Introduction

Kidney stones are a common urinary tract condition that can cause sudden, severe pain and require urgent medical assessment. They develop when minerals and salts in the urine crystallise and form solid deposits within the kidneys.

Some kidney stones remain small and pass naturally without causing symptoms. Others may become lodged within the urinary tract, blocking the flow of urine and causing intense pain known as renal colic.

Kidney stones affect both men and women and may occur at any age, although they are most common in adults between 30 and 60 years old.

Hot climates, dehydration and inadequate fluid intake increase the risk of stone formation. For this reason, kidney stones are a frequent reason residents and visitors seek medical care during the summer months in Mallorca.

Early diagnosis helps determine whether a stone is likely to pass spontaneously or whether further medical or surgical treatment is required.

What Are Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones, also known as renal calculi or nephrolithiasis, are hard deposits that form when certain substances in the urine become highly concentrated and crystallise.

These crystals gradually enlarge and may eventually form stones ranging from the size of a grain of sand to several centimetres in diameter.

A stone may remain inside the kidney without causing symptoms. Problems usually arise when it moves into the ureter—the narrow tube connecting the kidney to the bladder—where it can partially or completely obstruct urine flow.

This obstruction increases pressure within the urinary tract and triggers the characteristic pain of renal colic.

Types of Kidney Stones

Not all kidney stones are the same. Their composition influences both treatment and prevention.

Calcium Stones

Calcium stones are the most common type, accounting for approximately 80% of kidney stones.

They are usually composed of calcium oxalate, although some contain calcium phosphate.

Several factors increase the risk, including:

• Low fluid intake.
• High sodium intake.
• Certain dietary factors.
• Some metabolic disorders.

Uric Acid Stones

These stones develop when urine becomes persistently acidic.

Risk factors include:

• Gout.
• High consumption of animal protein.
• Obesity.
• Certain metabolic conditions.
• Chronic dehydration.

Unlike calcium stones, some uric acid stones may dissolve with appropriate medical treatment that alters urine acidity.

Struvite Stones

Struvite stones are usually associated with recurrent urinary tract infections caused by specific bacteria.

They may grow rapidly and become quite large if left untreated.

Cystine Stones

These rare stones occur in people with cystinuria, an inherited disorder affecting amino acid transport in the kidneys.

Because the underlying condition is lifelong, recurrent stone formation is common without appropriate preventive management.

What Causes Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones form when the concentration of minerals in the urine becomes high enough for crystals to develop.

Normally, urine contains substances that help prevent crystal formation.

When this balance is disrupted, crystals can form and gradually enlarge into stones.

Several factors may contribute, including:

• Inadequate fluid intake.
• Chronic dehydration.
• High sodium consumption.
• Diets rich in animal protein.
• Obesity.
• Certain medications.
• Recurrent urinary tract infections.
• Metabolic disorders.
• Family history of kidney stones.

Often, more than one risk factor is present.

Risk Factors

Several conditions increase the likelihood of developing kidney stones.

These include:

• Previous kidney stones.
• Family history.
• Living in hot climates.
• Frequent dehydration.
• Obesity.
• Diabetes.
• Gout.
• High blood pressure.
• Certain bowel diseases affecting nutrient absorption.
• Previous intestinal surgery.
• Low daily fluid intake.

People living in warm Mediterranean climates such as Mallorca may have a higher risk if they do not replace the additional fluids lost through sweating.

Common Symptoms of Kidney Stones

Many kidney stones remain silent until they begin moving through the urinary tract.

Once a stone obstructs the ureter, symptoms may develop suddenly.

Typical symptoms include:

• Severe pain in the side or back (flank pain).
• Pain radiating towards the lower abdomen or groin.
• Pain that comes in waves.
• Blood in the urine.
• Burning during urination.
• Frequent urge to urinate.
• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Restlessness due to severe pain.

If a urinary tract infection develops alongside a kidney stone, additional symptoms may include:

• Fever.
• Chills.
• Cloudy urine.
• General feeling of illness.

A kidney stone associated with fever requires urgent medical assessment because it may indicate an obstructed infected urinary tract, which is a medical emergency.

When Should You Seek Medical Care?

While some small kidney stones pass naturally, others can obstruct the urinary tract and lead to serious complications.

You should seek medical attention if you experience:

• Severe pain that does not improve.
• Fever or chills.
• Persistent nausea or vomiting.
• Difficulty passing urine.
• Blood in the urine.
• Pain associated with a single functioning kidney.
• Symptoms during pregnancy.
• Confusion or severe weakness.
• Pain that repeatedly returns despite medication.

A kidney stone associated with fever should always be considered a medical emergency until proven otherwise, as it may indicate an infected obstructed kidney requiring urgent treatment.

How Are Kidney Stones Diagnosed?

Diagnosis begins with a careful medical history and physical examination.

Your doctor will ask about:

• The location of the pain.
• When symptoms began.
• Whether the pain comes in waves.
• Previous kidney stones.
• Urinary symptoms.
• Fever or chills.
• Current medications.
• Family history.
• Fluid intake.

During the physical examination, attention is given to:

• Blood pressure.
• Heart rate.
• Body temperature.
• Tenderness over the kidneys (costovertebral angle tenderness).
• Signs of dehydration.
• General clinical condition.

Urine Tests

Urine testing may help identify:

• Blood in the urine.
• Signs of infection.
• Urinary crystals.
• Urine acidity (pH).

A urine culture may be recommended if infection is suspected.

Blood Tests

Blood tests can provide important information about:

• Kidney function.
• Electrolyte levels.
• Calcium levels.
• Uric acid.
• Markers of infection.
• Inflammatory markers.

These tests help identify complications and possible underlying causes of stone formation.

Imaging Studies

Imaging is often required to confirm the diagnosis and determine the size and location of the stone.

Depending on the clinical situation, this may include:

• Ultrasound.
• Non-contrast CT scan (the most accurate imaging test for most kidney stones).
• Occasionally plain abdominal X-rays for follow-up of certain stone types.

Imaging also helps identify urinary obstruction and guides treatment decisions.

Treatment for Kidney Stones

Treatment depends on:

• The size of the stone.
• Its location.
• The severity of symptoms.
• Whether infection is present.
• Whether urinary obstruction has developed.

The primary goals are to relieve pain, allow the stone to pass when possible and prevent complications.

Pain Management

Renal colic can be extremely painful.

Appropriate pain relief is one of the first priorities during treatment.

Depending on the severity of symptoms, your healthcare professional may recommend suitable pain medication to improve comfort while the stone is passing or until further treatment is arranged.

Hydration

Maintaining adequate hydration is important for overall urinary tract health.

For patients with small stones who are otherwise stable, drinking sufficient fluids may help support the natural passage of the stone.

However, excessive fluid intake during an acute episode does not force a stone to pass more quickly and may actually increase discomfort if the urinary tract is obstructed.

Hydration advice should therefore be individualised.

Medical Expulsive Therapy

In selected patients with small ureteric stones, medication may be prescribed to relax the muscles of the ureter.

This can help facilitate the passage of the stone and reduce the likelihood of surgical intervention.

Not every patient is a suitable candidate, and treatment should be based on individual clinical assessment.

Surgical Treatment

Larger stones or those causing persistent obstruction, infection or uncontrolled pain may require specialist treatment.

Possible procedures include:

• Shock wave lithotripsy (SWL), which uses sound waves to break stones into smaller fragments.
• Ureteroscopy, during which a small telescope is passed through the urinary tract to remove or fragment the stone.
• Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), a minimally invasive procedure used for large or complex kidney stones.

The most appropriate approach depends on the size, location and composition of the stone, as well as the patient's overall health.

Can Kidney Stones Pass Naturally?

Yes.

Many small kidney stones pass spontaneously without surgery.

The likelihood of spontaneous passage depends primarily on:

• The size of the stone.
• Its location within the urinary tract.

Smaller stones are generally more likely to pass than larger ones.

However, medical supervision is important because complications such as infection or persistent obstruction may require urgent intervention.

Preventing Future Kidney Stones

People who have had one kidney stone are at increased risk of developing another.

Preventive measures may include:

• Drinking adequate fluids throughout the day.
• Avoiding chronic dehydration.
• Limiting excessive salt intake.
• Maintaining a balanced diet.
• Managing body weight.
• Treating underlying metabolic conditions.
• Following dietary recommendations based on the specific stone type.
• Attending follow-up evaluations when recommended.

For individuals with recurrent stones, further investigations may help identify the underlying cause and guide long-term prevention.

Common Myths About Kidney Stones

Myth 1: Only older adults develop kidney stones.

False.

Kidney stones can occur at almost any age, although they are most common in adults between 30 and 60 years.

Myth 2: Drinking large amounts of water immediately will force a stone to pass.

False.

Good hydration is important, but excessive fluid intake during acute obstruction does not necessarily speed stone passage and may increase discomfort.

Myth 3: Every kidney stone requires surgery.

False.

Many small stones pass naturally with conservative treatment and medical supervision.

Only selected patients require surgical intervention.

Myth 4: Once a kidney stone has passed, it will never return.

False.

Without preventive measures, recurrence is common.

Lifestyle changes and, in some cases, metabolic evaluation can significantly reduce future risk.

Myth 5: Blood in the urine always means cancer.

False.

While blood in the urine should always be medically evaluated, kidney stones are one of the most common non-cancerous causes of haematuria.

Medical Assessment for Kidney Stones at Dr. Indhira Ghyssaert's Practice in Mallorca

At Dr. Indhira Ghyssaert's practice in Mallorca, patients with suspected kidney stones receive a comprehensive medical assessment to confirm the diagnosis, evaluate the severity of the condition and identify any complications that may require urgent treatment.

Because the symptoms of kidney stones can resemble those of urinary tract infections, appendicitis, gallbladder disease or other abdominal conditions, an accurate diagnosis is essential before treatment begins.

Depending on the patient's symptoms and clinical findings, the assessment may include:

• A detailed medical history.
• Physical examination.
• Assessment of the location and severity of pain.
• Measurement of vital signs.
• Urine dipstick testing when appropriate.
• Urinalysis.
• Blood tests to assess kidney function and signs of infection.
• Evaluation of hydration status.
• Referral for ultrasound or CT imaging when clinically indicated.

Treatment recommendations are individualised and based on current evidence-based medical guidelines.

Depending on the size and location of the stone, management may include pain control, hydration advice, medical expulsive therapy, referral to a urologist or emergency hospital treatment if complications such as infection or complete urinary obstruction are suspected.

The primary goals are to relieve symptoms, preserve kidney function, prevent complications and reduce the risk of future stone formation.

Kidney Stones While Visiting Mallorca

Kidney stones are a common cause of emergency medical consultations among visitors to Mallorca, particularly during the warmer months.

High temperatures increase fluid loss through sweating, and inadequate hydration can concentrate the urine, increasing the likelihood of stone formation or triggering symptoms in individuals with previously silent stones.

Travellers should seek prompt medical assessment if they develop:

• Sudden severe pain in the side or lower back.
• Pain radiating to the groin.
• Blood in the urine.
• Persistent nausea or vomiting.
• Fever or chills.
• Difficulty passing urine.
• Severe pain that is not relieved with medication.

Early diagnosis is important to determine whether the stone is likely to pass naturally or whether urgent urological treatment is required.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for a kidney stone to pass?

The time varies considerably depending on the size and location of the stone.

Small stones may pass within a few days, while others can take several weeks.

Some stones are too large to pass naturally and require medical intervention.

Are kidney stones always painful?

No.

Many kidney stones remain inside the kidney without causing symptoms.

Pain usually develops when the stone moves into the ureter and obstructs the flow of urine.

Can kidney stones damage the kidneys?

Yes.

If a stone causes prolonged urinary obstruction or is associated with infection, permanent kidney damage may occur if treatment is delayed.

Fortunately, prompt diagnosis and appropriate management usually prevent long-term complications.

Can kidney stones come back?

Yes.

People who have had one kidney stone have a higher risk of developing another.

Identifying the stone type, maintaining good hydration and addressing underlying risk factors can significantly reduce the likelihood of recurrence.

Is surgery always necessary?

No.

Many kidney stones pass spontaneously with conservative management.

Surgical procedures are generally reserved for larger stones, persistent obstruction, uncontrolled pain, infection or stones unlikely to pass on their own.

Key Takeaways

• Kidney stones are hard mineral deposits that form within the urinary tract.
• The most common symptom is sudden, severe flank pain that may radiate to the groin.
• Blood in the urine, nausea and vomiting are also common.
• Fever associated with a kidney stone is a medical emergency requiring urgent assessment.
• Diagnosis often includes urine tests, blood tests and imaging such as ultrasound or CT scanning.
• Adequate hydration and appropriate medical management help reduce complications and future recurrence.

Conclusion

Kidney stones are a common urinary tract condition that can cause intense pain and, in some cases, serious complications.

Although many stones pass naturally, persistent symptoms, urinary obstruction or associated infection require prompt medical evaluation.

Early diagnosis allows healthcare professionals to determine the most appropriate treatment, relieve symptoms and protect kidney function.

At Dr. Indhira Ghyssaert's practice in Mallorca, patients receive personalised, evidence-based medical care focused on accurate diagnosis, effective symptom management and long-term prevention of recurrent kidney stones.

Whether symptoms begin at home or while travelling, timely medical assessment can significantly improve outcomes and reduce the risk of complications.

About Dr. Indhira Ghyssaert

Dr. Indhira Ghyssaert is a physician based in Mallorca with a special interest in acute medical care, preventive healthcare and personalised medicine.

She provides comprehensive medical assessments for residents and international visitors experiencing kidney stones, urinary tract infections, abdominal pain and other acute medical conditions, combining evidence-based medicine with an individualised approach to patient care.

Medical Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is intended for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Kidney stones can occasionally lead to serious complications, particularly when associated with fever, urinary obstruction or impaired kidney function. If you experience severe pain, persistent vomiting, fever, chills, difficulty passing urine or rapidly worsening symptoms, seek immediate assessment by a qualified healthcare professional.