HARD DEPOSITS FORMED IN THE KIDNEYS

Kidney Stones

Q: What is the typical pain of a kidney stone like?

The pain — known as renal colic — is typically severe and comes in waves. It usually starts in the back or side and radiates to the lower abdomen and groin. Patients often describe it as one of the worst pains they have ever experienced.

Q: When does a kidney stone need a procedure?

Procedural intervention is generally considered for larger stones that are unlikely to pass on their own, stones causing severe or persistent symptoms, stones associated with infection or kidney damage, and stones in certain locations. Decisions are made in coordination with urology.

Q: How can I prevent kidney stones from coming back?

Adequate fluid intake — typically 2.5 to 3 litres of fluid per day — is the single most important preventive measure. Dietary modifications, treatment of underlying conditions, and in some patients specific medical therapy are also important. Stone analysis helps tailor prevention strategies.

Hard mineral deposits that form in the kidneys, causing severe pain when they move into the urinary tract. Manageable with hydration, medical therapy or procedural removal when needed.

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Kidney stones evaluation and treatment in Hyderabad

Severe Pain TYPICAL PRESENTATION

Hydration KEY PREVENTION

Procedure FOR LARGER STONES

ABOUT THIS CONDITION

What are Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are hard mineral and salt deposits that form inside the kidneys, with common types including calcium oxalate, calcium phosphate, uric acid, struvite and cystine stones. Small stones can pass on their own without symptoms, but larger stones can cause severe pain when they move into the ureter (the tube connecting the kidney to the bladder). Typical features include severe pain in the back or side that may radiate to the lower abdomen and groin (renal colic), blood in the urine, nausea, vomiting, painful or frequent urination, and sometimes fever if infection develops. Risk factors include inadequate fluid intake, hot climates, dietary factors, family history, obesity, certain medical conditions (hyperparathyroidism, gout, inflammatory bowel disease) and some medications. Diagnosis is based on clinical features, urine and blood tests and imaging — typically ultrasound or CT scan. Treatment depends on stone size and location, ranging from hydration and pain relief for small stones to procedural removal for larger ones. Dr. Patnam Pravallika Reddy provides comprehensive kidney stone evaluation and care, with urology referral when needed, at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad.

SIGNS TO WATCH

Common Symptoms

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Symptoms that need attention

Severe pain in the back or side, often radiating to the lower abdomen and groin Pain that comes in waves Blood in the urine — visible or microscopic Nausea and vomiting during pain episodes Burning or frequent urination Fever and chills if infection develops Cloudy or foul-smelling urine in some patients

WHY IT HAPPENS

Causes & Risk Factors

Inadequate fluid intake leading to concentrated urine
Hot climates and increased sweating
Dietary factors — high salt, excess animal protein, oxalate-rich foods
Family history of kidney stones
Obesity and metabolic syndrome
Hyperparathyroidism, gout, inflammatory bowel disease
Certain medications and chronic urinary tract infections

CLINICAL DETAILS

KeyFacts

Diagnosis

Urine and blood tests; ultrasound or CT scan

Stone types

Calcium · Uric acid · Struvite · Cystine

Treatment

Hydration, pain relief, medical expulsion therapy and procedural removal for larger stones

Prevention

Adequate hydration, dietary changes and treatment of underlying conditions

Recurrence

High — structured prevention is essential

Hospital

Available at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad — with urology referral when needed

HOW WE TREAT IT

Treatment Approach

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Hydration & Medical Therapy with Urology Referral When Needed

The most effective approach combines hydration, pain relief and medical expulsion therapy for small stones, with referral for procedural removal — ureteroscopy, shock-wave lithotripsy or percutaneous procedures — for larger stones. Long-term prevention through hydration, dietary changes and addressing underlying causes is essential.

1

Consultation & Assessment

Dr. Pravallika reviews symptoms, examines the patient and arranges urine and blood tests with imaging to confirm the diagnosis and assess stone size and location.
2

Treatment Planning

A personalised plan is created based on stone size, location, severity of symptoms and any complications.
3

Medical Management

Hydration, pain relief, medical expulsion therapy for small stones and treatment of any associated infection.
4

Recovery & Follow-up

Stone analysis where available, metabolic workup in recurrent cases and structured prevention with lifestyle and dietary changes.

AVAILABLE TREATMENTS

Treatment Options

Hydration and Pain Relief

Adequate fluid intake and effective pain relief are the cornerstones of management for kidney stones.

Medical Expulsion Therapy for Small Stones

Specific medical therapy can help small stones pass spontaneously and reduce associated pain.

Treatment of Associated Infection

Antibiotic therapy is given when urinary infection is present along with the stone.

Procedural Removal for Larger Stones (Referral for urology)

Larger stones may need ureteroscopy, shock-wave lithotripsy or percutaneous nephrolithotomy under urology care.

Long-Term Prevention

Structured prevention through hydration, dietary modification, treatment of underlying conditions and, in some cases, specific medical therapy significantly reduces recurrence.

COMMON QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical pain of a kidney stone like?+

When does a kidney stone need a procedure?+

How can I prevent kidney stones from coming back?+

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