Kidney Stones: Warning Signs You Should Not Ignore
Kidney stones are a common urinary health problem that can affect people of different age groups. Some stones remain small and may pass through the urinary tract with minimal discomfort, while others can become lodged in the ureter, obstruct urine flow and cause severe pain. Recognising the symptoms early is important because an untreated obstructing stone, particularly when associated with infection, may lead to complications. Patients looking for Kidney Stone Treatment In Pune should seek an appropriate medical evaluation to understand the stone’s size, location and its effect on the urinary system before deciding on treatment. Dr. Rakshit Ahuja provides evaluation and management for kidney stones and other urological conditions based on individual clinical requirements. What Exactly Is a Kidney Stone? Kidney stones are hard deposits that develop when certain substances present in urine become concentrated and form crystals. Over time, these crystals can grow into stones of different sizes and compositions. Calcium stones are among the most common, but other types include uric acid, struvite and cystine stones. Identifying the type of stone may be particularly useful in people who experience recurrent episodes. A kidney stone may remain inside the kidney without producing significant symptoms. Problems commonly begin when it moves from the kidney into the ureter—the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder. Common Warning Signs of Kidney Stones The symptoms depend on the stone’s size, location and whether it is causing obstruction or infection. One of the most characteristic symptoms is sudden, intense flank pain. The pain may be felt in the back or side, below the ribs, and can sometimes travel toward the lower abdomen or groin. Other possible symptoms include: Severe pain in the back or side Burning sensation while urinating Blood in the urine Frequent or urgent need to urinate Nausea or vomiting Pain that comes and goes in waves Cloudy or unusually smelling urine Fever or chills when infection is present Not everyone with these symptoms necessarily has a kidney stone. Urinary tract infections and other urological conditions can cause similar complaints, which is why an accurate diagnosis matters. Is Blood in the Urine a Sign of Kidney Stones? Kidney stones can irritate the lining of the urinary tract and cause blood in the urine, medically known as haematuria. The urine may appear pink, red or brown, although sometimes blood is present only in microscopic amounts and is detected during a urine examination. Blood in urine should not automatically be assumed to be caused by stones. It can occur for several reasons and deserves medical assessment, particularly when persistent or recurrent. How Are Kidney Stones Diagnosed? A urologist usually begins with the patient’s symptoms, medical history and physical examination. Depending on the situation, additional investigations may be advised. A urine test can help identify blood, crystals or signs of infection. Blood tests may provide information about kidney function and certain substances associated with stone formation. Imaging is often important for determining the stone’s size and exact location. An ultrasound may be useful in selected situations, while a CT scan for kidney stones can provide detailed information when clinically appropriate. These investigations help determine whether the stone is likely to pass naturally or requires intervention. Do All Kidney Stones Need Surgery? No. Many kidney stones do not require surgery. Small stones may sometimes pass naturally with appropriate hydration, symptom management and medical supervision. Certain medications may also be prescribed in selected cases to help facilitate stone passage. Treatment decisions depend on factors such as: Stone size and location Severity and persistence of symptoms Presence of urinary obstruction Kidney function Presence of infection Previous stone episodes Whether the stone is progressing through the urinary tract A personalised approach is therefore more appropriate than assuming every kidney stone requires the same treatment. What Treatments Are Available for Kidney Stones? When a stone is unlikely to pass naturally, causes persistent symptoms, obstructs urine flow or creates other concerns, a urologist may discuss an appropriate procedure. One option is ureteroscopy, in which a small endoscopic instrument is passed through the urinary tract to locate and treat the stone. Laser lithotripsy may be used during certain procedures to fragment stones into smaller pieces. For larger or more complex kidney stones, procedures such as PCNL (Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy) may be considered. Shock-wave treatment may also be suitable for selected stones depending on their size, location and other clinical factors. The most appropriate treatment is determined after medical assessment and imaging rather than by stone size alone. When Can a Kidney Stone Become an Emergency? A kidney stone deserves urgent medical attention when it is associated with symptoms suggesting infection or significant obstruction. Seek prompt medical care for severe or uncontrolled pain, fever with chills, persistent vomiting, difficulty passing urine, markedly reduced urine output or worsening weakness. A stone obstructing urine flow together with infection can become a medical emergency and may require urgent drainage and treatment. Waiting for the stone to pass naturally is not appropriate in every situation. Can Kidney Stones Come Back? Yes. Some people experience recurrent kidney stones, which makes prevention an important part of long-term management. Adequate fluid intake is one of the most important preventive measures for many patients. Dietary recommendations, however, should ideally be based on the type of stone and individual medical history. Depending on the situation, a doctor may recommend changes involving salt intake, dietary protein, calcium, oxalate-rich foods or other factors. Patients with repeated stone formation may require metabolic evaluation for kidney stones to identify possible underlying risk factors. Importantly, people should not drastically restrict dietary calcium without medical advice, as this may not prevent all types of stones and can sometimes be counterproductive. Consult Dr. Rakshit Ahuja for Urological Evaluation Persistent back or side pain, burning urination, blood in urine or recurrent urinary symptoms should not be ignored. The Google Business Profile Dr. Rakshit Ahuja can help patients find clinic information for consultation regarding kidney stones and other urological concerns. Evaluation by a qualified urologist can establish









