Symptoms, causes, types and treatment of kidney stones

Kidney stones are hard mineral and salt deposits that form in the kidneys and can cause significant pain and discomfort. Understanding their symptoms, causes, and available treatments can help manage the condition effectively.

Severe pain is one symptom of kidney stones.

What are the symptoms of kidney stones?

Kidney stones may not cause symptoms until they start to move within the kidney or pass into the ureter. Common symptoms include:

Severe pain in the lower back or side, which may spread to the lower abdomen and groin
Pain sensations that come in waves and vary in intensity
Blood in the urine (haematuria)
Frequent urination/urge to urinate
Pain or burning during urination
Nausea and vomiting
Fever and chills (Dependent on whether an infection is present)

What causes kidney stones to form?

Kidney stones develop when certain substances in the urine—such as calcium, oxalate, and uric acid - become concentrated and crystallise. Risk factors include:

Dehydration – Not drinking enough fluids can lead to more concentrated urine, increasing the risk of stone formation.
Diet – High levels of salt, protein, or oxalate-rich foods (such as spinach, nuts, and chocolate) may contribute to stone formation.
Obesity – Excess body weight can alter urine composition, making stone formation more likely.
Certain medical conditions – Conditions such as hyperparathyroidism, gout, and urinary tract infections can increase the risk.
Family history – Individuals with a family history of kidney stones may be more likely to develop them.

What are the different types of kidney stones?

Kidney stones vary in composition, with the most common types including:

Calcium stones – The most frequent type, usually made of calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate.
Struvite stones – Formed in response to infections, particularly urinary tract infections.
Uric acid stones – More common in individuals with high protein diets or conditions like gout.
Cystine stones – Rare and caused by a genetic disorder that leads to excess cystine in the urine.

What are the treatment options for kidney stones?

Treatment depends on the size, location and type of stone, as well as the severity of symptoms.

Small stones (less than 5mm) often pass naturally with increased fluid intake, pain relief and medications to relax the ureter.
Larger stones or those causing severe symptoms may require medical intervention, such as:
- Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) – Uses sound waves to break stones into smaller fragments that can pass more easily.
- Ureteroscopy – A thin scope is passed through the urinary tract to remove or break up stones.
- Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) – A surgical procedure to remove large stones directly from the kidney.
- Medications – Certain drugs can help dissolve uric acid stones or prevent recurrence.

Kidney stones can be painful but are often preventable with proper hydration and dietary changes. For those who experience recurrent stones, medical evaluation can help identify underlying causes and provide long-term management strategies.