What should you know about right nephrolithiasis?

Nephrolithiasis is the medical term for [Kidney Stones](/conditions/kidney-stones/). A stone may sit in the kidney or move into the tube carrying urine to the bladder. Movement can cause waves of [Flank Pain](/symptoms/flank-pain/), pain toward the groin, nausea or blood in the urine. A small stone may pass, while a larger or stuck stone can interfere with drainage. [Dehydration](/conditions/dehydration/) can make concentrated urine more likely to support stone formation, but one episode does not reveal the stone type or its cause.

Arrange a [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/) for pain, urinary changes or a previous stone history. Drink normally unless a clinician has restricted fluids; forcing large amounts during severe obstruction can worsen discomfort. Use only pain relief that is suitable for you and follow the label or prescription. An [Abdominal Ultrasound](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/abdominal-ultrasound/) may help assess the kidneys and drainage, while urine and blood tests can look for infection or kidney strain.

Seek urgent care for severe or uncontrolled pain, fever or chills, repeated vomiting, a swollen abdomen, or [Difficulty Passing Urine](/symptoms/difficulty-passing-urine/). Painful urination with fever can signal infection behind an obstruction and needs rapid assessment. Do not wait for a stone to pass if you feel faint, confused or seriously unwell.

Ask where the stone is, whether urine flow is blocked, what pain relief is safe, how to monitor passage, and whether testing can identify its composition. Ask when imaging or specialist review is needed.