ConseilsKidney stones and renal colic: symptoms, treatment and prevention
Sudden back pain, nausea, blood in the urine… How to recognise renal colic, when to go to the emergency department, which treatments exist and how to stop stones coming back.
Where do stones form and why do they hurt so much?
The kidneys filter the blood and make urine, which flows down to the bladder through two thin tubes only a few millimetres wide: the ureters. A stone forms in the kidney when some substances in the urine are too concentrated and crystallise.
While it stays in the kidney, a stone often goes unnoticed. When it moves into the ureter, it can block the urine: the kidney swells and the pressure causes the very intense pain of renal colic.
In the diagram: A stone in the kidney · B stone stuck in the ureter, swollen kidney
1 Kidney · 2 Ureter · 3 Bladder · 4 Stone
How do I recognise renal colic?
Very intense pain in the lower back or flank radiating to the lower abdomen, sometimes with nausea or blood in the urine. Fever requires urgent care.
How are stones treated?
Many small stones pass on their own. Larger stones can be treated with several techniques depending on size and location; the urologist chooses the most suitable one.
How can I prevent new stones?
Drinking enough water, especially in hot weather, limiting salt and having a metabolic work-up greatly reduce the risk of recurrence.
When should you see a doctor?
These signs should prompt a visit to a urologist:
- Sudden, severe pain in the back or side (renal colic)
- Pain spreading to the lower abdomen or groin
- Blood in the urine
- Nausea or vomiting
- Frequent urge and burning when urinating
- Fever together with pain: this is an emergency
How is it diagnosed?
History & examination
The type of pain, any previous stones, diet and fluid intake.
Lab tests
Urine tests and a blood test to check kidney function.
Imaging
Ultrasound and often a non-contrast CT scan to see the size and position of the stone.
Stone analysis
When the stone is recovered, its analysis guides prevention.
Treatment options
Treatment is chosen together with you, based on the cause, how severe the symptoms are and what matters to you.
Natural passage
Small stones often pass on their own, with pain relief and good hydration.
Medication
Pain relief, medicines that help the stone pass and, for some stone types, dissolution therapy.
Shock-wave lithotripsy
Shock waves break up the stone through the skin, without an incision.
Ureteroscopy & surgery
Laser fragmentation through the natural passages, or percutaneous surgery for large kidney stones.
Everyday advice
- Drink 2 to 2.5 litres of water a day, more in summer
- Cut down on salt and salty foods
- Eat red and processed meat in moderation
- Don't cut out dairy products without medical advice
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Learn moreThe information on this website is for general information only and does not replace a medical consultation.