Kidney stones happen when waste products in the blood form crystals that build up in the kidneys.
Kidney stones are common and can happen at any age. But they happen most often in people age 30 to 60.
The medical term for kidney stones is nephrolithiasis. If kidney stones cause severe pain, it's called renal colic.
Symptoms of kidney stones
Small kidney stones may not cause symptoms. They may pass out of your body when you pee.
Larger stones may block part of the urinary system, such as the:
- ureter, the tube that connects the kidney to the bladder
- urethra, the tube where pee leaves your body - this is rare
A blockage can cause severe pain in the abdomen or groin. It can sometimes cause a urinary tract infection (UTI).
Causes of kidney stones
Waste products in the blood can form crystals that collect inside the kidneys. Over time, the crystals may build up to form a hard stone-like lump.
This is more likely to happen if you:
- do not drink enough fluids
- take certain types of medicines
- have a condition that raises the levels of certain substances in your pee
Treatment of kidney stones
Most kidney stones are small enough to pass out in your pee. It may be possible to treat the symptoms at home with medicines.
You may need treatment in hospital in some cases, such as:
- ultrasound or laser treatment to break up larger stones
- keyhole surgery to remove very large kidney stones
Preventing kidney stones
To avoid getting kidney stones, drink plenty of water every day so you do not become dehydrated. Drinking enough water keeps your pee diluted (clear). This stops waste products from forming into kidney stones.
If you had kidney stones, you are more likely to get them again. Around 1 in 2 people who have kidney stones get them again within 5 years.
The kidneys
The kidneys are 2 bean-shaped organs that are around 10cm (4 inches) long. They are just below your ribcage on either side of the spine.
The kidneys remove waste products from the blood. The clean blood goes back into the body. The waste products leave the body in your pee.
Content supplied by the NHS and adapted for Ireland by the HSE
