Where can stone pain be felt?
Pain may begin in the side of the back or one flank and spread towards the lower abdomen or groin. People often describe waves of pain that become stronger and then ease. Nausea and vomiting may occur. These features can fit a stone, but they cannot establish the diagnosis on their own. Urinary infection and other causes of abdominal pain may also need assessment. [1]
It helps to describe when pain started and whether it moved, as well as its intensity. A previous stone on one side does not establish the cause or side of a new episode.
What do changes in urine mean?
Pink, red or brown urine, burning during urination and needing to urinate frequently can accompany a stone. A lack of visible blood does not exclude stones: blood may be detected only on a urine test. Equally, visible blood should not automatically be attributed to a stone. A new colour change, particularly with pain or urinary symptoms, needs assessment. [1, 2]
Urine volume provides another important detail. Reporting when you last passed urine normally and whether the amount has noticeably fallen gives the team information that a description of colour alone cannot supply.
When is urgent assessment needed?
Fever or chills with a suspected stone require urgent assessment. Infection behind an obstruction can be serious. Inability to pass urine, pain that cannot be controlled or persistent vomiting that prevents drinking also needs prompt care. Suspected stones during pregnancy or in someone with a single kidney require timely evaluation. [2, 3]
A break in the pain does not make fever less important. Tell the team about temperature readings, vomiting and any change in urine output. These are situations in which waiting at home for a stone to pass is inappropriate.
Can a small stone pass by itself?
Some small stones pass without a procedure. The likelihood depends on location and obstruction as well as size. When observation is appropriate after medical assessment, the plan includes a review and reasons to seek help sooner. Observation is an active follow-up decision, rather than permission to wait indefinitely. [3]
Fluid advice should match the individual’s condition. Drinking a large volume rapidly should not be treated as a way to force a stone through. People who already have a fluid restriction should keep to their agreed plan unless their clinician changes it.
What information helps at the appointment?
Previous imaging and stone analysis reports, a current medicine list and details of kidney disease or a single kidney help the assessment. Note anything that differs from earlier attacks. If pain settles, check how stone passage will be confirmed before cancelling a planned review. Symptom relief and confirmed passage are different pieces of information. [2]
Before leaving, clarify the stone’s location, follow-up arrangements, reasons for returning sooner and where to take any stone fragment that is passed. A clear plan makes it easier to respond to changes after the initial pain has improved.
References
- NIDDK: Symptoms and causes of kidney stones
- EAU Urolithiasis 2026: Guidelines
- NIDDK: Treatment for kidney stones
This article provides general health information. Consult your clinician for individual diagnosis and treatment decisions, and your pharmacist for questions about medicine use.
Published by Aymed İlaç · 17 October 2026