What to expect from a GP consultation for kidney stones

The GP may ask where the pain began, whether it moves towards the groin, how severe and intermittent it is, and whether you have nausea or vomiting. Tell them about burning urine, blood in the urine, urinary frequency, fever, chills, or difficulty passing urine. They may examine your abdomen and back and check your general condition.

A urine sample can help look for blood or infection, and blood tests may assess kidney function or inflammation. Depending on your symptoms, the GP may arrange imaging or refer you for further assessment. The aim is to distinguish a stone from infection or another cause of pain.

Write down when the pain started, its location, whether it comes in waves, and any urinary changes. Bring a list of medicines and mention previous stones or kidney problems. Follow the GP's advice about fluids and pain relief; do not force large amounts of fluid if you are vomiting or cannot pass urine. If a stone is passed, ask whether it should be kept for assessment.

Seek urgent medical help for severe or uncontrolled pain, fever or chills with suspected stone symptoms, repeated vomiting, confusion, faintness, or inability to pass urine. Infection behind a blockage can become serious. New severe flank pain with a single functioning kidney, pregnancy, or known kidney disease also warrants prompt medical advice.

Ask whether your symptoms could be caused by a stone, what tests are needed, how to use pain relief safely, and which symptoms mean you should attend urgently. Ask how follow-up will confirm that the stone has passed and how future stones may be reduced.