What should you know about dark urine and kidney stones?

A stone may cause sharp pain in the flank, back, lower abdomen, or groin. The pain can come in waves and may shift as the stone moves. Blood can make urine pink, red, or brown, while concentrated urine is often deep yellow. Nausea, vomiting, urinary urgency, or painful urination may occur. A stone does not always cause every symptom, and urine colour cannot confirm its presence. Infection alongside a blockage is especially important to identify.

Arrange a GP Consultation for persistent dark urine, visible blood, recurrent pain, or urinary symptoms. Drink fluids steadily unless you have been told to limit them; forcing large amounts during severe pain can worsen nausea. Keep a note of pain location, urine colour, fever, vomiting, and whether urine flow changes. Assessment may include urine testing, blood tests, and an Abdominal Ultrasound or other imaging chosen for your symptoms.

Get urgent care for fever or chills with flank pain, severe or unrelenting pain, repeated vomiting, faintness, inability to pass urine, or very little urine. These features may indicate infection, obstruction, or significant fluid loss. Do not wait for a stone to pass if you feel acutely unwell.

Ask how urine and imaging tests will distinguish a stone from infection, whether a blocked urinary passage is suspected, how to manage pain safely, and which symptoms mean you should return urgently. Mention previous stones, family history, and any kidney disease.