What are the symptoms of kidney stones?

Written by Wang Shuai
Urology
Updated on April 22, 2025
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The symptoms of kidney stones vary depending on the size and location of the stone, and whether there is associated hydronephrosis. If the stone inside the kidney is relatively small, most patients experience no discomfort, and it is generally discovered during an ultrasound examination at physical check-ups. However, if such a small stone falls into the ureter, it can irritate the ureteral walls and cause ureteral spasms, resulting in renal colic and, in some cases, hematuria. If the kidney stone is relatively large and causes kidney hydronephrosis or even pyonephrosis, the patient will experience sour swelling and pain in the waist on the side of the stone. If an infection occurs, symptoms such as chills and high fever may also appear.

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Written by Guan Hai Fang
Urology
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Is it easy to treat kidney stones?

If kidney stones are treated using extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, the procedure depends on the size and location of the stones, among other factors. Whether the stones can be effectively expelled after the procedure also varies from person to person, but generally, it tends to be successful. Kidney stones are caused by the accumulation of crystalline substances in the kidneys, and there are many reasons for the formation of kidney stones, including diet, genetics, environment, occupation, and other factors. The specific cause can only be confirmed after the stone is removed for pathological analysis. Generally, when the stones are relatively small, such as less than 0.5 centimeters, it is advisable to drink more water and undergo some important auxiliary treatments. Under the guidance of a physician, medication can be used as needed. For stones measuring 0.5 to 2 centimeters, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy is required to break the stones and then expel them. If the stone exceeds 2 centimeters, surgical treatment is generally necessary.

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Written by Zeng Zhong
Urology
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Where is the best place to massage for kidney stones?

Patients with kidney stones will find that massage is ineffective. For those with stones smaller than 0.5 cm, engaging in more physical activity such as playing basketball, jumping rope, or running, along with increasing fluid intake and urination, can help facilitate the expulsion of the stones. If the stones are larger, over 0.5 cm, treatment with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy is necessary. For stones larger than 1.5 cm, surgical intervention is required. Beyond these methods, there are no other treatments, and massage does not have a therapeutic effect.

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Written by Wang Shuai
Urology
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Are urinary stones the same as kidney stones?

Urinary stones and kidney stones are not exactly the same. Urinary stones refer to stones in the urinary system, including kidney stones, ureter stones, bladder stones, and urethral stones. Therefore, kidney stones are just one type of stones in the urinary system, and urinary stones include kidney stones. If kidney stones occur, one should promptly visit the hospital's urology department for examinations such as ultrasound or CT scans. This facilitates understanding the specific size, location, number of stones, and whether there is accompanying hydronephrosis or infection, allowing for targeted treatment. If the stones are small, drinking plenty of water, urinating frequently, and exercising can help expel the stones from the body. If the stones are large, or there is hydronephrosis, it is advisable to consider surgery as soon as possible.

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Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
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How is kidney stone surgery performed?

How is kidney stone surgery performed? For kidney stone surgery, if the indications for surgical treatment are met, it is generally carried out in the following ways: The traditional method is open stone removal, which involves large traumas and high risks, adversely affecting the patient's postoperative recovery. Nowadays, there are some minimally invasive techniques, such as crushing the stones with a laser and then removing the stones through a corresponding tube, or directly removing the stones using a corresponding soft-endoscope. Therefore, the choice of surgery for kidney stones is generally based on related examinations to select an appropriate treatment method to alleviate the patient's condition.

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Written by Wang Shuai
Urology
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Is kidney stones serious?

Whether kidney stones are serious depends on the specific size and location of the stones, and whether there is accompanying kidney hydronephrosis or infection. If it is just a small stone inside the kidney, such as one with a diameter of about five millimeters, this situation is not serious. By drinking more water, urinating frequently, exercising more, and combining with medications like stone expulsion granules and stone expulsion solutions, the stones can generally be expelled from the body. If the stones are large and cause kidney hydronephrosis, or even lead to pyelonephritis or renal abscesses, this situation is more serious. It requires anti-inflammatory treatment and timely surgical intervention to remove the stones, relieve the obstruction of the urinary system, and protect kidney function.