Red wine and kidney stones: what should you know?

Kidney Stones form when minerals crystallise in the urinary system. Alcohol can contribute to Dehydration, particularly if it replaces water or vomiting and sweating are also present. Dehydration can make urine more concentrated, which may be unhelpful for people prone to stones. Red wine is not a treatment and should not be used to try to flush out a stone. Stone symptoms may include severe Flank Pain, Abdominal Pain, blood in the urine, nausea, or Painful Urination. The effect of dietary changes depends on the stone type and your wider health.

Choose water regularly unless a clinician has given you a fluid restriction, and limit alcohol while you have symptoms or are recovering from dehydration. Do not force large amounts of fluid during severe pain or vomiting. Keep any prescribed medicine available and follow its directions. A GP Consultation can help assess pain, urine symptoms, and previous stone history. An Abdominal Ultrasound may be used when imaging is needed, depending on the situation.

Seek urgent medical help for flank or abdominal pain with fever, chills, repeated vomiting, faintness, or feeling very unwell. Prompt assessment is also needed for Difficulty Passing Urine, severe Painful Urination, or pain that is escalating. These features can signal infection, blockage, or significant dehydration. Do not wait for alcohol or extra fluids to resolve severe symptoms.

Could my symptoms be a Kidney Stone or another problem? How much fluid is appropriate for me? Should I have urine testing or an Abdominal Ultrasound? Which foods, drinks, and medicines fit my stone type?