oxalic acid. This is in spinach, leafy vegetables, rhubarb, and coffee.

• Repeated urinary tract infections.

• Mild dehydration that persists.

• Family history of kidney stones.

• Living in certain parts of the U.S. Areas of the southeast have the highest rates.

In some cases, the cause is not known.

Treatment

If the stone is small and can be passed in the urine, treatment may be just drinking plenty of fluids. For stones too large to be passed, lithotripsy using ultrasound is a common treatment. With this, shock waves are directed to the stone location and break the stone into fragments. Drinking fluids helps flush the fragments from the person’s system.

Questions to Ask

Question 1

Do you have any of these problems?

• Severe pain in your back or side that does not go away.

• Chills and fever.

Get medical care without delay. If symptoms are life threatening go to the ER or call 9-1-1. Don’t call 9-1-1 or use the ER if symptoms do not threaten life. Ask your doctor ahead of time where you should go for a problem that needs prompt care, but not emergency care.

Question 2

Do you have any signs and symptoms of kidney stones listed on this page?

You should be seen by your doctor for medical advice. Contact your doctor or health care provider to find out how soon you should be seen.

Use Self-Care / Prevention:

You can probably take care of the problem yourself if you answered NO to all the questions. Use the “Self-Care” measures that are listed. Call your doctor if you don’t feel better soon, though. You may have some other problem.

Self-Care / Prevention

• Drink lots of fluids. Drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water a day.

• Eat a well-balanced diet. Vary food choices.

• Save any stone you pass in your urine. Take it to your doctor. Its contents can be analyzed. Follow your doctor’s advice to prevent and treat kidney stones.

This website is not meant to substitute for expert medical advice or treatment. Follow your doctor’s or health care provider’s advice if it differs from what is given in this guide.

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