What are the first signs of kidney stones?

A stone can irritate the urinary tract or obstruct the flow of urine. Pain is often sudden, intense and gripping, and it may come in waves as the ureter tightens around the stone. It can begin in the side or back and travel toward the lower abdomen or groin. Some stones cause blood in urine or burning, while small stones may cause few symptoms until they move.

Dehydration can contribute to stone formation, but flank or abdominal pain has many possible causes. Symptoms alone cannot confirm a stone, so an assessment may include urine testing and imaging.

Arrange a GP consultation for new, persistent or severe flank or abdominal pain, especially if urine looks pink, red or brown, urination is painful, or you are struggling to pass urine. Keep drinking normally if you can, unless a clinician has given you a fluid restriction. Do not force large amounts of fluid during severe pain or vomiting.

A clinician can assess pain control, hydration, urine findings and whether the stone may pass or needs further treatment. Save any stone you pass if you are advised to do so, because analysis can help guide prevention.

Seek urgent help for severe uncontrolled pain, fever or chills, repeated vomiting, inability to pass urine, or feeling faint or very unwell. A blocked urinary tract with infection can become serious quickly. Seek advice promptly as well if you have one functioning kidney, are pregnant, or have known kidney disease.

Ask whether your symptoms need imaging, how pain should be managed, what signs suggest obstruction or infection, and whether testing the stone or urine could help reduce future episodes.