Kidney Stones
Kidney stones, or renal calculi, are hard deposits of minerals and salts that form in the kidneys. They can cause severe pain, blood in the urine, and sometimes urinary obstruction. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options can help manage the condition and reduce the risk of recurrence.
Overview | Symptoms & Causes | Diagnosis | Treatment Options
The Urinary Tract
The urinary tract includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Its main role is to filter waste and excess fluid from the blood to make urine, which travels from the kidneys to the bladder before leaving the body. The urinary tract helps maintain the body’s fluid and chemical balance and plays an important role in regulating blood pressure and overall health.
Kidney stones are hard deposits that form when substances such as calcium or uric acid build up and crystallise in the urinary tract. They can develop in the kidneys, ureters (the tubes connecting the kidneys to the bladder), or the bladder itself. Stones vary in size and shape - some are as small as a grain of sand, while others can be much larger.
Understanding Kidney Stones
Kidney stones can cause sudden, intense pain and other noticeable changes, but some small stones may not cause any symptoms at all. Knowing the common signs can help you seek prompt assessment and treatment.
Symptoms may include:
- Pain in the side, back, or lower abdomen, which can come in waves
- Pain or burning when passing urine
- Blood in the urine (pink, red, or brown)
- Needing to urinate more often or urgently
- Nausea or vomiting
Some small stones may pass unnoticed, while larger ones can cause significant pain or blockages.
Causes & Risk Factors
Kidney stones are a common condition, affecting around 1 in 10 people in the UK at some point in their lives.
Kidney stones form when waste products in the urine build up and form crystals. This can happen if there is not enough fluid in the urine or if certain substances, such as calcium or uric acid, are present in high amounts. You may be more likely to develop kidney stones if you:
| Fluid intake | Not drinking enough fluids leads to concentrated urine, making crystal formation more likely. |
| Diet | Diets high in salt, animal protein, or certain sugars can increase substances in the urine that form stones. |
| Weight | Being overweight or obese is linked to changes in urine chemistry that raise stone risk. |
| Family history | Having close relatives with kidney stones increases your likelihood of developing them. |
| Medical conditions | Conditions such as recurrent UTIs, gout, or bowel disease can contribute to stone formation. |
| Medications | Certain medications can raise calcium or uric acid levels in the urine, increasing risk. |
Diagnosing Kidney Stones
f kidney stones are suspected, your doctor will ask about your symptoms and may arrange tests such as:
| Urine & Blood Tests | To check for infection, kidney function, and substances that can cause stones. |
| Ultrasound | A painless scan that can show stones in the kidneys or urinary tract and help assess their size and location. |
| CT scan | Sometimes needed if your symptoms are severe, your diagnosis is uncertain, or an ultrasound hasn’t clearly shown whether a stone is present. CT scans give very detailed images of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder, helping to identify even very small stones and pinpoint their exact location. |
Treatment Options
Treatment for kidney stones depends on their size, location, and the symptoms they cause. Many small stones pass naturally without the need for surgery, while larger stones may require medical or surgical treatment to remove them or relieve symptoms and complications.
Small Stones
Most small stones (less than 5mm) can usually pass on their own. You may be advised to:
- Drink plenty of fluids to help flush the stone through the urinary tract.
- Take pain relief such as paracetamol or other medication prescribed by your doctor.
- Use medication to relax the ureter (the tube between kidney and bladder), which can make it easier for the stone to pass.
Your doctor may arrange follow-up scans to confirm that the stone has cleared.
Large Stones
If the stone is too large to pass, causes severe pain, infection, or blocks urine flow, treatment may include:
| Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) | Uses sound waves to break the stone into smaller pieces that can pass more easily. |
| Ureteroscopy | A thin camera is passed through the urethra and bladder to reach the stone, which is then broken up or removed. |
| Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) | Used for very large or complex stones; the stone is removed directly through a small incision in the back. |
How can Lanthorn help?
Urinary Tract Ultrasound - £300
A quick, painless test that can detect kidney stones, assess kidney size and drainage, and identify any signs of blockage or swelling (hydronephrosis). This is often the first-line imaging test for suspected stones.
CT Scan - From £450
If needed, your consultant may recommend a CT scan for a more detailed assessment. CT is the most sensitive test for kidney stones and can accurately show the size, number, and exact location of stones, helping guide further management.
Blood Tests
We can check kidney function and measure substances such as uric acid. These results help assess how well the kidneys are working and identify factors that may contribute to stone formation.
