Kidney stones are hard mineral and salt deposits that form inside your kidneys when urine becomes too concentrated. These stones vary in size, from as small as a grain of sand to as large as a golf ball. While smaller stones often pass through urine unnoticed, larger ones may block urinary flow, causing intense kidney stone pain, infection, or even kidney damage if left untreated.
Kidney stone disease occurs when hard, crystal-like deposits form inside the kidneys. These stones develop from minerals and salts that concentrate in the urine, usually when the body is dehydrated or when certain substances build up to high levels. A stone may remain in the kidney without causing trouble, or it may travel down the urinary tract; often leading to sudden, intense pain. While kidney stones can be extremely painful, they are common and highly treatable. With timely care, most people recover well and can prevent future stones.
Identifying the types of kidney stones is crucial for effective treatment and recurrence prevention.
Most common type (75% of cases)
More common in men
Infection-related stones
Rare inherited disorder
Understanding the root causes helps in both treatment and long-term prevention
The leading cause. Inadequate water intake concentrates urine and promotes crystal formation.
High intake of sodium, animal proteins, and oxalate-rich foods (spinach, nuts, chocolate) increases risk.
Weight gain can significantly raise your chances of kidney stone formation.
Including urinary tract infections (UTIs), gout, hyperparathyroidism, and digestive diseases like Crohn's disease.
Diuretics, calcium-based antacids, and excessive vitamin D supplements can increase stone risk.
Genetic predisposition significantly increases the likelihood of kidney stone formation.
You might not notice anything until the stone moves. When it does, it can trigger symptoms that are hard to ignore.
Cramping pain in the back, side, lower abdomen, or groin
Blood in urine (hematuria), making urine pink, red, or brown
Frequent and urgent need to urinate
Frequent anwhich may suggest an infection and require urgent cared urgent need to urinate
Nausea and vomiting
Pain or Burning sensation while urinating
Our advanced diagnostic methods ensure accurate detection and analysis
Comprehensive treatment options tailored to your condition
Often recommended for smaller stones that are likely to pass naturally:
If a stone is too large, causing blockage, or not passing on its own, minimally invasive treatments may be required:
All procedures at AINU Hospitals are performed by experienced urologists with the aid of advanced laser technology, ensuring faster recovery, minimal discomfort, and high success rates.
After treatment, our team focuses on prevention with a personalized plan
AINU's dietitians and urologists work closely to create tailored preventive care plans. Prevention is especially important for those prone to recurrence.
Meet Our Expert Doctors
Managing Director, Chief Consultant Urologist & Robotic Surgeon
Executive Director & Chief Consultant Urologist, Uro-Oncologist
Consultant Urologist
Director Robotic & Minimal Access Urological Surgery
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about urological care, treatments, and our services.
Kidney stones are hard, crystalline mineral deposits that form inside the kidneys. They develop when certain substances in the urine, like calcium, oxalate, and uric acid, become concentrated and crystallize. These stones can vary in size, from tiny grains to larger stones that may block the urinary tract and cause discomfort
Kidney stones form due to a combination of factors including dehydration, high intake of certain minerals (like calcium or oxalate), dietary habits, obesity, certain medical conditions, and genetic predisposition. When urine becomes too concentrated, minerals stick together and form stones. Lack of fluids and specific dietary choices are common causes.
Common symptoms include severe pain in the back or side (often called renal colic), pain during urination, frequent urge to urinate, blood in the urine (hematuria), nausea, vomiting, and cloudy or foul-smelling urine. Sometimes, small stones may pass without symptoms, but larger stones can cause intense discomfort.
Diagnosis typically involves a detailed medical history and physical examination, followed by imaging tests such as ultrasound, X-rays, or CT scans to locate and measure the stones. Urine and blood tests may also be done to check for infections or underlying causes.
Treatment depends on the stone size, location, and symptoms. Small stones often pass naturally with increased hydration and pain management. Larger stones or stones causing blockage may require medical procedures like extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), ureteroscopy, or percutaneous nephrolithotomy.
Passing a kidney stone can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the stone’s size and location. Smaller stones (less than 5mm) typically pass within days with proper hydration, while larger stones may require medical intervention
Some discomfort or pain is common during stone passage or certain treatments. Our hospital uses advanced pain management techniques to minimize discomfort. Procedures like ESWL or ureteroscopy are generally well-tolerated with minimal pain, and recovery times are quick.
revention includes drinking plenty of water daily to keep urine diluted, reducing salt and oxalate-rich foods, limiting animal protein, and maintaining a balanced diet. Your doctor may also recommend specific medications if you are prone to recurrent stones.
Seek medical attention if you experience severe pain that doesn’t improve with painkillers, blood in urine, fever and chills (which may indicate infection), difficulty urinating, or if you have a history of kidney stones and symptoms return. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications.
