Kidney Stones: symptoms, causes & treatment in Nigeria
Also known as renal stones, stone in the kidney.
This page is general health information, not a diagnosis. Always consult a licensed clinician about your own health.
Overview
Kidney stones are hard mineral deposits that form in the kidneys and can cause excruciating waves of pain when they move into the urine passage — often radiating from the back around to the groin. Low water intake in a hot climate is a major contributor. Small stones usually pass on their own; bigger ones need procedures.
Symptoms
Severe cramping pain in the back or side, coming in waves
Pain radiating to the lower abdomen and groin
Blood in the urine (pink, red or tea-coloured)
Nausea and vomiting
Burning urination or frequent urges
Fever and chills if infection sets in
Causes & risk factors
Low fluid intake and dehydration in hot weather
Diets very high in salt or animal protein
Family history of stones
Recurrent urinary infections
Gout and certain metabolic conditions
Treatment & self-care
Small stones often pass with generous fluids and prescribed pain relief, sometimes helped by a tablet that relaxes the passage; larger or stuck stones are broken up or removed with modern procedures rather than open surgery in most cases. Drinking enough water to keep urine pale — especially in hot seasons — and moderating salt prevent recurrence. A stone with fever is an emergency.
See a doctor urgently if
Severe pain not controlled by ordinary pain relief
Pain with fever or chills — emergency
Blood in the urine
Inability to pass urine, or vomiting everything
Repeated stone episodes
Frequently asked questions
What are the first signs of Kidney Stones?
Early signs often include severe cramping pain in the back or side, coming in waves, pain radiating to the lower abdomen and groin, blood in the urine (pink, red or tea-coloured). Symptoms vary from person to person, so a proper assessment by a doctor is the only way to be sure.
Can Kidney Stones be treated?
Small stones often pass with generous fluids and prescribed pain relief, sometimes helped by a tablet that relaxes the passage; larger or stuck stones are broken up or removed with modern procedures rather than open surgery in most cases. Drinking enough water to keep urine pale — especially in hot seasons — and moderating salt prevent recurrence. A stone with fever is an emergency.
When should I see a doctor about Kidney Stones?
See a doctor promptly if you notice: severe pain not controlled by ordinary pain relief; pain with fever or chills — emergency; blood in the urine; inability to pass urine, or vomiting everything; repeated stone episodes.