What should you know about small kidney stones?

A kidney stone is a hard crystal formed from substances in urine. A small stone may stay in the kidney without symptoms or move into the ureter, the narrow tube leading to the bladder. Movement can cause sharp Flank Pain or Abdominal Pain that comes in waves and may spread toward the groin. Painful Urination, blood in the urine, nausea or vomiting can also occur.

Dehydration can make urine more concentrated, but stone formation has several possible contributors. The stone’s position matters as much as its size because a stone can obstruct urine flow even when it is small.

Follow the fluid advice given for your symptoms and health conditions, unless a clinician has told you to restrict fluids. Spread drinks through the day rather than forcing large amounts during severe pain. Take only recommended pain relief and ask about medicines that may help a stone pass. Straining urine may help identify a passed stone if your clinician suggests it.

Arrange a GP Consultation for new, recurring or unexplained urinary pain. An Abdominal Ultrasound or another scan can show the stone’s position, swelling around the kidney and possible obstruction. Keep any scan report and note pain, urine changes, fever and vomiting.

Seek urgent help for severe pain that is not controlled, fever or chills with urinary symptoms, repeated vomiting, faintness, very little urine or Difficulty Passing Urine. A blocked and infected urinary system can become serious. Prompt assessment is also needed for a single kidney, pregnancy, known kidney disease or symptoms that are worsening.

Where is the stone, and is urine flow blocked? What pain relief is suitable for me? Should I filter my urine or arrange follow-up imaging? How much should I drink given my medical history?