What should you know about real life kidney stones?

A stone may form in a kidney and travel into the ureter, the narrow tube carrying urine to the bladder. As it moves, it can cause severe pain in the side or back that comes in waves and may spread toward the lower abdomen or groin. Nausea, vomiting, blood in the urine, urinary urgency, or painful urination may occur. A stone that blocks urine flow can damage the urinary system or allow infection to build up. Dehydration can make concentrated urine more likely to contribute to stone formation, although there are several possible causes.

Arrange a GP consultation for new severe flank pain, blood in the urine, or repeated urinary symptoms. Drink fluids according to your clinician's advice; do not force large amounts if you are vomiting or have been told to restrict fluids. Keep track of pain, urine output, fever, and any stone you pass. Assessment may include urine and blood tests, and imaging such as an abdominal ultrasound. Treatment depends on the stone's size, location, symptoms, and whether urine flow is blocked.

Go to urgent care for severe pain that cannot be controlled, fever or chills with urinary symptoms, repeated vomiting, inability to pass urine, fainting, confusion, or feeling very unwell. A blocked urinary tract with infection can become dangerous and needs prompt treatment.

Could a stone explain my pain, or should we check for infection? Do I need urine tests, blood tests, or an ultrasound? How much should I drink? What symptoms mean the stone is obstructing urine flow? How can I reduce the chance of another stone?