Disclaimer: This is general health information only and is not a substitute for advice from your GP or healthcare professional.
1. What are kidney stones?
Kidney stones are hard deposits of minerals and salts that form inside the kidneys. They can vary in size and may cause significant pain when passing through the urinary tract.
2. What causes kidney stones?
Kidney stones form when the urine contains high levels of certain minerals, such as calcium, oxalate, or uric acid, that crystallize. Risk factors include dehydration, certain diets, obesity, family history, and some medical conditions.
3. What are the symptoms of kidney stones?
Symptoms include sudden, severe pain in the back or side (flank pain), pain during urination, blood in urine, nausea, vomiting, frequent urination, and urgency. Pain often comes in waves as the stone moves.
4. How are kidney stones diagnosed?
Diagnosis is made through urine tests, blood tests, and imaging such as ultrasound or CT scan to identify the size, location, and type of stone.
5. Do all kidney stones need treatment?
Small stones may pass on their own with increased fluid intake and pain management. Larger stones, or stones causing obstruction or infection, usually require medical or surgical intervention.
6. What are the treatment options?
Treatment options include pain relief, increased hydration, medications to help pass stones, shock wave lithotripsy (breaking stones with sound waves), or surgical removal in severe cases.
7. Can kidney stones cause complications?
Yes. Untreated stones can lead to urinary tract infections, kidney damage, obstruction, and severe pain. Prompt treatment is important.
8. Can kidney stones be prevented?
Prevention includes drinking plenty of water, limiting salt and high-oxalate foods, maintaining a healthy weight, and following dietary advice based on the type of stone.
9. How long does it take to pass a kidney stone?
The time varies depending on stone size and location. Small stones may pass in a few days to weeks, while larger stones may require intervention.
10. When should I see a doctor?
See a doctor immediately if you experience severe pain, blood in urine, fever, chills, nausea and vomiting, or inability to pass urine, as these may indicate complications that need urgent care.
