Kidney stones: prevent recurrence
Renal colic, lithotripsy, hydration
Dr. Hugo Nguyen
Urologist
In simple terms
Identify the type of stone to adapt prevention and avoid recurrence.
A frequent pathology
10% of the population will have at least one kidney stone. Risk of recurrence: 50% in 5 years.
Renal colic
Sudden, intense pain in the flank, radiating to the genitals, with agitation, often with nausea. Hematuria. Treatment: NSAIDs (1st intention), antispasmodics, hydration. Look for fever (urgent: febrile obstructive pyelonephritis).
Diagnosis
Non-contrast abdominal CT (gold standard), ultrasound. Metabolic workup after the 1st stone or if recurrence.
Treatment of stones
- Spontaneous passage if <5 mm
- Extracorporeal lithotripsy (ESWL)
- Flexible ureteroscopy, percutaneous nephrolithotomy
Prevention
Hydration >2L/day (diluted urine), moderate sodium intake, normal calcium (no restriction), limit oxalates (spinach, chocolate, nuts), limit animal protein. Adapted treatment according to stone composition (allopurinol, citrate, etc.).
The words explained
Medical terms used above, in everyday language.
- Diagnosis
- The moment a doctor identifies which illness is causing your symptoms.
- Prevention
- Steps taken before a problem starts, to make it less likely.
When should you see a doctor?
- Your symptoms last more than a few weeks or keep coming back.
- They get worse quickly, or stop you doing everyday things.
- You notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding — seek urgent care.
- You already take medication and want to change anything about it.
This article explains general health information. It does not replace advice from your own doctor.
Frequently asked questions
- What is Kidney stones: prevent recurrence?
- Identify the type of stone to adapt prevention and avoid recurrence.
- What are the main symptoms or signs of Kidney stones: prevent recurrence?
- Common signs vary from person to person. The article above lists the symptoms to watch for, how they progress, and when they need medical attention.
- When should you see a doctor for Kidney stones: prevent recurrence?
- See a doctor if symptoms last more than a few weeks, get worse quickly, stop you doing everyday things, or if you notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding.
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