The pain from a kidney stone is often described as some of the most severe a person can experience, typically occurring when the stone moves into the ureter (the narrow tube connecting the kidney to the bladder).

Common Symptoms

Kidney stone symptoms often come in “waves” and change as the stone moves:

• Severe Flank Pain: Intense, sharp pain in the side and back, below the ribs.

• Radiating Pain: Pain that spreads to the lower abdomen and groin.

• Urinary Changes: Pain or burning during urination, pink/red/brown urine (blood), or cloudy/foul-smelling urine.

• Urgency: A constant, persistent need to urinate.

• Systemic Signs: Nausea and vomiting; fever and chills (which often indicate an infection).

Types of Kidney Stones

Knowing the type of stone helps determine the best prevention strategy:

1. Calcium Stones (Most common): Usually calcium oxalate. High levels of oxalate are found in some fruits, vegetables, nuts, and chocolate.

2. Uric Acid Stones: Form in people who lose too much fluid, eat a high-protein diet, or have gout.

3. Struvite Stones: Often form in response to a urinary tract infection (UTI) and can grow very quickly.

4. Cystine Stones: Caused by a hereditary disorder that causes the kidneys to excrete too much of a specific amino acid.

Treatment & Passing a Stone

Small stones often pass on their own with “conservative” management:

• Hydration: Drinking 2–3 liters of water a day to help flush the system.

• Pain Relief: OTC medications like ibuprofen or naproxen.

• Medical Therapy: Alpha-blockers (like tamsulosin) can relax the muscles in your ureter to help the stone pass more quickly.

For larger stones, doctors may use:

• Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL): Using sound waves to break the stone into tiny pieces.

• Ureteroscopy: Using a thin scope to find and remove or break up the stone.

• PCNL: A small surgery through the back for very large stones.

Prevention: The “Golden Rules”

If you have had one stone, you have about a 50% chance of developing another within 10 years unless you make changes:

• Drink Water: This is the #1 rule. Your urine should be pale and clear.

• Lower Salt Intake: High sodium causes your kidneys to leak more calcium into your urine.

• Add Citrus: Lemons and limes contain citrate, which helps prevent crystals from sticking together.

• Moderate Protein: Limit animal proteins (red meat, poultry, fish), as they increase uric acid.

• Calcium with Meals: Ironically, eating calcium-rich foods with meals can help prevent stones because the calcium binds to oxalate in your stomach before it ever reaches your kidneys.