How Do You Get Kidney Stones? Common Triggers and Risk Factors

Kidney stones develop when substances in urine become concentrated enough to form crystals that grow into stones. Common triggers include dehydration, diet, inherited tendencies, and certain health conditions or medications.

Overview: How kidney stones develop

Kidney stones are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside the kidneys. They develop when urine becomes too concentrated, allowing substances such as calcium, oxalate, and uric acid to crystallize. Over time, these crystals can join together and grow into stones of different sizes.

A person may have a very small stone that passes without being noticed, or a larger stone that causes sudden pain if it moves into the ureter, the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder. The pain is often intense because the stone can block urine flow and irritate the urinary tract.

There is no single cause of kidney stones. In most cases, several factors work together, including low fluid intake, eating habits, inherited tendencies, and certain medical conditions. Understanding these triggers is important because many stones can be prevented or the risk of recurrence can be reduced.

Symptoms of kidney stones

Kidney stones do not always cause symptoms right away. A stone that stays in the kidney and does not block urine flow may be found incidentally during imaging for another reason. Symptoms usually begin when a stone starts moving or causes an obstruction.

Common symptoms include severe pain in the side, back, lower abdomen, or groin. The pain may come in waves and vary in intensity. Other symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, painful urination, frequent urination, blood in the urine, or cloudy or foul-smelling urine.

If infection occurs along with a stone, fever and chills may develop. This combination needs prompt medical attention because blockage plus infection can become serious. Some people also confuse stone pain with other urinary conditions, so proper evaluation is important, especially if symptoms are new or severe.

• Sharp pain in the back, side, or groin
• Blood in the urine
• Burning or pain during urination
• Nausea or vomiting
• Urgent or frequent need to urinate
• Fever or chills if infection is present

Common triggers and risk factors

Dehydration is one of the most common reasons kidney stones form. When a person does not drink enough fluids, urine becomes more concentrated. This makes it easier for stone-forming substances to stick together and create crystals. Hot climates, heavy sweating, and not replacing fluid losses can all increase this risk.

Diet can also play a major role. A high intake of salt may raise the amount of calcium in the urine. Diets high in animal protein can increase uric acid and lower substances that help prevent stones. In some people, eating large amounts of high-oxalate foods may contribute as well. These foods include spinach, nuts, beets, and chocolate. However, dietary advice should be personalized, because not all stones are caused by the same substances.

Family history and personal history are important risk factors. If a close relative has had kidney stones, the likelihood may be higher. A person who has already had one stone is also more likely to develop another in the future. Other factors linked to stone formation include obesity, low physical activity, and certain occupations or lifestyles that make regular hydration difficult.

Some medical conditions increase risk by changing the balance of minerals in the urine. These include recurrent urinary tract infections, gout, hyperparathyroidism, inflammatory bowel disease, chronic diarrhea, and problems that affect urine drainage. People with conditions such as kidney disease concerns or structural urinary tract problems may need more detailed evaluation when symptoms overlap with other causes of pain or blood in the urine.

Types of kidney stones and why they matter

Not all kidney stones are the same. The most common are calcium stones, usually made of calcium oxalate, though calcium phosphate stones can also occur. Calcium stones are often linked to dehydration, high salt intake, or changes in the way the body handles calcium and oxalate.

Uric acid stones may form when urine is persistently acidic. They are more common in people who eat a high-animal-protein diet, have gout, or lose a lot of fluid. Struvite stones are associated with certain urinary tract infections and can grow quickly. Cystine stones are rare and are usually caused by an inherited condition that leads to excess cystine in the urine.

Identifying the stone type helps guide prevention. For example, the best dietary changes for calcium stones may differ from those for uric acid stones. That is why a doctor may ask the person to strain the urine and save any passed stone for analysis. In some cases, blood and 24-hour urine testing are also recommended, especially when stones keep coming back.

How kidney stones are diagnosed

Diagnosis begins with a medical history and physical examination. A doctor will ask about the pattern of pain, past stones, family history, diet, fluid intake, medications, and any symptoms of infection. A urine test can check for blood, crystals, signs of infection, and urine acidity.

Imaging tests are often needed to confirm the diagnosis and determine the stone’s size and location. Ultrasound is commonly used and avoids radiation, while CT scanning can provide more detailed information in many cases. Blood tests may help detect problems related to kidney function, infection, calcium levels, or uric acid.

If a person passes a stone, laboratory analysis can show what it is made of. For recurring stones, metabolic evaluation may be advised. This can help identify correctable risk factors and shape a prevention plan. Doctors also consider other causes of similar symptoms, including bladder problems or urinary infections, especially when blood in the urine is persistent.

Treatment options for kidney stones

Treatment depends on the stone’s size, location, type, and whether it is causing blockage, severe pain, or infection. Many small stones pass on their own with time, fluids, pain control, and close follow-up. A doctor may also use medications that help relax the ureter and make stone passage easier in selected cases.

Larger stones or stones that do not pass may require a procedure. Common options include kidney stone treatment using shock wave lithotripsy, ureteroscopy, or percutaneous techniques for more complex stones. The right approach depends on imaging findings and the person’s overall health.

If there is infection with obstruction, urgent treatment is especially important to drain the urine and treat the infection. After the immediate problem is managed, long-term prevention becomes the next priority. In some cases, a doctor may also investigate whether urinary obstruction or related issues such as urologic evaluation and treatment are contributing to repeated stone formation.

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Prevention and self-care

The most effective general step for preventing kidney stones is staying well hydrated. Drinking enough water helps dilute the urine and lowers the chance that crystals will form. The amount needed varies by climate, activity level, and health status, so a doctor may give individualized advice, especially for people with kidney or heart conditions.

Dietary measures often help, but they should be tailored to the stone type. In general, reducing excess salt is recommended because high sodium can increase urinary calcium. It is also helpful to avoid excessive animal protein if advised by a doctor. At the same time, people should not sharply restrict calcium without medical guidance, because normal dietary calcium can actually help reduce absorption of oxalate from food.

Maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, and managing underlying conditions such as gout or bowel disease can also lower risk. Some people need prescription medicines to prevent future stones, especially when metabolic testing shows a specific cause. Those who have repeated stones may benefit from a more comprehensive kidney and metabolic assessment to identify why the stones keep returning.

• Drink fluids regularly throughout the day
• Limit excess salt in processed and restaurant foods
• Follow stone-specific dietary advice from a doctor or dietitian
• Maintain a healthy body weight
• Save passed stones for analysis if possible
• Attend follow-up visits if stones recur

When to see a doctor

Medical care is important if a person has sudden severe flank or abdominal pain, cannot keep fluids down, notices blood in the urine, or has trouble passing urine. These symptoms can be caused by kidney stones, but they can also happen with other urinary or abdominal conditions that need prompt attention.

Fever, chills, or worsening pain should never be ignored, especially if a stone is suspected. Infection combined with urinary blockage requires urgent treatment. Pregnant patients, children, older adults, and people with a single kidney or chronic kidney disease should also seek timely assessment.

Even after a stone passes, follow-up can be useful. Recurrence is common, and a doctor can help identify the cause and advise on prevention. Early evaluation is especially helpful for repeated stones, persistent blood in the urine, or symptoms that do not fit the usual pattern.

Frequently asked questions

What is the main cause of kidney stones?

There is not one single cause, but dehydration is one of the most common triggers. When urine becomes too concentrated, minerals and salts can crystallize and gradually form stones. Diet, genetics, and certain medical conditions can also contribute.

Can drinking too little water really cause kidney stones?

Yes, low fluid intake is a major risk factor. Not drinking enough water makes urine more concentrated, which gives stone-forming substances a better chance to stick together. Increasing fluid intake is often one of the first prevention steps doctors recommend.

Do certain foods cause kidney stones?

Some foods can raise risk in certain people, but the effect depends on the type of stone. High salt intake, excessive animal protein, and large amounts of high-oxalate foods may play a role. A personalized plan is best because not everyone needs the same dietary restrictions.

Are kidney stones hereditary?

They can be. A family history of kidney stones increases the likelihood of developing them, and some rare stone types are strongly linked to inherited conditions. People with recurrent stones may benefit from evaluation for metabolic or genetic factors.

How do doctors know what type of kidney stone someone has?

The most direct way is to analyze a stone after it has been passed or removed. Doctors may also use urine and blood tests to look for patterns that suggest a certain stone type. In recurrent cases, a 24-hour urine collection can provide more detailed information.

Can kidney stones go away on their own?

Many small stones can pass naturally, especially if they are not causing severe blockage. Larger stones may need medical treatment or a procedure. A doctor should guide care because size, location, pain, and infection risk all matter.

When is a kidney stone an emergency?

Urgent care is needed if there is fever, chills, severe uncontrolled pain, vomiting, very little urine, or difficulty urinating. These symptoms may mean there is a blockage, infection, or both. Prompt treatment helps protect the kidneys and prevent complications.

References

• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
• American Urological Association
• European Association of Urology
• Mayo Clinic
• National Kidney Foundation

This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a qualified doctor about your individual situation.