In brief
Crystalline stones that form in the kidneys or ureters, most often made of calcium oxalate, calcium phosphate or uric acid. They are more common in males.
- See your doctor as soon as possible if you have symptoms of renal colic.
- Kidney stones are one of the complications of gout.
- Higher sodium intake is linked to kidney stones, according to the Better Health Channel.
How it works
Typical symptoms are severe pain in one side of the back, the side, the lower tummy or the groin, with nausea or vomiting, blood in the urine, or needing to pass urine often or urgently. You are more likely to get them if you are often dehydrated, eat a diet high in salt and meat, drink carbonated soft drinks, have had a stone before, have a family history, take certain medicines, or are overweight or obese.
Most kidney stones come out by themselves in the urine, which can take up to 6 weeks, and bigger stones may need a procedure or surgery. Drinking plenty of fluids every day, eating less salt, eating a balanced diet with plenty of fibre and eating less fat and animal protein help prevent them.
Looking after it
If the pain is very severe, or you have pain with signs of infection such as a fever, go to your nearest emergency department.
Connections
5 connections on the map. Select a topic to read its page.
Kidney stones can be raised by
A diet high in salt makes kidney stones more likely.
Sources: healthdirect Australia, Kidney stones; Better Health Channel (Victorian Government), Salt
- Overweight and obesity Supported
Being overweight or obese makes kidney stones more likely.
Kidney stones affects
Kidney stones are crystalline stones that form in the kidneys or ureters.
Kidney stones can be lowered by
Being often dehydrated makes kidney stones more likely, and drinking plenty of fluids every day helps prevent them.
Kidney stones can be caused by
Sources
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Summarised from healthdirect and the Better Health Channel. Sources read on 16 and 19 October 2026. General education only, not medical advice. Spotted a mistake? Please tell us through the HuBu-Intel contact page.