What should you know about foul smelling urine kidney stones?

Kidney stones can irritate the urinary tract and cause flank or abdominal pain, painful urination, blood in the urine or difficulty passing urine. A strong smell may come from concentrated urine, but it can also signal bacteria. A stone that blocks urine flow can make infection more serious because infected urine may not drain normally. Smell alone cannot show whether a stone is present or whether infection is involved.

Arrange a GP Consultation when foul smell continues, especially with flank pain, painful urination, blood, nausea or a known history of stones. Drink fluids regularly if you have no fluid restriction, but do not force large amounts when you are vomiting or unable to pass urine. Do not take leftover antibiotics. A clinician may check a urine sample and decide whether imaging, such as an Abdominal Ultrasound, is appropriate.

Seek urgent help for fever or chills with suspected stones, worsening flank or abdominal pain, vomiting, confusion, fainting, or difficulty passing urine. A blocked urinary tract with infection can deteriorate quickly. Emergency assessment is also needed if you feel severely unwell or cannot keep fluids down.

Could the smell be from infection rather than the stone itself? Is urine testing needed before treatment? Is there evidence of blockage, and would imaging help? Which pain medicines and fluids are suitable for me? What changes require emergency care?