The kidneys remove waste products from the blood. They're located towards the back of the abdomen on either side of the spine. The kidneys are 2 bean-shaped organs that are roughly 10cm (4 inches) in length. It's very important to keep your urine pale in colour to prevent waste products forming into kidney stones.įind out more about preventing kidney stones The kidneys To avoid getting kidney stones, make sure you drink plenty of water every day so you do not become dehydrated. It's estimated up to half of all people who have had kidney stones will experience them again within the following 5 years. Larger stones may need to be broken up or removed with surgery.įind out more about treating kidney stones Most kidney stones are small enough to be passed in your pee, and it may be possible to treat the symptoms at home with medication.

have a medical condition that raises the levels of certain substances in your urineįind out more about the causes of kidney stonesĪfter a kidney stone has formed, your body will try to pass it out when you pee.Over time, the crystals may build up to form a hard stone-like lump. Waste products in the blood can occasionally form crystals that collect inside the kidneys. you have an episode of shivering or shaking.You should contact a GP or NHS 111 immediately if: pain in the side of your tummy (abdomen)įind out more about the symptoms of kidney stones When to get urgent medical help.Larger kidney stones can cause several symptoms, including: You'll usually pee them out without any discomfort. You may not notice if you have small kidney stones. They can be extremely painful, and can lead to kidney infections or the kidney not working properly if left untreated. Kidney stones are usually found in the kidneys or in the ureter, the tube that connects the kidneys to your bladder.

They're quite common, with more than 1 in 10 people affected. Kidney stones can develop in 1 or both kidneys and most often affect people aged 30 to 60. Urinary tract stones are responsible for renal colic, which is the most common symptomatic presentation of urolithiasis.

Renal calculus