A small stone can stop life in its tracks.
You wake up and feel a dull ache at your side, which quickly sours into waves of excruciating pain so intense that you can’t sit, stand or think straight. For others, however, this is not the stuff of imagination, but rather of reality, and it’s called a kidney stone.
Kidney stones are not that well-known. While some resolve on their own, others can cause serious problems if not treated. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or you’re trying to understand symptoms, this extensive FAQ will answer the most common questions — and give you information to make informed decisions about your kidney health.
Common FAQs On Kidney Stones
1. What are kidney stones, exactly?
Kidney stones (or renal calculi) are hard crystals made of minerals and salts that can build up in your kidneys. These stones range from small sand-like grains to large, painful stones that may be blocking the urinary tract.
The type of kidney stone depends on its composition:
- Calcium Oxalate (most common)
- Uric Acid
- Struvite (often secondary to infection)
- Cystine (rare, genetic)
2. What causes kidney stones?
Kidney stones develop when your urine contains more crystal-forming substances — such as calcium, oxalate and uric acid — than the fluid in your urine can dilute.
Common causes include the following:
- Not drinking enough water
- Diet high in protein or high in salt
- Obesity and related metabolic disorders
- Some of the medications and supplements
- Family or personal history of stones in the kidney
3. What are the symptoms of a kidney stone?
Symptoms of a kidney stone vary, according to the size and location of the stone. Key signs include:
- Sharp, stabbing pain in the back, side, or lower abdomen (often severe)
- Pain during urination
- Pink, red, or brown urine (very bloody urine)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Increased number of times you need to pass urine or hindered flow of urine
- Fever or chills (from an infection)
Pro Tip: Intense and intermittent pain is a classic symptom of kidney stones traveling through the urinary system.
4. What’s the diagnosis for kidney stones?
Your doctor will start with a physical exam and medical history. Diagnostic tests may include:
Urinalysis to check for blood, infection, or crystals
Blood tests to see how much calcium or uric acid is in your blood
Ultrasonography or CT scan to determine stone number, size, and location
Or Stone analysis (if stone is passed) to establish composition
True diagnosis of kidney stone has to be based on CT scans today.
5. Is it possible for kidney stones to pass on their own?
Yes — but it depends on the size and location of the stone.
Stones from 3mm to 10mm or bigger often need medical or surgical management
While this happens, you can manage pain, drink more water and keep moving, which can help to encourage passage.
6. Which are the remedies for kidney stones?
There are surgical and non-invasive treatments.
Non-surgical treatments for 1mm-2mm stones:
- Increased fluid intake
- Pain relievers
- Drugs that cause the ureter muscles to relax (Tamsulosin, for example)
Less invasive operations:
- RIRS (retrograde intrarenal surgery) : A new, endoscopic treatment, not requiring any incision. Ideal for mid-sized stones.
- ESWL (Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy): Sound waves are used to shatter the stones into small pieces that can be passed.
- Ureteroscopy (URS): A thin scope is inserted through the urethra and bladder into the ureter to directly remove or pulverize the stone.
- Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL): For large/complex stones; an incision is made on the back.
7. What is RIRS and why is it so popular?
What is RIRS (Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery) RIRS is a state-of-the-art, minimally invasive procedure that is used to remove kidney stones in the kidney or the upper ureter.
Advantages of RIRS:
- No incisions or stitches
- Short recovery time
- High success rate
- No-minor Safe for those ineligible for open surgery
Stones are broken up and removed as pulverized dust using a flexible ureteroscope and laser strike — though this is intended for those with small kidneys or repeat stone formers.
8. Can kidney stones come back?
Unfortunately, yes. By 5–10 years, about 50% of patients will have formed a second stone.
Preventive steps include:
- Drinking 2.5 to 3 liters of water per day
- Cutting salt and animal protein
- Restricting foods high in oxalates (e.g. spinach, nuts)
- Staying physically active
- Frequent check-ins with a urologist
Your doctor may also prescribe medication, such as potassium citrate or thiazide diuretics, depending on the type of stone.
When do I need to see a specialist?
If you said yes to any of the given, it’s time to see a urologist.
- You have severe or continued pain
- You suffer from chronic bladder or urine infection
- There is visible blood in your urine
- You’re unable to pass the stone
- you have a history of repeated kidney stones
With early consultations, complications like kidney injuries or infections can be avoided.
Conclusion: You Can Trust Our Expert care
Sure, kidney stones can be common, but that doesn’t make passing them any less painful — or any less of a serious health issue. If not treated, they can become infected, blocked, and can even cause permanent kidney damage. The good news? Treatment has come a long way — and you don’t have to endure painful procedures or be unsure of how things will turn out.
If you need expert help, Dr.Deepanshu Gupta at CureStone is one of the best kidney stone specialists in Gurgaon & Delhi NCR and can be reached out for the treatment. He has done the most number of successful RIRS in the country and has provided the most effective and comfortable treatment for kidney stones for the patients.
With a killer combination of experience and talent, he’s dedicated to providing his patients with unparalleled recovery and convenience, at a low faire that can’t be beat.
Do not wait for the pain to get worse.
Contact Dr. Deepanshu Gupta today and get started on the path to relief.