What should you know about gout and kidney stones?

Gout happens when urate crystals collect in and around a joint. The same waste product can contribute to certain kidney stones when it becomes concentrated in urine. Having gout does not establish that a new episode of flank or abdominal pain is a stone, and not every stone is made of uric acid.

A stone may cause severe pain that moves from the side or back towards the groin, nausea, painful urination, blood in urine, or difficulty passing urine. Dehydration can make urine more concentrated and may increase stone risk.

Arrange a GP Consultation if you have new urinary pain, recurring flank pain, or a history of stones. A clinician may check urine, kidney function, urate, and medicines, and may arrange an Abdominal Ultrasound or another scan. Drink fluids regularly unless a clinician has given you a fluid restriction. Continue prescribed gout treatment as directed rather than changing it during pain without advice.

Get urgent care for fever with flank pain, repeated vomiting, inability to pass urine, severe pain that is not settling, faintness, or feeling acutely unwell. A blocked urinary system with infection can damage the kidneys and needs prompt treatment. Seek assessment sooner if you have one functioning kidney, known kidney disease, or are pregnant.

Ask whether your symptoms suggest Kidney Stones, whether the stone type can be identified, how to prevent recurrence, and whether your gout medicines need review.