What should you know about Crohn's disease and kidney stones?

Kidney stones are hard crystals that form in the urinary system. Crohn's disease may increase the risk for some people through diarrhoea-related fluid loss, changes in mineral absorption, or bowel surgery. The result can be concentrated urine or a chemical environment that allows crystals to grow. A stone can cause sharp pain in the side or back that travels toward the groin, nausea, urinary urgency, or blood in the urine.

Abdominal pain and diarrhoea can also arise from Crohn's disease, so location and urinary symptoms are useful clues but cannot confirm a stone. Infection, blockage, and other causes need to be considered.

Arrange a GP Consultation for repeated side or back pain, painful urination, blood in the urine, or a history of passing stones. A clinician may arrange urine testing, blood testing, and imaging. Follow your personalised fluid advice, particularly if diarrhoea is active, and ask how much is appropriate if you have kidney, heart, or fluid restrictions. Do not rely on leftover antibiotics or pain medicines.

Seek urgent help for severe colicky pain, fever or chills with urinary symptoms, repeated vomiting, inability to keep fluids down, very little urine, or feeling faint. A blocked urinary tract with infection can become serious and requires prompt treatment.

Ask whether your symptoms fit a kidney stone or another problem, which urine or blood tests and scans are needed, how to manage fluids during diarrhoea, and whether your Crohn's treatment or diet needs review.