Can Tums help with kidney stones?

Tums is designed to neutralise acid in the stomach. Kidney stones are solid mineral deposits in the urinary system, so an antacid does not break them down or move them through the urinary tract.

A stone can cause severe flank or abdominal pain, painful urination, or difficulty passing urine. Dehydration can contribute to stone formation, but symptoms alone cannot show a stone's size, position, or whether urine flow is blocked.

Arrange a GP consultation if you have suspected stone pain, especially if it is new, severe, or recurring. Assessment may include questions, an examination, urine testing, and imaging such as an abdominal ultrasound.

Drink fluids according to clinical advice, unless a clinician has told you to restrict them. Do not force large amounts when you are vomiting or when urine flow seems blocked. Keep any passed stone if a clinician asks for it to be examined.

Seek urgent care for fever or chills with flank pain, inability to pass urine, repeated vomiting, faintness, or pain that is severe and not settling. A blocked urinary tract with infection can become dangerous.

Contact a clinician promptly for blood in the urine, painful urination, worsening abdominal pain, or symptoms that continue despite initial advice.

Ask whether imaging is needed, how to control pain safely with your other medicines, how much fluid is appropriate, and whether the stone needs specialist treatment.