Kidney Stone Causes Symptoms and Treatment: Complete Guide to Diagnosis and Kidney Care

Learn kidney stone causes, symptoms and treatment options, including medicines, ESWL, laser procedures, prevention, diagnosis, and expert kidney care.

November 15, 2026

Kidney stones are hard deposits that develop when certain substances in urine become concentrated and form crystals. They can remain inside the kidney without causing symptoms or move into the ureter and cause significant pain.

Understanding kidney stone causes symptoms and treatment is important because the right management depends on the stone's size, location, composition, symptoms, urinary drainage, and the patient's kidney function.

Some small stones can pass naturally, while larger or obstructing stones may require active treatment. Kidney stones associated with infection or significant urinary obstruction require particularly prompt medical attention.

At Prabhakar Bhurke Clinic, Dr. Sandip Prabhakar Bhurke, a super specialist nephrologist, provides comprehensive kidney evaluation, recurrent stone assessment, metabolic evaluation, prevention guidance, and long-term kidney care. When a stone requires a procedure, appropriate urology specialists can be involved.

What Are Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones are solid crystalline deposits that form within the urinary system.

They can develop in:

Kidneys
Ureters
Bladder
Other parts of the urinary tract

Common types include:

Calcium oxalate stones
Calcium phosphate stones
Uric acid stones
Struvite or infection-related stones
Cystine stones

Knowing the type of stone can be useful when planning prevention and, in selected cases, treatment.

What Causes Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones develop when urine contains more stone-forming substances than can remain dissolved.

Several factors can increase the risk.

Not Drinking Enough Fluids

Low urine volume makes urine more concentrated and can increase the likelihood of crystal formation.

Dehydration may occur because of:

Inadequate water intake
Hot weather
Heavy sweating
Vomiting or diarrhea
Certain occupations or activities

High Urinary Calcium

Some people excrete higher amounts of calcium in their urine, increasing the risk of calcium-based stones.

High Oxalate Levels

Oxalate occurs naturally in many foods and can combine with calcium in the urine to form calcium oxalate stones.

High Uric Acid

Elevated urinary uric acid can contribute to uric acid stones and may also be associated with some calcium stones.

Low Urinary Citrate

Citrate can help inhibit certain types of stone formation. Low urinary citrate may therefore increase stone risk.

High Salt Intake

A high-sodium diet can increase urinary calcium excretion and may contribute to calcium stone formation.

Family History

Some individuals have an inherited tendency to develop kidney stones.

Previous Kidney Stones

A person who has already formed a kidney stone may have a higher risk of developing another stone.

Certain Medical Conditions

Kidney stone risk can increase with conditions such as:

Hyperparathyroidism
Obesity
Gout
Certain bowel disorders
Some metabolic disorders
Certain inherited conditions

Certain Medications and Supplements

Some medicines and supplements can increase the risk of specific types of kidney stones.

Patients should discuss regular medicines and supplements with their doctor if stones recur.

Kidney Stone Symptoms

Kidney stones do not always cause symptoms.

Symptoms often develop when a stone moves or obstructs urine flow.

Common symptoms include:

Severe Flank Pain

Pain may occur in the side or back below the ribs.

It can be severe and may come in waves.

Pain Radiating Toward the Groin

As a stone moves through the ureter, pain may travel from the flank toward the lower abdomen or groin.

Blood in the Urine

Kidney stones can cause visible or microscopic blood in the urine.

Painful Urination

A stone near the lower urinary tract may cause burning or discomfort while urinating.

Frequent Urination

Patients may experience increased urinary frequency or urgency.

Nausea and Vomiting

Severe stone pain can trigger nausea and vomiting.

Difficulty Passing Urine

A stone causing urinary obstruction can interfere with normal urine flow.

Restlessness

People experiencing severe stone pain may have difficulty finding a comfortable position.

Can Kidney Stones Cause Fever?

A kidney stone itself does not necessarily cause fever.

Fever and chills in a patient with a suspected obstructing stone may indicate a urinary infection behind the obstruction.

This situation can become a medical emergency.

Seek urgent medical attention if kidney stone symptoms occur with:

Fever
Chills
Severe weakness
Persistent vomiting
Difficulty passing urine
Very low urine output
Confusion

An infected obstructed urinary tract may require urgent drainage and antibiotic treatment.

How Are Kidney Stones Diagnosed?

The diagnosis depends on symptoms, physical examination, urine tests, blood tests, and imaging.

Medical History

Your doctor may ask about:

Pain location and severity
Urinary symptoms
Previous stones
Family history
Diet
Fluid intake
Current medications
Medical conditions

Urine Tests

Urinalysis may detect:

Blood
Infection
Protein
Crystals
Other abnormalities

A urine culture may be recommended when infection is suspected.

Blood Tests

Depending on the clinical situation, testing may include:

Serum creatinine
eGFR
Electrolytes
Calcium
Uric acid
Complete blood count

These tests help assess kidney function and identify associated abnormalities.

Imaging

Imaging may include:

Kidney ultrasound
Non-contrast CT scan
X-ray in selected cases

Imaging helps determine the stone's:

Size
Location
Number
Degree of obstruction
Effect on the urinary system

Can a Kidney Stone Pass Naturally?

Yes, some small stones can pass naturally.

The likelihood depends on:

Stone size
Stone location
Ureter anatomy
Degree of obstruction
Symptoms
Kidney function
Presence or absence of infection

A small stone that is not causing dangerous obstruction may be managed with observation and appropriate medical treatment.

Larger stones are less likely to pass naturally and may require active removal.

Kidney Stone Treatment Options

Treatment is individualized.

Observation and Medical Management

Small stones that are likely to pass may be managed with:

Pain control
Appropriate fluid intake
Medical expulsive therapy in selected patients
Follow-up imaging

Not every stone requires immediate removal.

Medicines

Depending on the patient's symptoms and stone characteristics, medicines may be used for:

Pain relief
Nausea
Selected ureter stones to facilitate passage

The choice of medication should consider kidney function and other medical conditions.

ESWL for Kidney Stones

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) uses focused shock waves generated outside the body to fragment selected kidney or ureter stones.

The resulting fragments can then pass through the urinary tract.

ESWL may be appropriate for certain stones based on:

Size
Location
Density
Kidney anatomy
Urinary drainage

It does not work equally well for every stone, and some patients may require repeat treatment or another procedure.

ESWL is generally performed by a urologist.

Ureteroscopy and Laser Lithotripsy

During ureteroscopy, a urologist passes a small instrument through the urinary tract to reach the stone.

A laser can then fragment the stone into smaller pieces, and selected fragments can be removed.

This treatment may be useful for many kidney and ureter stones.

A temporary ureteral stent may sometimes be placed before or after the procedure.

RIRS

Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery (RIRS) uses a flexible ureteroscope to reach stones inside the kidney.

Laser energy can fragment the stone, and appropriate fragments may be removed.

RIRS may be considered for selected kidney stones, particularly when other treatment options are less suitable.

PCNL for Large Kidney Stones

Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is commonly used for larger or complex kidney stones.

It involves creating a small access tract through the skin into the kidney so that the stone can be fragmented and removed.

PCNL is a minimally invasive surgical procedure and is generally performed by a urologist.

Can Medicines Dissolve Kidney Stones?

Most common calcium-based kidney stones cannot simply be dissolved with medicine.

However, selected uric acid stones may sometimes be dissolved by increasing urine pH with prescribed treatment under medical supervision.

Stone composition therefore matters when considering medication-based treatment.

Unverified stone-melting medicines and herbal products should not be used without medical advice.

Kidney Stone Treatment During Pregnancy

Kidney stone treatment requires special consideration during pregnancy.

Ultrasound is commonly used as an initial imaging method when a pregnant patient is suspected to have a stone.

Management depends on:

Symptoms
Stone location
Urinary obstruction
Infection
Gestational age
Maternal condition
Fetal considerations

ESWL is generally avoided during pregnancy.

A pregnant patient with severe pain, fever, chills, persistent vomiting, or suspected obstruction should receive prompt medical evaluation.

What Happens After Kidney Stone Removal?

After active stone treatment, follow-up may include imaging to check whether fragments remain.

Patients may also be advised to undergo:

Stone analysis
Blood tests
Urine metabolic evaluation
Dietary assessment

This is particularly important for people with recurrent stones.

How to Prevent Kidney Stones

Stone removal does not guarantee that another stone will not develop.

Prevention depends on the type and cause of the stone.

Maintain Appropriate Fluid Intake

Adequate fluid intake helps maintain urine volume.

The exact amount should be individualized, particularly in people with kidney failure, heart disease, or fluid restrictions.

Reduce Excess Salt

A lower-sodium diet may reduce urinary calcium excretion and help lower the risk of certain calcium stones.

Maintain a Balanced Diet

Avoid extreme diets unless medically recommended.

Your dietary plan may need to account for:

Calcium
Oxalate
Sodium
Animal protein
Uric acid
Citrate

Do Not Automatically Restrict Dietary Calcium

For many calcium stone formers, normal dietary calcium intake is important. Excessive restriction can sometimes increase oxalate absorption.

Dietary recommendations should be individualized.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Obesity and metabolic conditions can increase the risk of certain types of kidney stones.

Evaluate Recurrent Stones

People with recurrent stones may benefit from metabolic testing to identify preventable risk factors.

Who Is at Higher Risk of Kidney Stones?

The risk may be higher in people with:

Previous kidney stones
Family history of stones
Low fluid intake
High-salt diets
Obesity
Gout
Hyperparathyroidism
Certain bowel diseases
Certain inherited disorders
Recurrent urinary infections

People with repeated stones should discuss preventive evaluation with a kidney specialist.

Role of a Nephrologist in Kidney Stone Care

A nephrologist focuses on kidney function, metabolic abnormalities, and prevention of recurrent stones.

Dr. Sandip Prabhakar Bhurke, super specialist nephrologist at Prabhakar Bhurke Clinic, can evaluate:

Kidney function
Recurrent stone formation
Urinary calcium
Urinary oxalate
Uric acid
Citrate
Fluid balance
Associated CKD
Metabolic risk factors

When a stone requires a procedure such as ESWL, ureteroscopy, RIRS, or PCNL, a urologist generally performs the procedure.

Coordinated nephrology and urology care can help manage both the current stone and long-term recurrence risk.

When Should You See a Kidney Specialist?

Consult a nephrologist if you have:

Recurrent kidney stones
High creatinine
Reduced eGFR
Protein in the urine
Multiple stones
Abnormal metabolic tests
Kidney disease associated with stones
Recurrent urinary infections
High blood pressure with kidney problems

Early evaluation can help identify factors contributing to stone formation and protect kidney function.

Why Choose Prabhakar Bhurke Clinic?

At Prabhakar Bhurke Clinic, patients receive individualized evaluation and long-term kidney stone care.

Patients benefit from:

Consultation with Dr. Sandip Prabhakar Bhurke, super specialist nephrologist
Comprehensive kidney-function assessment
Kidney stone evaluation
Recurrent stone and metabolic evaluation
Personalized prevention strategies
Chronic kidney disease management
Guidance regarding appropriate stone treatment options
Dialysis care when medically required
Kidney transplant evaluation and guidance
Coordination with experienced urology specialists for stone procedures
Long-term kidney health monitoring

The focus is on understanding the cause of stone formation, treating the current problem appropriately, and reducing the risk of recurrence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main causes of kidney stones?

Common contributing factors include low urine volume, high urinary calcium, high oxalate, high uric acid, low citrate, high salt intake, family history, certain medical conditions, and some medications.

What are the most common kidney stone symptoms?

Severe flank or back pain, pain radiating toward the groin, blood in the urine, nausea, vomiting, painful urination, urinary frequency, and difficulty passing urine are common symptoms.

Can kidney stones go away on their own?

Some small stones can pass naturally. The likelihood depends on the stone's size, location, obstruction, symptoms, and the patient's overall condition.

What is the best treatment for kidney stones?

There is no single best treatment for every stone. Observation, medicines, ESWL, ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy, RIRS, and PCNL may all have a role depending on the stone and patient.

Is ESWL a non-invasive treatment?

Yes. ESWL fragments selected stones using focused shock waves from outside the body without an external surgical incision.

Can kidney stones damage the kidneys?

A stone causing prolonged obstruction or recurrent infection can impair kidney function. Prompt treatment is particularly important when obstruction and infection occur together.

Should I drink a lot of water when I have a kidney stone?

Appropriate fluid intake may help selected small stones pass, but forcing excessive water is not appropriate for every patient. Significant obstruction or advanced kidney disease may require individualized fluid advice.

Can kidney stones be dissolved with medicine?

Most calcium stones cannot be dissolved with medication. Selected uric acid stones may sometimes be dissolved through prescribed urine-alkalinizing treatment under specialist supervision.

Who performs kidney stone removal procedures?

A urologist generally performs procedures such as ESWL, ureteroscopy, laser lithotripsy, RIRS, and PCNL. A nephrologist manages kidney function, metabolic evaluation, prevention, and associated kidney disease.

When is a kidney stone an emergency?

Seek urgent medical attention when stone symptoms occur with fever or chills, severe or worsening pain, persistent vomiting, difficulty passing urine, very low urine output, confusion, or severe weakness. Infection combined with urinary obstruction requires urgent treatment.

Conclusion

Understanding kidney stone causes symptoms and treatment helps patients recognize warning signs and seek appropriate care. Kidney stones can develop because of concentrated urine, metabolic abnormalities, dietary factors, inherited conditions, and certain medical disorders. Symptoms commonly include severe flank pain, blood in the urine, nausea, vomiting, and urinary discomfort.

Small stones may sometimes pass naturally, while stones that are larger, persistent, obstructing, or causing significant symptoms may require treatment such as ESWL, ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy, RIRS, or PCNL. Infection combined with urinary obstruction requires urgent medical attention.

At Prabhakar Bhurke Clinic, Dr. Sandip Prabhakar Bhurke, a super specialist nephrologist, provides comprehensive kidney-function assessment, recurrent stone evaluation, metabolic testing, prevention guidance, and long-term kidney care. When procedural stone removal is required, appropriate urology specialists can be involved for coordinated treatment.

Book an Appointment Today

If you are experiencing kidney stone pain, blood in the urine, painful urination, recurrent kidney stones, nausea, vomiting, high creatinine, reduced eGFR, or urinary obstruction, schedule a consultation at Prabhakar Bhurke Clinic. Dr. Sandip Prabhakar Bhurke, super specialist nephrologist, can evaluate your kidney health, identify factors contributing to stone formation, and guide you toward an appropriate treatment and prevention plan.

Medical Disclaimer

This article is intended for general educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Kidney stone treatment depends on individual factors including stone size, location, composition, obstruction, infection, and kidney function. Do not self-medicate or force excessive fluids to treat suspected kidney stones. Seek urgent medical attention for severe pain accompanied by fever or chills, persistent vomiting, difficulty passing urine, very low urine output, confusion, or rapidly worsening symptoms.

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