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Probable Kidney Stones

Date issued: December 2022 

Review date: December 2024

Ref: A-528/NB/ED/Probable Kidney Stones

PDF:  Kidney Stones Probable final December 2022.pdf [pdf] 119KB

What are kidney stones and what causes them?

They are stones which lie between the kidney and the outside world.  They are usually small (less than 6mm in diameter) but can be bigger.

There is a variety of causes including dehydration, the presence of excess stone-forming substances in urine, long-standing infection, and anatomical abnormalities.  In 5-10% of cases no one cause can be identified.

Approximately 0.5% of the UK population attends GP surgeries or Emergency Departments every year with pain from kidney stones.  The condition is more common in men than women.

The pain associated with kidney stones is called ureteric or renal colic.  This reflects spasm of the ureter, which carries urine from the kidneys to the bladder.

The pain can be very severe and require significant amounts of painkillers.  However, often the pain either isn’t as bad or suddenly goes away.  This may be because the stone has moved from the ureter into the bladder or has left the body in the stream of urine.

So, have I got kidney stones?

We are not 100% sure.  The symptoms that you have described would be suggestive of kidney stones, most people have pain between the back and the groin on one side.  This is usually associated with microscopic amounts of blood in your urine.  However, your symptoms may be caused by something else.

What has happened so far?

Whilst you have been in the Emergency Department, you have: received pain relief

  • Been assessed both by nursing and medical staff

  • Had some blood tests taken

  • Had a urine sample taken

Your symptoms have now settled and, following the review of your results, we feel it is safe for you to go home. 

What next?

We would strongly suggest you make an appointment with your General Practitioner (GP) to discuss your symptoms as more tests may need to be done. 

What can I do in the meantime?

There are several things you can do:

  • Hydration: many stones are caused by dehydration.  Unless you have been advised otherwise, we would recommend drinking 3 litres of clear fluid daily (this excludes caffeinated drinks such as tea, coffee, and some fizzy drinks).

  • Painkillers: paracetamol and anti-inflammatory medication (such as ibuprofen) are very effective in stone pain.  Both can be bought in supermarkets or pharmacies and many brands are available.  Ask your GP or pharmacist for advice.

If your symptoms return, then please come back to the Emergency Department for further investigation and treatment.

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