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DownloadKidney stones can form within the kidney, within the ureter (the tube draining urine from the kidney) or in the bladder. They can be many different sizes and shapes. The reason why most kidney stones form is not known. Most stones are made of calcium (an electrolyte found naturally in our bodies). A stone may cause no problems but often it causes pain. Most kidney stones are small and pass out with the urine. Some stones become stuck in a ureter or kidney and cause persistent symptoms or problems. There are various treatment options to remove a stuck stone. About half of people who have a kidney stone develop another one at a later time in their life. Drinking plenty of water each day may prevent a recurrence.
In some cases, a kidney stone lies in a kidney and causes no problems or symptoms. You may not be aware that a stone has formed. If symptoms do occur, they include one or more of the following:
Pain from a kidney.
A stone that is stuck in a kidney may cause pain in the side of the abdomen.
Renal colic.
This is a severe pain which comes and goes and is caused by a stone that passes into the ureter (the tube that leads from the kidney to the bladder). The stone becomes stuck. The ureter squeezes the stone towards the bladder, which causes intense pain in the side of your abdomen. The pain may spread down into the lower abdomen or groin. You may sweat or feel sick due to the pain.
Blood.
You may see blood in your urine (urine turns red) caused by a stone rubbing against the inside of your ureter.
Infection.
Urine infections are more common in people with kidney stones. Infections can cause fever, pain on passing urine and increased frequency of passing urine.
If the stone is less than 5mm they are small enough to pass out with the urine in a day or so. You should drink plenty of fluids to encourage a good flow of urine. Strong painkillers are often needed to ease the pain until you pass the stone. You may be given medication to encourage the stone to pass such as Tamsulosin. No other treatment is usually needed.
If the stone is larger or become stuck causing persistent problems you may need further treatment:
Emergency Ambulatory Care Unit
Telephone: Level 4 Extension 67591; Level 5 Extension 64002.
Further reading:
This information is intended for patients receiving care in Brighton & Hove or Haywards Heath.
The information here is for guidance purposes only and is in no way intended to replace professional clinical advice by a qualified practitioner.
Review Date: October 2022