Smoking and kidney stones: what should you know?

Kidney stones form when substances in urine become concentrated and crystallise. Smoking is not a simple explanation for every stone, but tobacco exposure can affect circulation and kidney function, while dehydration can make urine more concentrated. Kidney stones may cause severe, wave-like [Flank Pain](/symptoms/flank-pain/), abdominal pain, blood in the urine, nausea, or [Painful Urination](/symptoms/painful-urination/). A symptom does not identify a stone on its own.

Tell your GP about smoking, previous stones, medicines, dietary habits, and how much fluid you usually drink. Unless a clinician has limited your fluids, drink regularly so your urine is not consistently dark; increase fluids carefully if vomiting or diarrhoea is present. Do not rely on smoking as a way to manage pain. A [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/) can review symptoms and urine testing. Depending on the situation, an [Abdominal Ultrasound](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/abdominal-ultrasound/) may help look for obstruction. Support to stop smoking can protect kidney and cardiovascular health.

Seek urgent medical assessment for severe or uncontrolled pain, fever or chills with urinary symptoms, repeated vomiting, inability to pass urine, fainting, or feeling very unwell. A blocked urinary passage with infection can become dangerous. Promptly report worsening [Difficulty Passing Urine](/symptoms/difficulty-passing-urine/), persistent blood in urine, or pain that does not settle. [Dehydration](/conditions/dehydration/) can develop when fluids cannot be kept down.

Ask whether your symptoms need urine tests or imaging, how much fluid is appropriate for you, which foods or medicines may affect stone risk, and how to manage pain safely. Ask for a practical stop-smoking plan and what symptoms should trigger emergency care.