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What are kidney stones?
Kidney stones are hard deposits of minerals and salts that form in the kidneys. They can vary in size from a tiny grain to a larger stone that may block the flow of urine.
Some stones pass out of the body without causing much trouble. Others can trigger severe pain and other symptoms, especially if they move into the ureter, the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder.
Main symptoms of kidney stones
The most common symptom is a sudden, severe pain in the side or back, often below the ribs. This pain can come in waves and may move towards the lower abdomen or groin.
Many people also feel pain when passing urine. You may notice that you need to pee more often than usual, or feel an urgent need to go even if only a small amount comes out.
Blood in the urine is another common sign. The urine may look pink, red, or brown, although sometimes the blood is only picked up on a urine test.
Other possible signs
Kidney stones can also cause nausea and vomiting, particularly when the pain is intense. Some people feel restless and unable to get comfortable because the pain is so strong.
Urine may smell unusual or look cloudy if there is an infection as well as a stone. Fever and chills are not typical of a simple kidney stone and may suggest a more serious problem.
Some people only notice mild discomfort, depending on the size and location of the stone. Others may have no symptoms at all until the stone begins to move.
When to seek medical help
You should contact a GP or NHS 111 if you think you may have a kidney stone and the pain is not going away. This is especially important if you are unable to keep fluids down or the pain is difficult to manage.
Seek urgent medical help if you have a fever, feel very unwell, or have trouble passing urine. These could be signs of a urinary tract infection or blockage that needs prompt treatment.
In the UK, severe pain, blood in the urine, or symptoms of infection should never be ignored. Getting checked early can help prevent complications and make treatment easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
The most common symptoms are severe pain in the side, back, or lower abdomen, pain that comes in waves, blood in the urine, nausea, and frequent or painful urination.
Yes, kidney stone pain often starts suddenly and can become intense quickly, especially as the stone moves through the urinary tract.
Pain is often felt in the flank, which is the side and back below the ribs, and it may spread to the lower abdomen, groin, or genitals.
Yes, kidney stones commonly cause blood in the urine, which may make the urine look pink, red, or brown.
Yes, many people with kidney stones feel nauseated or vomit because the pain can be very intense.
Yes, if a stone moves into the lower urinary tract, it can cause burning or pain during urination.
Yes, a kidney stone can cause frequent urges to urinate, especially when the stone is near the bladder.
Yes, a stone can partially block urine flow, causing difficulty urinating or a reduced amount of urine.
Fever is not a typical symptom of an uncomplicated kidney stone, but it can occur if there is an infection, which needs urgent medical attention.
Yes, kidney stone pain often comes in waves as the urinary tract tries to move the stone along.
Yes, people with kidney stone pain often cannot get comfortable and may feel restless or unable to sit still.
Yes, kidney stones can cause lower abdominal pain, especially as the stone travels toward the bladder.
Yes, pain may radiate into the groin as the stone moves down the ureter.
They can sometimes, especially if there is a urinary tract infection along with the stone.
They often do, and the pain may begin suddenly even when a person felt fine earlier.
Yes, smaller kidney stones may cause mild pain, slight discomfort, or no noticeable symptoms at all.
Yes, symptoms vary depending on the stone’s size, location, and whether it is blocking urine flow or causing infection.
Yes, the pain often shifts location as the stone moves from the kidney into the ureter and toward the bladder.
They can, especially if they cause blood in the urine or an infection, which may change the urine’s color or smell.
Seek urgent care if symptoms include fever, severe uncontrolled pain, vomiting that prevents drinking, difficulty passing urine, or signs of infection.
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