Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are hard deposits of minerals that form inside the kidney and can move into the ureter, the tube that carries urine to the bladder. Heat, long hours without enough water, and a diet high in salt and animal protein all make them more likely, which is part of why they are common in Nigeria. Small stones often pass on their own. Larger stones, or stones that block the flow of urine, need a urologist.
Find a Urology SpecialistMedically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Symptoms
- Severe pain in the side or back, below the ribs, that comes in waves
- Pain that spreads to the groin or lower abdomen
- Blood in the urine, pink, red or brown
- Pain or burning when passing urine
- Passing urine often, or feeling an urgent need to go
- Nausea and vomiting with the pain
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
When to See a Doctor
See a urologist if you have had an attack of loin pain, blood in your urine, or a stone seen on a scan, even if the pain has settled: a stone can block a kidney quietly. Go to an emergency department the same day if the pain is so severe you cannot keep still, if you have fever or shivering with the pain, if you are passing very little urine, or if you have only one working kidney. A blocked, infected kidney is an emergency.
Treatment options
- Pain relief and plenty of fluids while a small stone passes
- Medication to relax the ureter and help a stone pass (alpha blockers such as tamsulosin)
- Ureteroscopy: a thin telescope passed up the urinary tract to break the stone with a laser and remove it
- Shock wave lithotripsy for some stones in the kidney
- Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) for large stones in the kidney
- A ureteric stent or nephrostomy tube to drain a blocked, infected kidney
- Stone analysis and diet advice to prevent the next one
What it costs on Mezo
Published cash prices for the operations used to treat this condition. Your own quote follows an examination.
Common Questions
Will my kidney stone pass on its own?
Many small stones, up to about 5mm, pass within a few weeks with fluids and pain relief. The larger the stone and the higher it sits, the less likely it is to pass. A CT scan shows the size and position, which decides whether waiting is reasonable.
How are kidney stones diagnosed?
A non-contrast CT scan of the kidneys, ureters and bladder is the most accurate test. Ultrasound is a reasonable first step and avoids radiation, especially in pregnancy. A urine test checks for blood and infection, and a blood test checks kidney function.
Can I drink something to dissolve kidney stones?
Only uric acid stones can be dissolved, with medication that makes the urine less acidic, and only tests can show which type you have. Herbal mixtures sold to 'flush' stones have no good evidence behind them and can delay treatment of a kidney that is quietly blocked.
How can I stop kidney stones coming back?
Drink enough water to keep your urine pale through the day, which in Nigerian heat is more than most people think. Cut down on salt and processed meat. Do not cut out calcium-rich food unless a doctor advises it, because too little dietary calcium can make some stones more likely.
Need Help?
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