A kidney stone is a hard deposit that develops when certain substances in urine become concentrated and form crystals. Stones can develop in one or both kidneys and may remain there without causing symptoms or move into the ureter and interfere with urine flow.

The two questions patients commonly ask are:

“Why did I get a kidney stone?” and “How can it be treated?”

There is no single cause or treatment that applies to every stone.

Kidney stone formation can be influenced by hydration, urine chemistry, diet, inherited conditions, metabolic disorders, infections, medications and other health factors. Treatment, meanwhile, depends largely on the stone's size, location, composition, symptoms and effect on urinary drainage.

At Prabhakar Bhurke Clinic, Dr. Sandip Prabhakar Bhurke, super specialist nephrologist and transplant physician, provides kidney evaluation and individualized management for patients with kidney stones and associated kidney-function concerns.

The Main Types of Kidney Stones

Understanding the stone type can be important because the reason it formed and the approach to preventing another stone may differ.

Calcium Stones

Calcium stones are the most common type and can contain calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate.

They can be associated with increased urinary calcium, oxalate or other changes in urine chemistry.

Uric Acid Stones

These stones can form when urine is too acidic and may be associated with high uric acid production or certain dietary and metabolic factors.

Struvite Stones

Struvite stones are associated with certain urinary infections and can sometimes grow rapidly.

Cystine Stones

Cystine stones occur because of an inherited condition called cystinuria, which causes excess cystine to enter the urine.

Because stone composition affects prevention, stone analysis can be valuable when a stone is recovered.

Common Causes of Kidney Stones

Kidney stones usually develop through a combination of factors rather than one isolated cause.

Not Drinking Enough Fluid

When urine becomes concentrated, minerals that can form crystals are more likely to accumulate.

Low urine volume is therefore an important risk factor for stone formation.

High Levels of Stone-Forming Minerals

Elevated urinary concentrations of substances such as calcium, oxalate and uric acid can contribute to stone formation.

High Salt Intake

A diet high in sodium can increase the risk of some calcium stones.

Reducing excessive dietary sodium can be part of a prevention strategy, particularly for people with recurrent calcium stones.

Dietary Factors

Dietary patterns involving excessive animal protein, sodium or particular stone-forming substances may increase risk in susceptible individuals.

However, dietary advice should be based on the type of stone and the patient's overall health rather than following a generic “kidney stone diet.”

Family History

Some people are genetically more likely to develop kidney stones.

Inherited disorders such as cystinuria can directly increase stone formation.

Obesity and Metabolic Conditions

Being overweight and having certain metabolic conditions can increase the likelihood of developing stones.

Recurrent Urinary Infections

Certain infections can contribute to the formation of struvite stones.

Medical Conditions

Kidney stone risk can be increased by conditions such as:

• Hyperparathyroidism

• Gout

• Hypercalciuria

• Hyperoxaluria

• Cystinuria

• Renal tubular acidosis

• Certain bowel disorders

• Some cystic kidney diseases

Certain Medicines

Some medicines can increase the risk of kidney stones in susceptible individuals. Examples include certain diuretics, calcium-containing medicines or supplements, and some medications such as topiramate.

Never stop a prescribed medicine simply because you suspect it may be contributing to stones. Discuss the issue with your doctor.

What Symptoms Can Kidney Stones Cause?

A kidney stone may cause no symptoms if it remains in the kidney and does not obstruct urine flow.

Symptoms may appear when a stone moves or becomes lodged in the urinary tract.

Possible symptoms include:

• Sudden sharp pain in the side or back

• Pain extending toward the lower abdomen or groin

• Blood in the urine

• Pain during urination

• Frequent or urgent urination

• Difficulty passing urine

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Cloudy or unpleasant-smelling urine

Pain may come in waves and can change location as the stone moves through the ureter.

Does the Size of a Kidney Stone Matter?

Yes.

Stone size influences the likelihood of spontaneous passage and helps determine whether active treatment should be considered.

A smaller stone may pass without a procedure, whereas a larger stone is more likely to become stuck and obstruct urine flow.

However, size is not the only consideration.

Doctors also evaluate:

• Stone location

• Number of stones

• Stone composition or density

• Urinary obstruction

• Infection

• Pain severity and persistence

• Kidney function

• Patient's overall health

How Are Kidney Stones Diagnosed?

Diagnosis usually combines symptoms, medical history, urine or blood testing and imaging.

Urine Examination

A urine test can help identify:

• Blood

• White blood cells

• Bacteria

• Crystals

• Other abnormalities

Urine testing may also provide clues about the conditions contributing to stone formation.

Blood Tests

Depending on the clinical situation, doctors may check:

• Creatinine

• Kidney function

• Calcium

• Uric acid

• Electrolytes

• Blood count

These tests can help identify complications or metabolic factors associated with stone formation.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound can identify many stones and may show urinary obstruction or swelling of the kidney.

CT Scan

When detailed information is required, a non-contrast CT scan may help determine the stone's size, location, number and degree of obstruction.

The appropriate imaging test depends on the patient's symptoms and clinical circumstances.

Kidney Stone Treatment: What Are the Options?

Treatment is selected according to the individual stone rather than using the same approach for everyone.

Observation for Selected Small Stones

Some small stones can pass naturally.

A doctor may recommend observation with appropriate pain management and follow-up when spontaneous passage is considered reasonably likely and there are no concerning complications.

Medicines

Medicines may be used for:

• Pain control

• Nausea

• Selected cases to facilitate stone passage

• Prevention of future stones

The medicine depends on stone characteristics, location, kidney function and other health factors.

Some medicines can also be prescribed to reduce recurrence in people with particular stone types or metabolic abnormalities.

Shock Wave Lithotripsy

Shock wave lithotripsy (SWL or ESWL) uses externally generated shock waves to break a stone into smaller fragments.

Those fragments can then pass through the urinary tract.

Its suitability depends on factors such as stone size, location, composition and the patient's anatomy.

Ureteroscopy and Laser Treatment

During ureteroscopy, a thin instrument is passed through the urinary tract to reach the stone.

The stone can be removed or fragmented into smaller pieces, often using laser energy.

This approach can be used for stones in the ureter and kidney depending on their location and characteristics.

Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) involves accessing the kidney through a small tract made through the back.

A nephroscope is used to locate and remove or fragment the stone.

PCNL is particularly useful for larger or more complex renal stone burdens.

When Does a Kidney Stone Need Active Removal?

A stone may require a procedure when it:

• Has a low likelihood of passing naturally

• Causes persistent or severe symptoms

• Obstructs urine flow

• Contributes to infection

• Is associated with declining kidney function

• Continues to grow or creates significant stone burden

• Causes repeated complications

Large obstructing stones should not simply be managed with excessive water intake or home remedies.

Kidney Stone With Infection: Why It Needs Special Attention

A stone can sometimes obstruct the urinary tract while an infection is present.

This combination can become serious because infected urine may not drain normally.

Symptoms such as:

• Fever

• Chills

• Severe flank pain

• Vomiting

• Reduced urine output

• Feeling acutely unwell

require prompt medical assessment.

If urinary obstruction is contributing to a kidney infection, drainage of the blocked system may be necessary in addition to antibiotic treatment.

Can Kidney Stones Damage the Kidneys?

Many kidney stones do not cause permanent kidney damage when appropriately evaluated and treated.

However, complications can occur if a stone causes prolonged obstruction, recurrent infection or other significant urinary problems.

Untreated stones can be associated with severe pain, blood in the urine, urinary infections and, in some cases, loss of kidney function.

The risk depends on the stone and the patient's clinical condition.

Can Kidney Stones Be Treated Without Surgery?

Sometimes.

A small, uncomplicated stone may pass naturally with observation and appropriate medical management.

However, larger stones, persistent obstruction, recurrent complications or severe symptoms may require an active stone-removal procedure.

There is no universal tablet or home remedy that can safely eliminate every type of kidney stone.

Certain uric acid stones may sometimes be treated with medically supervised urine alkalinization, but this should be guided by a healthcare professional.

Does Drinking More Water Remove Kidney Stones?

Adequate fluid intake is important for preventing many kidney stones and may support passage of a small stone when appropriate.

However, drinking excessive amounts of water does not guarantee that a stone will pass.

If the urinary tract is significantly obstructed, forcing large quantities of fluid may increase discomfort and will not mechanically remove the blockage.

Fluid intake should also be individualized in people with kidney failure, heart disease or prescribed fluid restrictions.

How Can Kidney Stones Be Prevented?

Preventing another stone starts with understanding why the first stone formed.

Maintain Appropriate Fluid Intake

Adequate fluid helps dilute urine and reduce the concentration of stone-forming substances.

The ideal amount depends on the individual's health, climate, activity and urine output.

Reduce Excess Sodium

Lowering excessive salt intake can reduce urinary calcium in some people and may help prevent recurrent calcium stones.

Do Not Automatically Avoid Dietary Calcium

People with calcium stones should not assume that eliminating calcium from food is the solution.

Appropriate dietary calcium can actually help bind oxalate in the digestive tract. The recommended intake should be individualized.

Review Animal Protein Intake

Excessive animal protein can contribute to stone risk in some individuals, particularly those prone to uric acid or certain calcium stones.

Dietary changes should be tailored to the stone type rather than eliminating protein unnecessarily.

Consider Stone Analysis

If a stone is passed or removed, laboratory analysis can help determine its composition.

This information can guide future prevention.

Consider Metabolic Evaluation for Recurrent Stones

People with recurrent stones or selected high-risk features may benefit from additional urine testing, including a 24-hour urine evaluation.

This can identify abnormalities such as excessive urinary calcium, oxalate, uric acid or low citrate.

Can Kidney Stones Come Back After Treatment?

Yes.

Removing a stone treats the existing stone but does not necessarily remove the reason why stones formed.

A person who has already had a kidney stone may have an increased risk of developing another one.

Long-term prevention therefore deserves attention, particularly in people with recurrent stones.

Kidney Stone Treatment at Prabhakar Bhurke Clinic

At Prabhakar Bhurke Clinic, Dr. Sandip Prabhakar Bhurke, super specialist nephrologist and transplant physician, provides individualized kidney evaluation for patients with kidney stones and related kidney-function concerns.

Depending on the patient's condition, care may include:

• Review of stone-related symptoms

• Kidney-function assessment

• Creatinine and eGFR evaluation

• Urine examination

• Review of ultrasound or CT findings

• Assessment of urinary obstruction

• Evaluation of recurrent urinary infections

• Metabolic risk assessment

• Prevention planning for recurrent stones

• Medical management of associated kidney conditions

• Coordination with an appropriate urological specialist when stone removal is required

The treatment pathway is selected according to the stone's characteristics and the patient's overall health.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main causes of kidney stones?

Common contributors include concentrated urine, high urinary levels of calcium, oxalate or uric acid, low fluid intake, high sodium intake, certain dietary patterns, inherited conditions, recurrent urinary infections and some medical conditions or medicines.

What is the best treatment for kidney stones?

There is no single best treatment for every stone. Observation, medicines, SWL, ureteroscopy with laser treatment and PCNL may all be appropriate in different situations. Stone size, location, composition, obstruction and symptoms influence the choice.

Can a kidney stone go away on its own?

Some small stones can pass naturally. Larger or obstructing stones are less likely to pass and may require active treatment.

Can medicines dissolve kidney stones?

Most kidney stones cannot simply be dissolved with a general medicine. Certain uric acid stones may respond to medically supervised urine alkalinization. Preventive medicines may also be prescribed according to stone type and metabolic findings.

Is laser treatment effective for kidney stones?

Ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy can fragment and help remove selected kidney or ureteral stones. The suitability of the procedure depends on stone size, location and other clinical factors.

When is kidney stone surgery required?

Active removal may be recommended when a stone is unlikely to pass, causes persistent symptoms, obstructs urine flow, contributes to infection or threatens kidney function.

Can drinking water prevent kidney stones?

Adequate fluid intake can reduce the concentration of substances that form many kidney stones. The appropriate amount varies between individuals, particularly when kidney or heart disease is present.

Can kidney stones permanently damage the kidneys?

Many stones do not cause permanent damage when appropriately managed. Prolonged obstruction, recurrent infection and other complications can, however, affect kidney function.

Conclusion

Understanding kidney stones causes and treatment is important because stone disease is not the same for every patient. Stones can develop from concentrated urine, altered mineral levels, dietary and metabolic factors, infections, inherited conditions and other causes.

The treatment depends on the stone's size, location, composition, symptoms and whether it is blocking urine flow. Small uncomplicated stones may sometimes pass naturally, while persistent, large, obstructing or complicated stones may require SWL, ureteroscopy with laser treatment, PCNL or another appropriate procedure.

Long-term care should also address why the stone formed. Appropriate hydration, dietary adjustments, stone analysis and metabolic evaluation can help reduce the risk of recurrence.

If you have recurrent stones, severe pain, blood in the urine, difficulty passing urine or symptoms of infection, seek medical evaluation rather than relying solely on home remedies.

For individualized kidney evaluation and stone-related kidney care, consult Dr. Sandip Prabhakar Bhurke at Prabhakar Bhurke Clinic.

Medical Disclaimer

This article is intended for general educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical diagnosis, treatment or individualized medical advice. Kidney stones vary in type, size, location and clinical severity, so treatment must be selected according to the individual patient. Do not start stone medicines, antibiotics, painkillers, supplements or herbal remedies without professional guidance. Do not attempt to force an obstructing stone to pass by consuming excessive amounts of water. Fever, chills, severe or persistent pain, repeated vomiting, very little or no urine, confusion or rapidly worsening symptoms may indicate a serious complication requiring urgent medical assessment. Consult Dr. Sandip Prabhakar Bhurke or another qualified healthcare professional for personalized diagnosis and treatment.