Understanding Kidney Stones: Causes, Symptoms & Prevention

Many people find out about kidney stones when they face pain in the kidneys and discomfort while urinating. It is a problem that can affect any individual. Knowing what kidney stones are, their symptoms, and their causes helps prevent and treat them.

Kidney stones form when certain minerals in the urine—such as calcium, oxalate, and uric acid—are present in high concentrations and start to clump together. This leads to the formation of hard mineral deposits in the kidneys.

Some of the common causes may include:

• Dehydration: Not drinking enough water can cause your urine to become more concentrated, leading to stone formation.^[1]

• Dietary habits: High salt, sugar and protein intake can trigger the formation of kidney stones.

• Medical conditions: Gout, hyperparathyroidism, and urinary tract infections.

• Family history: A person may be prone to kidney stones if it’s genetic, as this can increase the risk of developing them.

• Obesity and sedentary lifestyle: Lack of physical activity and high body weight contribute to kidney stone formation.

Understanding what causes kidney stones helps you make lifestyle changes that can reduce their formation.

Kidney stones are categorised by size, shape, and composition. The main types include:

Kidney stone symptoms range from mild to severe, and the symptoms also change depending on the size and location of the stone.

Common kidney stone symptoms include:

• Sudden, severe pain in the back, side, lower abdomen or groin

• Pain during urination

• Red or brown urine

• Nausea and vomiting

• Frequent urge to urinate

• Cloudy or foul-smelling urine

Many people only discover they have kidney stones after experiencing intense pain or blood in their urine. Early detection helps prevent complications.^[2]

There are some factors that increase the chances of developing kidney stones, which are:

• Age and gender: It is most common in adults aged 30-50. 

• Dehydration: Insufficient water intake.

• Dietary choices: High salt, sugar, and protein-rich diet.

• Medical history: Previous kidney stones or family history

• Obesity and sedentary lifestyle: High body weight and lack of exercise can increase the risk.

If you leave kidney stones untreated, they can lead to several complications, such as:

• Urinary tract infections: Kidney stones may stop urine flow, which can cause infections

• Kidney damage: Severe or repeated stones can affect kidney function

• Chronic pain: One may experience persistent stones, leading to long-term discomfort.

• Obstruction: Stones may block ureters, making urination painful or difficult

Timely medical intervention helps to prevent the above complications.

It's important to consult a doctor if one experiences:

• Severe and sudden pain in the lower back or sides and lower abdomen.

• Blood in urine

• Fever or chills

• Nausea and vomiting

• Difficulty while urinating

Early evaluation can prevent kidney stones from worsening and reduce the risk of serious complications.

Kidney stones can often be prevented with the right lifestyle and dietary changes. Here are some practical tips

1. Stay Hydrated

• Drink 2–3 litres of water every day.

• Drinking enough water keeps your urine diluted and helps prevent minerals from forming stones.

2. Eat a Balanced Diet

• Reduce salt and sugar intake

• Include fruits and vegetables, especially citrus fruits

• Limit animal protein if prone to uric acid stones

3. Maintain a Healthy Weight and Exercise

• Regular physical activity can help prevent kidney stones.^[3]

• Obesity increases the risk of kidney stone formation, so try to maintain a healthy weight.

4. Follow Medical Advice

• If there is a history of kidney stones, the doctor may recommend medications or dietary changes

• Regular check-ups can help monitor kidney health.

Regularly following these measures helps reduce the risk of kidney stones and supports kidney health.

Kidney stones are common but preventable. Knowing the symptoms of a kidney stone, understanding its causes and adopting a healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk. Staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet, and maintaining a healthy weight play a key role in preventing kidney stones.