Calcium oxalate kidney stones: what to know

A stone can remain in the kidney without symptoms or move into the ureter, the tube draining urine to the bladder. Movement may cause waves of flank or abdominal pain, nausea, blood in the urine or painful urination. A blocked ureter can reduce urine flow and may become more urgent if infection is also present. Dehydration can make urine more concentrated. Stone analysis and urine or blood testing can help identify factors that make recurrence more likely.

Follow the treatment plan given for pain and nausea, and drink fluids steadily if you can do so safely. Do not force fluids if you are vomiting or have been told to restrict them. Keep any passed stone for testing if your clinician advises this. Prevention may involve regular hydration, dietary adjustments and treating a contributing condition; the right plan depends on the stone composition and test results. A GP consultation can help arrange assessment, while an abdominal ultrasound may look for stones or urinary blockage.

Seek urgent care for fever or chills with stone symptoms, severe pain that is not controlled, repeated vomiting, inability to pass urine or feeling faint. These signs can indicate infection, obstruction or dehydration. Prompt assessment is also sensible for new blood in urine or pain during pregnancy.

Where is the stone and is urine flow blocked? Should it be analysed? Which fluids, foods or medicines fit my kidney function and stone results?