Kidney stones are hard deposits of minerals and salts that form inside the kidneys and can cause severe pain as they pass. Many people have more than one episode, so understanding why stones form is key to preventing them. Dr. Satarupa Deb provides medical evaluation and prevention of kidney stones at Bombay Hospital, South Mumbai.
What Is Kidney Stone Disease?
Kidney stones form when substances in the urine, such as calcium, oxalate, uric acid or phosphate, become concentrated and crystallise. Stones may stay in the kidney without symptoms or move into the ureter, causing pain and sometimes blocking urine flow.
Stones are common in India, and hot, humid weather like Mumbai's, which causes fluid loss through sweat, may increase the risk. A nephrologist focuses on the medical side: identifying the cause and reducing the chance of new stones.
Once a person has had one stone, the chance of forming another in the future is significant. This is why a single episode is a good opportunity to review fluid intake, diet and any underlying medical conditions with your doctor.
Causes and Risk Factors
Several factors can make stones more likely:
- Not drinking enough fluids, and working in hot environments
- A diet high in salt, animal protein or oxalate-rich foods
- A family or personal history of stones
- Obesity, diabetes and gout
- Conditions such as hyperparathyroidism, renal tubular acidosis, inflammatory bowel disease or recurrent urinary infections
- Certain medicines and supplements
Symptoms
Small stones may pass unnoticed, while others cause sudden symptoms such as:
- Severe, colicky pain in the side or back that may spread to the lower abdomen or groin
- Blood in the urine
- Nausea and vomiting
- Frequent or painful urination
- Fever and chills, which may signal an infected, blocked kidney and need urgent care
Diagnosis and Metabolic Evaluation
Imaging confirms the stone, while further tests help find why it formed, especially in people with recurrent stones.
- Ultrasound or non-contrast CT scan of the kidneys, ureters and bladder
- Urine examination and culture
- Blood tests for creatinine, calcium, uric acid and electrolytes
- Analysis of a passed or removed stone
- 24-hour urine test for stone-forming substances in selected patients
Treatment and Prevention
Many small stones pass on their own with fluids and pain relief, and some medicines may help a stone in the ureter pass. Larger stones, stones causing blockage or infection, or those that do not pass may need a procedure by a urologist, such as shock wave lithotripsy, ureteroscopy or PCNL.
Prevention is tailored to your stone type and test results. General advice includes drinking enough water to pass plenty of pale urine through the day, reducing salt, moderating animal protein, maintaining normal dietary calcium rather than avoiding it, and limiting sugary drinks. Some people benefit from medicines that reduce stone formation.
When to See a Nephrologist
Consider a nephrologist review if you have had more than one stone, stones at a young age, stones in both kidneys, a strong family history, stones with reduced kidney function, or an underlying condition such as gout or hyperparathyroidism.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much water should I drink to prevent stones?
The goal is to produce enough urine to keep it light-coloured throughout the day. The amount varies with climate and activity, and needs are higher in Mumbai's heat. If you have heart or kidney disease, ask your doctor what is safe for you.
Should I stop eating calcium if I have calcium stones?
Usually not. Normal amounts of dietary calcium may actually help reduce stone risk by binding oxalate in the gut. Calcium supplements, however, should be discussed with your doctor.
Can kidney stones damage my kidneys?
Most stones do not cause lasting damage, but repeated stones, long-standing blockage or infection may affect kidney function over time. This is why prevention and follow-up are important.
Do I need a nephrologist or a urologist?
A urologist removes or breaks stones when needed, while a nephrologist investigates the underlying cause and helps prevent new stones. Many patients benefit from both.
Consult Dr. Satarupa Deb
If you have had kidney stones or keep getting them, book a consultation with Dr. Satarupa Deb at Bombay Hospital, South Mumbai, for evaluation and a prevention plan.
This page is for general information only and is not a substitute for a medical consultation. Please consult a qualified doctor for diagnosis and treatment.