Hard deposits of minerals in kidneys. Review possible symptoms, contributing factors, assessment, warning signs and care options.
About Kidney Stones
Hard deposits of minerals in kidneys
Kidney stones are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside the kidneys.
They can be extremely painful but usually don't cause permanent damage when treated promptly.
Editorial update (28 September 2026): structured medical content awaits clinical reviewer sign-off.
How assessment may be approached
A clinician may ask about urination, pain, blood, sexual or reproductive symptoms, kidney history and medicines. Examination, urine testing, imaging or specialist referral may be used when indicated.
Care may include treatment of infection or another cause, fluid and bladder guidance, medicines, procedures or specialist review. Ask which symptoms require prompt review.
When to seek prompt care
Seek urgent care for inability to urinate with severe pain, fever with urinary symptoms, visible blood with severe pain or weakness, testicular pain, kidney-stone pain with vomiting, or reduced urination with swelling or confusion.
Symptoms
- Severe pain in side and back
- Pain during urination
- Pink, red, or brown urine
- Nausea and vomiting
- Frequent urination
Possible causes
- Dehydration
- Diet high in protein/sodium/sugar
- Obesity
- Digestive diseases
- Family history
Care and treatment options
- Pain relievers
- Hydration
- Medical therapy
- Sound wave therapy
- Surgery
Key points
- Affects 10% of people
- Can recur
- Preventable with hydration
- Extremely painful
Preparing for a consultation
- Urinary frequency, pain, blood, leakage or retention.
- Fluid intake, medicine use and any sexual or reproductive symptoms.
- Kidney, prostate or pelvic history.
- Recent urine tests or imaging.
Questions worth asking
- Is Kidney Stones the most likely explanation for these symptoms, and what alternatives should be checked?
- Which symptoms or findings would require urgent review?
- Are medicines, underlying health problems or lifestyle factors contributing?
- What tests or examinations are needed now, and what can safely wait?
- What treatment or self-care options are reasonable, and when should I be reviewed again?
- What is the expected benefit, limit, cost and follow-up plan for the suggested care?
Related conditions
Related clinicians
Related tests
Medical information limitations
This page summarizes listed condition information and cannot confirm a diagnosis or choose treatment. Do not start, stop or change prescribed treatment based only on this page.
Common questions
What is Kidney Stones?
Hard deposits of minerals in kidneys This is general information; the name describes a possible diagnosis or clinical problem, not a personal diagnosis.
How might a clinician assess Kidney Stones?
A clinician may ask about urination, pain, blood, sexual or reproductive symptoms, kidney history and medicines. Examination, urine testing, imaging or specialist referral may be used when indicated.
What care may be discussed?
Care options listed include Pain relievers, Hydration, Medical therapy, Sound wave therapy. Which option is appropriate depends on the confirmed cause, severity, preferences and contraindications.
When should Kidney Stones be checked urgently?
Seek urgent care for inability to urinate with severe pain, fever with urinary symptoms, visible blood with severe pain or weakness, testicular pain, kidney-stone pain with vomiting, or reduced urination with swelling or confusion.
How should I prepare for a consultation?
Urinary frequency, pain, blood, leakage or retention. Fluid intake, medicine use and any sexual or reproductive symptoms. Kidney, prostate or pelvic history. Recent urine tests or imaging. Bring previous reports and a current medicine list where relevant.
Can this page diagnose or treat the condition?
No. A page about Kidney Stones can help you understand possible features and questions, but it cannot confirm a diagnosis or choose treatment. A qualified clinician should assess your symptoms, history and any test results.
General information only; it is not a diagnosis or a substitute for a qualified clinician’s advice.