Kidney Stones: Symptoms, Causes, Prevention and Treatment
Updated: 24 October 2026
Kidney stones are hard deposits that form in the kidneys when certain substances in urine become concentrated and form crystals.
Some kidney stones are small enough to pass without causing noticeable symptoms. Others can cause significant pain and may require medical treatment.
Understanding their symptoms, causes and prevention can help people recognise when to seek medical advice.
What Are Kidney Stones?
The kidneys filter waste products and excess water from the blood to produce urine.
Kidney stones form when substances such as calcium, oxalate or uric acid crystallise and accumulate.
Stones vary in size and composition. Some remain inside a kidney, while others travel into the ureter, the tube connecting a kidney to the bladder.
A stone that obstructs urine flow can cause severe pain and may require urgent medical attention.
Common Symptoms of Kidney Stones
Symptoms may include:
- Severe pain in the side of the abdomen or lower back.
- Pain spreading towards the groin.
- Pain that comes and goes in waves.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Blood in the urine.
- Frequent or painful urination.
- Cloudy urine.
- Fever or shivering, particularly if an infection is present.
Small stones do not always cause symptoms.
Seek urgent medical advice through NHS 111 or an urgent GP appointment if you suspect kidney stones and experience severe pain, fever or shivering. A serious emergency may require calling 999.
What Causes Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones develop when certain minerals and other substances become concentrated in the urine.
Factors that can increase the risk include:
- Not drinking enough fluids.
- Previous kidney stones.
- A family history of kidney stones.
- Certain medical conditions.
- Some medicines.
- Particular dietary habits, depending on the type of stone.
There are different types of kidney stones, including calcium-based and uric acid stones. Prevention advice may vary according to the type.
How Are Kidney Stones Diagnosed?
A healthcare professional may assess your symptoms, medical history and medicines.
Depending on the circumstances, investigations may include:
- Urine tests.
- Blood tests.
- Ultrasound examinations.
- CT scans.
Identifying the type of stone can also help guide prevention and treatment.
How Are Kidney Stones Treated?
Treatment depends on the stone’s size, location, symptoms and whether complications are present.
Smaller stones may pass naturally, sometimes with prescribed pain relief and medicines to manage symptoms or help a stone pass.
Larger or obstructing stones may require hospital procedures, including shock-wave lithotripsy or surgical removal.
You should seek professional assessment rather than attempting to treat a suspected kidney stone with unverified remedies.
Reducing the Risk of Kidney Stones
The NHS recommends several measures that may help reduce the risk of kidney stones.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking sufficient water helps prevent urine from becoming too concentrated.
The NHS generally recommends around 2.5–3 litres of water daily for adults seeking to prevent kidney stones, but individual requirements vary. Follow personalised medical advice if you have a condition requiring fluid restriction.
Reduce Excess Salt
A high-salt diet can increase the risk of certain stones.
Adults are generally advised to consume less than 6 grams of salt per day.
Maintain a Balanced Diet
Eat a varied, balanced diet. Do not unnecessarily remove calcium-containing foods, because adequate dietary calcium remains important.
Some people need more specific dietary changes depending on the type of stone they have experienced.
Lemon and Citrus
The NHS suggests adding fresh lemon juice to water as one possible measure within a kidney-stone prevention routine.
Lemon water should not be regarded as a treatment for an existing obstructing stone.
Follow Medical Advice
If you have experienced kidney stones before, a healthcare professional may recommend further tests, dietary guidance or medicines to reduce the risk of recurrence.
What About Traditional Herbal Remedies?
Some herbs and preparations have a history of use in traditional systems such as Ayurveda.
However, traditional use does not establish that a preparation can safely dissolve, remove or prevent kidney stones.
Herbal products may also have side effects, contain ingredients unsuitable for some individuals or interact with prescribed medicines.
Anyone with suspected kidney stones, an existing kidney condition or ongoing medication should seek advice from an appropriate healthcare professional before considering herbal preparations.
Do not delay necessary medical assessment or replace prescribed treatment with an unverified remedy.
When Should You Seek Help?
Arrange an urgent GP appointment or contact NHS 111 if you suspect kidney stones and have severe pain, a high temperature or shivering.
Seek emergency assistance for life-threatening symptoms.
For more detailed information, visit the NHS:
NHS — Kidney Stones:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/kidney-stones/
About This Article
TaraHerbal provides this article as general educational information about kidney stones and prevention.
It is not a medical diagnosis, treatment recommendation or endorsement of any herbal product as a treatment for kidney stones.
For personal medical advice, consult your GP, pharmacist or another suitably qualified healthcare professional.