KN
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Moderate severity
· General Physician
Kidney Stones
Renal calculi · Severe flank pain
Hard mineral deposits form in the kidneys and cause intense pain as they pass. Strongly linked to low water intake and hot climates.
At a glance
- Prevalence
- 1 in 10 Indians, rising
- Typical age
- 30-50 years
- Outlook
- Treatable; tends to recur
- System
- Hormones
Reviewed by a verified General Physician doctor
What causes it
Causes
- Low fluid intake and dehydration
- High-salt, high-oxalate diet
- Hot climate and sweating
- Family history
- Recurrent urine infections
How it feels
Symptoms & effects
- Severe one-sided back or flank pain
- Pain spreading to the groin
- Blood in the urine
- Nausea and vomiting
- Burning or frequent urination
How it’s treated
Treatment & cure
- Drink plenty of water
- Pain relief and anti-spasmodics
- Medicines to help small stones pass
- Shock-wave therapy (ESWL)
- Ureteroscopy or surgery for large stones
Staying ahead
Prevention
- Drink 2.5-3 litres of water daily
- Cut down on salt
- Limit oxalate-rich foods if prone
- Treat urine infections promptly
Do’s
- Drink water through the whole day
- Reduce salty and processed food
- Get recurring stones evaluated
- Strain urine to catch a passed stone
Don’ts
- Stay dehydrated, especially in summer
- Overuse salt and red meat
- Ignore severe flank pain with fever
- Stop fluids when pain eases
See a doctor immediately if
Symptoms are sudden or severe, getting worse despite home care, or interfering with sleep, work or daily life. Don’t self-diagnose from the internet — book a verified clinician below.
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Disclaimer ·
This article is educational and reviewed by clinicians, but it cannot replace an in-person assessment.
Medication doses, prevention advice and treatment choices vary by person. Always confirm with a doctor before acting on anything here.