Kidney Stones (Renal Colic): Symptoms, Treatment, and When to Seek Help
Sudden severe pain in your side or back? It could be a kidney stone.
Kidney stones are a common cause of sudden, intense pain. Many stones pass on their own, but some require medical or hospital treatment.
What are kidney stones?
Kidney stones are hard deposits of minerals and salts that form in the kidneys.
When a stone moves into the ureter (the tube from kidney to bladder), it can:
- Block urine flow
- Increase pressure in the kidney
- Cause severe pain (renal colic)
Symptoms of kidney stones
- Severe pain in the back, side, or lower abdomen
- Pain that comes in waves
- Pain spreading to the groin
- Nausea or vomiting
- Blood in urine
- Urinary urgency or discomfort
What determines treatment?
Treatment depends on:
- Stone size
- < 5 mm → usually pass naturally
- 5–6 mm → may pass
- > 6 mm → less likely to pass → may need specialist treatment
- Stones larger than ~5–6 mm are less likely to pass on their own
- Stone location
- Lower (closer to bladder) → easier to pass
- Upper (closer to kidney) → harder to pass
- Blockage (obstruction)
If urine flow is blocked:
- Pressure builds in the kidney
- Risk of kidney damage increases
- Infection (IMPORTANT)
If you have:- Fever
- Chills
- Feeling unwell
This could mean infection + blockage
⚠️ This is a medical emergency and requires urgent hospital treatment
One kidney vs two
If you have only one functioning kidney:
- Urgent assessment is required
Treatment options
1. Pain relief
- Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)
- Additional pain relief if required
2. Help the stone pass
- Tamsulosin
- Relaxes the ureter
- Improves the chance of passing the stone
3. Hydration
- Helps move the stone through the urinary tract
4. Watch and wait (if safe)
If:
- Small stone
- No infection
- Pain controlled
Many stones pass naturally over days to weeks
5. Specialist treatment
If the stone:
- Is large
- Not passing
- Causing blockage
- Causing severe symptoms
You may need:
- Shockwave treatment
- Endoscopic removal
- Temporary stent
When to seek urgent care
Seek urgent medical help if you have:
- Fever or chills
- Severe or worsening pain
- Vomiting and unable to keep fluids down
- Difficulty passing urine
- Known single kidney
- Feeling very unwell
How VEMSA can help
VEMSA provides 24/7 access to emergency doctors via video consultation.
We can:
- Assess your symptoms within minutes
- Provide pain relief and prescriptions
- Prescribe medications to help pass stones
- Arrange imaging and investigations
- Guide you on whether hospital care is needed
- Refer you to a urologist for timely stone management
- Provide follow-up until your condition improves
Key takeaway
- Many kidney stones pass on their own
- Stones larger than ~5–6 mm are less likely to pass
- Infection + blockage is an emergency
Need help now?
- Seen within minutes
- Available 24/7, 365 days/year
- No booking required
- No out-of-pocket cost
👉 Start your consultation with an emergency-trained clinician now
References
This information is based on established clinical guidelines and evidence-based practice, including:
- European Association of Urology
- American Urological Association
- NSW Agency for Clinical Innovation
- Royal Australian College of General Practitioners
Disclaimer
This information is intended for general education only and does not replace individual medical advice. If you are concerned or your symptoms are severe, seek urgent medical care.