Healthy Living

Kidney Stones: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

Dr. Sandeep Gupta

Dr. Sandeep Gupta, MBBS, MS, MCh (Urology)

August 01, 2026 • 7 Min Read

Kidney Stones: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

Kidney Stones: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

A sudden, sharp pain in your back or side.

Pain that spreads towards your lower abdomen.

A burning sensation while passing urine.

These are some of the most common signs of kidney stones, one of the leading urological conditions affecting adults today.

Kidney stones can develop silently over months or even years before causing symptoms. When they begin to move through the urinary tract, they can cause intense pain and may require immediate medical attention.

The good news is that kidney stones are highly treatable. With early diagnosis, modern laser stone surgery, and lifestyle changes, most people recover completely and can reduce the risk of future stones.

At BK Aditya Multispeciality Hospital, our experienced urologists in Kolkata provide comprehensive care for kidney stones using advanced diagnostic techniques and minimally invasive treatment options.

What Are Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside the kidneys.

Normally, urine contains chemicals that prevent crystals from sticking together. However, dehydration, dietary habits, metabolic disorders, and certain medical conditions can allow these crystals to grow into stones.

Kidney stones may remain inside the kidney or move into the ureter, causing severe pain and urinary symptoms.

What Causes Kidney Stones?

Several factors increase the risk of developing kidney stones.

Dehydration

Not drinking enough water is one of the most common causes of kidney stones.

Concentrated urine allows minerals to crystallize and form stones.

Diet High in Salt

Excess sodium increases calcium levels in the urine, increasing the risk of calcium stones.

Reducing salt intake is one of the simplest ways to lower your risk.

High Oxalate Foods

Frequent consumption of foods high in oxalates may contribute to stone formation in susceptible individuals.

Examples include:

  • Spinach
  • Beetroot
  • Chocolate
  • Nuts
  • Tea

Most people do not need to avoid these foods completely, but moderation may be advised based on your doctor's recommendations.

Family History

If a close family member has had kidney stones, your chances of developing them are higher.

Obesity & Lifestyle

Obesity, lack of physical activity, and poor dietary habits can increase the likelihood of kidney stone formation.

Certain Medical Conditions

Kidney stones are more common in people with:

  • Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
  • Gout
  • Hyperparathyroidism
  • Chronic dehydration
  • Certain metabolic disorders

Symptoms of Kidney Stones

Small kidney stones may not cause symptoms.

When a stone moves into the urinary tract, common symptoms include:

  • Severe pain in the back or side
  • Pain that radiates to the lower abdomen or groin
  • Burning sensation while urinating
  • Blood in the urine
  • Frequent urge to urinate
  • Difficulty passing urine
  • Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Fever and chills if infection is present

If you experience severe pain with fever or difficulty passing urine, seek immediate medical attention.

When Should You See a Urologist?

You should consult a urologist in Kolkata if you experience:

  • Severe or persistent flank pain
  • Blood in the urine
  • Recurrent urinary tract infections
  • Repeated kidney stone episodes
  • Difficulty passing urine
  • Fever with urinary symptoms
  • Persistent nausea or vomiting due to pain

Early diagnosis can prevent complications such as kidney infection, urinary obstruction, and kidney damage.

How Are Kidney Stones Diagnosed?

Your urologist may recommend:

  • Physical Examination
  • Urine Analysis
  • Blood Tests
  • Kidney Function Tests
  • Ultrasonography
  • X-ray
  • CT Scan (when required)

These investigations help determine the size, location, and type of kidney stone.

Treatment for Kidney Stones

Treatment depends on the size, location, and severity of symptoms.

Conservative Management

Small stones often pass naturally with:

  • Increased fluid intake
  • Pain relief medication
  • Medicines that help relax the urinary tract

Regular follow-up is important to monitor stone passage.

Laser Stone Surgery

Larger stones or stones causing severe pain may require laser stone surgery.

This minimally invasive procedure breaks the stone into tiny fragments, allowing them to pass naturally or be removed safely.

Benefits include:

  • No large surgical incision
  • Less pain
  • Faster recovery
  • Shorter hospital stay
  • High success rate

Endourology

Modern endourological procedures use specialized instruments inserted through the natural urinary passage to remove stones without major surgery.

These techniques are safe, effective, and commonly used for complex kidney stones.

How Can You Prevent Kidney Stones?

Many kidney stones can be prevented through simple lifestyle changes.

Drink Plenty of Water

Aim for enough water to keep your urine light yellow or nearly clear unless your doctor advises otherwise.

Good hydration remains the most effective prevention strategy.

Reduce Salt Intake

Limiting processed foods and excess table salt can reduce the risk of calcium stone formation.

Eat a Balanced Diet

A healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and adequate calcium supports kidney health.

Avoid excessive intake of processed foods and sugary beverages.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Obesity increases the risk of kidney stones.

Regular exercise and a balanced diet help lower that risk.

Don't Ignore Urinary Symptoms

Pain while passing urine, recurrent UTIs, or blood in the urine should always be evaluated promptly.

Early treatment helps prevent complications.

Can Kidney Stones Come Back?

Yes.

People who have had one kidney stone are at a higher risk of developing another.

Your doctor may recommend:

  • Dietary changes
  • Increased water intake
  • Regular follow-up
  • Urine and blood tests
  • Medication for certain stone types

Following your treatment plan significantly reduces recurrence.

Why Choose BK Aditya Multispeciality Hospital?

At BK Aditya Multispeciality Hospital, our Department of Urology provides comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for kidney stones and other urinary disorders.

Our services include:

  • Experienced Urologists
  • Kidney Stone Evaluation
  • Laser Stone Surgery
  • Endourology Procedures
  • Laparoscopic Urology
  • Prostate Care
  • Andrology Services
  • Modern Diagnostic Facilities
  • Personalized Treatment Plans

Whether you need treatment for kidney stones, urinary tract infections, enlarged prostate, or other urological conditions, our specialists are committed to providing advanced, patient-focused care using the latest minimally invasive techniques.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the first symptom of a kidney stone?

The most common first symptom is sudden, severe pain in the back or side that may spread towards the lower abdomen or groin.

Can kidney stones go away without surgery?

Yes. Small kidney stones often pass naturally with adequate hydration, medication, and medical supervision. Larger stones may require laser or endoscopic treatment.

How can I prevent kidney stones naturally?

Drink plenty of water, reduce excess salt intake, maintain a healthy weight, eat a balanced diet, and seek treatment for urinary infections or metabolic disorders.

When should I see a urologist for kidney stones?

Consult a urologist if you experience severe pain, blood in the urine, recurrent stones, fever, urinary obstruction, or symptoms that do not improve.

Conclusion

Kidney stones are painful, but they are also one of the most treatable urological conditions when diagnosed early.

Ignoring symptoms can increase the risk of infection, kidney damage, and repeated stone formation.

If you are experiencing back pain, blood in the urine, burning during urination, or recurrent kidney stones, consult an experienced urologist in Kolkata without delay.

At BK Aditya Multispeciality Hospital, we combine expert clinical care with advanced laser stone surgery, endourology, and personalized prevention strategies to help you recover quickly and protect your kidney health for the future.

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