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Kidney stones
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Condition

Kidney stones

Kidney stones are hard mineral deposits that form in the kidneys and can cause significant pain as they travel through the urinary tract.

Overview

Kidney stones are small, hard deposits made of minerals and other substances found in the urine. They vary in size, shape, and color. As they travel from the kidneys through the ureters to the bladder, they can cause varying degrees of discomfort or pain. Larger stones may block the flow of urine, impair kidney function, or require surgical removal.

Symptoms

Symptoms of kidney stones can include:

  • Pain in the sides, back, groin, or belly
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • A constant need to urinate
  • Pain while urinating
  • Blood in the urine (hematuria)
  • Kidney or urinary tract infections

Causes and Risk Factors

Kidney stones are often caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Common risk factors include:

  • Dehydration: Too little water leads to concentrated urine, allowing minerals to cluster into stones.
  • Diet: Diets high in animal protein or sodium.
  • Medications: Certain diuretics or drugs used to treat seizures.
  • Health Conditions: Obesity, type 2 diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, gout, and hyperparathyroidism.

In some cases, a rare variant in a single gene can cause kidney stones, often as part of a syndrome such as Dent disease, cystinuria, primary hyperoxaluria, or Bartter syndrome.

Inheritance

When caused by a combination of factors, kidney stones do not follow a clear inheritance pattern, though a family history increases risk. When caused by a rare single-gene variant, the inheritance pattern depends on the specific gene involved or the associated genetic syndrome.

Frequently Asked Questions

sudden, severe pain that starts in the flank or side and then moves toward the groin or lower abdomen is classic for a kidney stone. The pain often comes in waves and may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or a strong urge to urinate. If you notice blood in your urine (pink or tea‑colored), or if the pain is so intense that you cannot lie still, these are additional red flags that a stone may be the culprit. If the pain is accompanied by fever, chills, or difficulty urinating, seek medical attention promptly, as these could signal infection or obstruction.
Staying well hydrated is the single most effective prevention; aim for 2–3 liters of fluid per day, especially water, and monitor urine color to keep it pale yellow. Limit foods high in oxalate (spinach, nuts, chocolate) and reduce sodium and animal protein intake. Discuss with your doctor whether a low‑dose thiazide diuretic or potassium citrate supplement might be appropriate, especially if your stones are calcium‑based. Regular follow‑up imaging or urinalysis can help catch any new stones early.
If you experience severe pain that does not improve with over‑the‑counter pain relievers, have a fever or chills, notice blood in the urine, or have difficulty urinating (e.g., painful or incomplete voiding), go to the emergency department. Also seek urgent care if you have a history of kidney failure or urinary tract obstruction, as these situations can worsen quickly.
Small stones (<5 mm) often pass within a few days to a couple of weeks. Drinking plenty of fluids, taking prescribed pain medication, and using a mild muscle relaxant can ease the passage. Some doctors recommend a low‑dose alpha blocker (e.g., tamsulosin) to relax the ureter and facilitate stone movement. If you notice the stone is not moving after about a week or if pain escalates, contact your healthcare provider for imaging or possible intervention.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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