Kidney stones
Kidney stones cause severe pain that spreads from the loin to the groin, due to a stone that blocks the flow of urine from the kidneys to the bladder.
Vomiting and sweating are usually associated with the pain and you may strain to pass small amounts of urine.
Sometimes the urine may be blood stained. The pain eventually stops when the stone passes out of your body, through your urine.
In most cases this happens without medical intervention.
Once you have had a kidney stone it may reoccur.
Home care
These tips can help ease any pain and prevent developing kidney stones in the future.
Do:
- drink plenty of water
- take medications as prescribed
- exercise regularly
- eat a balanced diet
- reduce your salt intake
- use the toilet when the urge is present
- attend follow up appointments.
Do not:
- drink alcohol as this increases the risk to form kidney stones
- be inactive as this increases the risk of kidney stones.
What to expect
Once the stone passes out of your body the pain will subside.
People who have had one kidney stone are at risk of developing them again. Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, reducing alcohol intake and stopping smoking are advised.
See your family GP or go to an emergency department if any of the following develop
- severe pain that is unrelieved by painkillers
- inability to pass urine
- severe stinging/burning sensation when passing urine
- fever
- blood in the urine which is not clearing.
Where to get help
This publication is provided for education and information purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical care. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your healthcare professional. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users should seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional for a diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.