That sharp, sudden pain in your back or side isn’t something you can just brush off. It can be very intense. Almost like someone’s twisting a knife inside you.
And then, as if the pain wasn’t enough, you might notice something alarming – blood in your urine, or maybe a burning sensation every time you pee. If any of this sounds familiar, then you might have kidney stones.
I’ve never had them, but a close friend has and they described it as one of the most painful experiences of her life. This was a woman who had had three children. So to me, once it kicks in, you will know something serious is wrong.
To give you the full lowdown, let’s break it down so you can better understand what’s happening, what might be causing it, and what to do about it.
What Are Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys over many months and years. The cause of that build up over time is that when your urine becomes too concentrated, instead of flushing these minerals out, your body ends up creating a stone.
These stones can vary in size, from as small as a grain of sand to as large as a golf ball. Smaller ones might pass through your urinary tract unnoticed for many years, but larger ones won’t.
Once detached, they can cause significant pain in the urinary tract, and significant problems.
Signs You Might Have Kidney Stones
So, how do you know if it’s kidney stones and not something else? Here are the key symptoms to watch out for:
- Severe Pain. The pain often starts suddenly and is usually felt in your back, side, or lower abdomen. It can come in waves, intensifying and subsiding, but it’s never subtle. Some describe it as one of the worst pains they’ve ever experienced.
- Blood in Urine. If your urine has a pink, red, or brownish tint, then it’s a red flag. This happens when the stone scratches the lining of your urinary tract as it moves.
- Cloudy or Foul-Smelling Urine. A change in the appearance or smell of your urine could indicate an infection, which sometimes accompanies kidney stones.
- Frequent Urge to Urinate. You might feel the constant need to pee, even if very little comes out. And when it does, it might burn.
- Nausea and Vomiting. If pain gets too intense, then it can trigger nausea or vomiting, making you feel even worse.
These symptoms can vary depending on the size and location of the stone. For example, a smaller stone closer to your bladder might cause more urinary symptoms, while a larger stone in your kidney will likely result in more severe pain.
Note though that nearly all of those symptoms are generic to urinary tract infections as well. It’s the searing pain that is the biggest clue that a kidney stone is the cause.
What Causes Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones don’t just appear out of nowhere. They form when there’s an imbalance in the substances in your urine. Here are some of the most common causes of kidney stones:
- Dehydration:
Not drinking enough water is the biggest culprit. When you’re dehydrated, your urine becomes more concentrated, giving minerals like calcium and oxalate the perfect environment to form crystals.
- Diet:
A diet that’s high in salt, protein, or oxalate-rich foods (like spinach, nuts, and chocolate) can increase your risk. Too much sodium, for example, makes it harder for your kidneys to flush out calcium.
- Family History:
If kidney stones run in your family, you’re more likely to develop them. Thanks, Mum and dad!
- Medical Conditions:
Certain health issues like gout, obesity, and digestive diseases can increase your risk. Even some common medications can contribute to the condition. As you can see, it’s a mix of lifestyle and genetics, so understanding your specific risk factors is key.
What to Do If You Suspect Kidney Stones
Here’s the deal. If you think you have kidney stones, then don’t panic. But also, don’t ignore it. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Monitor Your Symptoms
Pay attention to what your body is telling you. Track your pain levels, urine color, and any changes in your bathroom habits. These details will help your doctor or other healthcare provider diagnose and treat the issue.
- Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water—more than you think you need. Hydration can help you pass smaller stones naturally. Aim for at least 2-3 liters a day. If your urine is light yellow or clear, you’re on the right track.
- Manage the Pain
Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help take the edge off while you’re waiting to see a doctor. But if the pain is unbearable, don’t wait, you must get medical attention.
- Seek Medical Help When Needed
If your pain is severe, if you’re unable to urinate, or if you notice blood in your urine, then it’s time to see a doctor. Don’t tough it out. Some kidney stones are too large to pass on their own and require medical intervention.
Diagnosing Kidney Stones
When you visit your doctor, they’ll likely use a combination of methods to confirm whether you have kidney stones, or whether it’s something else.
These are the sorts of things they would do:
- They could test your urine to look for high levels of minerals
- They could use imaging like a CT scan to look for stones
- Blood tests to show imbalances are also used regularly
These tests not only confirm the presence of stones but also help determine their size, type, and location, which are crucial for deciding on the right treatment.
It’s important to remember throughout this process that you shouldn’t panic. Kidney stones are common, and when they assess them, they will be able to judge from your input and behavior how rapidly they need to treat you and get the kidney stones broken up or removed.
However, to reiterate again, it’s important that when you suspect kidney stones you see a doctor immediately. Serious conditions can develop if you don’t, including the chance of infection (sepsis) that can be life-threatening.
Treatment Options For Kidney Stones
Once diagnosed, your treatment will depend on the size and severity of your kidney stones. Everyone is judged on a case-by-case basis, so you can’t be 100% certain what the strategy of the doctors will be.
Small Stones:
Most small stones can pass on their own with the help of hydration and pain management. Your doctor might also prescribe medications to help relax your urinary tract, making it easier to pass the stone.
Larger Stones Or Complications
For stones that are too large to pass naturally or cause complications like infections, a more intense medical intervention is necessary. Common treatments include:
- Shock Wave Lithotripsy (SWL) – A non-invasive procedure that uses sound waves to break the stone into smaller pieces
- Ureteroscopy – A thin scope is passed through your urethra to remove or break the stone
- Surgery – In rare cases, surgical removal is required for particularly large or stubborn stones
Rest assured, these treatments are highly effective and can provide relief quickly. Usually, there is some downtime for recovery, but it is in a low number of days, rather than weeks of recovery.
Preventing Kidney Stones In The Future
Sometimes, people are just more likely to get kidney stones because of the way their body works.
However, kidney stones are also created by life situations. For example, health workers, people like nurses, can get kidney stones because of holding on to the urge to urinate because they are so busy in intense situations, which can build up over time to allow kidney stones to develop.
But once you’ve dealt with kidney stones, the last thing you want is to go through it again. Prevention is key, and it starts with lifestyle changes:
- Stay Hydrated. Make water your best friend. Drink enough to keep your urine light yellow or clear. If you’re prone to stones, your doctor might recommend even more.
- Watch Your Diet. Reduce your intake of sodium, animal protein, and oxalate-rich foods. Focus on a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables.
- Consider Supplements or Medications. For recurring stones, your doctor might prescribe medications or recommend dietary supplements to prevent future formations.
- Regular Checkups. If you have a history of kidney stones, periodic checkups can help catch issues early and keep you on track with prevention.
Kidney stones might be one of the most painful things you’ll ever experience (as I said at the start, many people say it’s worse than childbirth), but the good news is that they’re treatable and preventable.
By understanding the symptoms, addressing the causes, and making a few changes to your lifestyle, you can take control of the situation and prevent future stones from forming.
If you suspect you have kidney stones, don’t ignore the pain. Listen to your body, stay hydrated, and reach out to a healthcare professional. Relief is possible, and with the right care, you’ll be back to feeling like yourself in no time.