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Kidney Stones

A kidney stone is a solid piece of material that forms in a kidney out of substances in the urine. A stone may stay in the kidney or break loose and travel down the urinary tract. A small stone may pass all the way out of the body without causing too much pain. A larger stone may get stuck in a ureter (narrow tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder), the bladder or the urethra. A problem stone can block the flow of urine and cause great pain.

The most common type of stone contains calcium – a normal part of a healthy diet. Calcium that is not used by the bones and muscles goes to the kidneys. In most people, the kidneys flush out the extra calcium with the rest of the urine. The calcium that stays behind joins with other waste products to form a stone.

Prevalence of Kidney Stones

Stones occur more frequently in men than women. The prevalence of kidney stones rises dramatically as men enter their 40s and continues to rise into their 70s. For women, the prevalence of kidney stones peaks in their 50s. Once a person experiences more than one stone, other stones are likely to develop.

Gallstones and kidney stones are not related. They form in different areas of the body. Kidney stones are far more prevalent than bladder stones. Sometimes a kidney stone will not pass without the help of a doctor. It may increase in size if untreated. Occasionally kidney stones may obstruct the kidney or ureter which backs up the urine in the renal pelvis or ureter to the point of deforming them. If this occurs a reconstructive surgery may need to be performed along with the kidney stone removal.

Symptoms of a Kidney Stone

Kidney stones often do not cause any symptoms. Usually, the first symptom of a kidney stone is extreme pain, which begins suddenly when a stone moves in the urinary tract and blocks the flow of urine. If fever and chills accompany any of these symptoms, an infection may be present and a person should contact a doctor immediately.

  • Extreme sharp, cramping pain in the back, side or lower abdomen that will not go away
  • Pain may spread to groin
  • Frequent urination or urge to urinate
  • Burning feeling during urination
  • Urine that smells bad or looks cloudy
  • Blood in the urine
  • Fever and chills
  • Nausea and vomiting

Testing for a Kidney Stone

  • Urinalysis
  • Blood tests
  • Abdominal CT scan
  • Abdominal/kidney MRI
  • Abdominal x-rays
  • Intravenous pyelogram (IVP)
  • Kidney ultrasound
  • Ureteroscope – a photographic tool that is inserted into the patient's urethra, passed up through the bladder, and directed to the ureter, where the stone is located.

Treatment for a Kidney Stone

Treatments vary depending on the type of stone, a physician may prescribe such medicines as antibiotics and diuretics to help break down and remove the material that is causing the stone. If the stone will not pass by itself, the physician may need to take steps to get rid of it. In the past, the only way to remove a problem stone was through open surgery. Now, doctors use new techniques to remove problem stones.



Learn more about caring for kidney stones.


Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in the Bladder Health Program of South Florida website should be used solely for educational purposes. It is not intended to replace the independent judgment of a healthcare provider. The appropriateness of a course of treatment for a patient may vary from the medical information provided herein due to individual conditions and/or complications. Always ask your physician about all treatment options, as well as the risks and benefits.

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