Common Signs of Kidney Stones and When to See a Doctor

You experience a sudden, sharp pain in your lower back or discomfort while passing urine. And brush it off, thinking it’ll go away. But what if it doesn’t? What if it’s something more than just a fleeting ache?

Kidney stone pain often comes on suddenly – sharp, intense, and sometimes unbearable. What begins as discomfort in your back or abdomen may quickly become a medical emergency. Yet many people ignore early symptoms, hoping it’ll go away on its own. At VSH Hospital, Bangalore, we urge individuals not to delay seeking help. Early detection not only eases your discomfort but can also prevent complications that may require more invasive treatment later.

What are kidney stones?

Kidney stones are hard mineral and salt deposits that form inside the kidneys. They occur when certain substances in the urine – such as calcium, oxalate, and uric acid become too concentrated and start to crystallise. Over time, these crystals grow into stones that can block the flow of urine and cause pain.

Types of Kidney Stones

There are four main types:

• Calcium stones – the most common type of kidney stones; usually made of calcium oxalate
• Uric acid stones – often linked to high-protein diets and low fluid intake
• Struvite stones – usually form after urinary tract infections
• Cystine stones – a rare, inherited form caused by excess cystine in urine

Each type has different causes and risk factors, and treatment may vary depending on the stone’s composition.

Common signs & symptoms of kidney stones

Kidney stone symptoms can vary depending on the size and position of the stone. Some stones cause no symptoms at all and are found incidentally during tests for other conditions. However, common signs include:

• Sudden, sharp pain in the side or back
• Pain that radiates to the lower abdomen or groin
• Pain while urinating
• Pink, red or brown urine (blood in urine)
• Nausea or vomiting
• Frequent urination or the urge to urinate
• Cloudy or foul-smelling urine

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult with a doctor.

Understanding the Risk Factors

Kidney stones can affect anyone, but some people are at higher risk than others. Factors that increase your chances of developing stones include:

• Dehydration – not drinking enough fluids, especially water
• Diet – high salt, sugar, and protein intake
• Obesity – can affect how your body processes minerals, which may lead to higher levels of stone-forming substances in your urine
• Family history – a genetic predisposition can raise your risk
• Digestive diseases – such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• Certain medications or supplements – like calcium-based antacids or diuretics

Recognising these risks early can help you take preventive steps.

When should you consult a doctor?

While small stones may pass on their own with increased fluid intake, others may become lodged and cause serious complications. You should consult a doctor immediately if you experience:

• Severe or persistent pain
• Blood in urine
• Fever and chills
• Difficulty passing urine

Ignoring these symptoms could lead to kidney infections, damage, or even loss of kidney function.

How are kidney stones diagnosed?

To confirm the presence and size of kidney stones, doctors typically use:

• Urine tests – to check for substances that form stones
• Blood tests – to detect imbalances or underlying conditions
• Imaging tests – like ultrasound or CT scans to visualise stones

These tests help determine the most effective treatment strategy.

Treatment options: From relief to removal

Treatment depends on the size, type, and location of the stone. Small stones may pass naturally with pain relief and hydration. However, larger stones may require:

• Medications – to relax the ureters and ease stone passage
• Shock wave therapy (lithotripsy) – to break stones into smaller pieces
• Ureteroscopy or surgery – to remove stones that cannot be passed via urine

At VSH Hospital, our urology department is equipped with advanced diagnostics and treatment options. Whether it’s pain management, prevention, or surgery, we ensure patients receive precise, evidence-based care.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

1. How long does it take to pass a kidney stone?

It depends on the size and location of the stone. Smaller stones may pass within a few days, while larger ones can take weeks or may require treatment.

2. Can small kidney stones go away on their own?

Yes. Stones smaller than 5 mm often pass naturally via urine with increased fluid intake and medications to ease the process.

3. What foods should I avoid for kidney stones?

Limit salt, processed foods, red meat, and foods high in oxalates such as spinach, nuts, and beets. Drinking plenty of water also helps reduce the risk.

4. Are kidney stones dangerous?

While not always life-threatening, untreated stones can block urine flow, cause infections, and damage the kidneys.

5. Do kidney stones always require surgery?

No. Many stones pass without surgery. Intervention is needed only for larger stones or those causing severe symptoms.

If you’re experiencing severe pain or any of the above mentioned symptoms of kidney stones, don’t wait. Book an appointment with our urologists at VSH Hospital today – because timely care makes all the difference.

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