Expert Kidney Stone Treatment in Chennai

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Kidney stones are hard mineral deposits that form inside the kidneys when urine becomes concentrated. Common symptoms include severe side or back pain, painful urination, blood in urine, nausea, and frequent urination. Treatment depends on stone size and may include medicines, ESWL, ureteroscopy, or minimally invasive surgery.

Introduction

Kidney stones are one of the most common urinary conditions affecting people across India. From sudden severe pain in the side or back to difficulty passing urine, kidney stones can significantly affect daily life when they move through the urinary tract.

Although small kidney stones may pass naturally, larger stones can cause blockage, infection, and complications if left untreated. Early diagnosis by a qualified urologist and appropriate kidney stone treatment can help relieve symptoms and prevent recurrence.

This guide covers everything you need to know about kidney stone symptoms, causes, risk factors, diagnosis, treatment options, and prevention tips, reviewed by our consultant urologists at Supreme Hospitals, Chennai.

What Are Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones are hard deposits formed inside the kidneys when certain minerals and salts in urine become concentrated and form crystals.

Normally, urine contains substances that prevent crystal formation. However, factors such as dehydration, dietary habits, and certain medical conditions can disturb this balance and allow stones to develop.

Kidney stones can vary in size and may occur anywhere in the urinary system, including:

Kidneys
Ureters (tubes connecting kidneys to bladder)
Bladder

Common types of kidney stones include:

Calcium Stones

The most common type, usually formed when calcium combines with oxalate or phosphate in urine.

Uric Acid Stones

These occur when uric acid levels become high, often linked with dehydration, high-protein diets, or metabolic conditions.

Struvite Stones

Usually associated with urinary tract infections and may grow quickly.

Cystine Stones

Rare stones caused by an inherited condition affecting cystine levels in urine.

Symptoms of Kidney Stones

Kidney stone symptoms vary depending on the size and location of the stone. Some small stones may not cause symptoms, while others can cause severe discomfort.

Severe Side or Back Pain

One of the most common symptoms is sudden, intense pain in the side, lower back, or below the ribs.

The pain may:

Come and go in waves
Move toward the lower abdomen or groin
Become worse as the stone moves

Painful Urination

A stone passing through the urinary tract can cause burning or discomfort while urinating.

Blood in Urine

Kidney stones may irritate the urinary lining and cause urine to appear:

Pink
Red
Brown

Frequent Urination

Some people may experience an increased urge to urinate, especially when the stone moves closer to the bladder.

Nausea and Vomiting

Severe kidney stone pain may trigger nausea and vomiting.

Fever and Chills

Fever with urinary symptoms may indicate an infection and requires urgent medical attention.

Causes and Risk Factors of Kidney Stones

Kidney stones develop due to changes in urine composition. Several factors can increase the risk.

Dehydration

Not drinking enough water is one of the leading causes of kidney stones. Concentrated urine allows minerals to form crystals more easily.

Dietary Factors

Certain dietary habits may increase risk, including:

High salt intake
Excess animal protein consumption
Low water intake
High intake of oxalate-rich foods

Family History

People with a family history of kidney stones may have a greater chance of developing them.

Obesity and Lifestyle Factors

Excess weight, poor dietary habits, and lack of physical activity may contribute to kidney stone formation.

Medical Conditions

Risk may increase with:

Recurrent urinary infections
Diabetes
Metabolic disorders
Digestive conditions affecting absorption

Who Is More Likely to Develop Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones are more common among people who:

Drink less water
Live in hot climates
Have excessive sweating
Follow high-salt diets
Have a previous history of stones
Have certain medical conditions

In Chennai’s warm and humid climate, dehydration due to sweating can increase the risk of stone formation, making adequate fluid intake especially important.

How Are Kidney Stones Diagnosed?

A urologist diagnoses kidney stones through symptoms, physical examination, and investigations.

Medical Evaluation

The doctor will assess:

Pain pattern
Urinary symptoms
Previous stone history
Lifestyle factors

Urine Tests

Urine analysis helps detect:

Blood in urine
Infection
Stone-forming substances

Blood Tests

Blood tests evaluate:

Kidney function
Calcium and uric acid levels

Imaging Tests

Common imaging methods include:

Ultrasound

Used to identify stones and check for urinary blockage.

CT Scan

Provides detailed information about stone size and location.

X-Ray

May detect certain types of kidney stones.

Treatment Options for Kidney Stones

Kidney stone treatment depends on:

Stone size
Stone location
Symptoms
Kidney function

Drinking Fluids and Monitoring

Small stones may pass naturally with increased fluid intake and medical supervision.

Medicines

Doctors may prescribe medication to:

Control pain
Reduce discomfort
Help smaller stones pass

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL)

ESWL uses sound waves to break kidney stones into smaller fragments that can pass through urine.

Ureteroscopy

A small camera is inserted through the urinary passage to locate, break, or remove the stone.

Surgical Stone Removal

Large or complicated stones may require minimally invasive procedures for safe removal.

Kidney Stone Prevention Tips

Preventing kidney stones involves simple lifestyle changes.

Drink Enough Water

Adequate hydration helps dilute urine and reduces crystal formation.

Reduce Salt Intake

High sodium intake can increase calcium levels in urine and increase stone risk.

Maintain a Balanced Diet

Include:

Fresh fruits
Vegetables
Whole grains
Healthy calcium sources

Avoid Excess Animal Protein

Moderate protein intake may help reduce the risk of certain stones.

Maintain Healthy Weight

Regular physical activity supports overall kidney health.

When Should You See a Urologist?

Consult a urologist if you experience:

Severe or persistent side pain
Blood in urine
Fever with urinary symptoms
Difficulty passing urine
Repeated kidney stones
Increasing pain despite medication

Early evaluation helps prevent complications and protects kidney function.

Kidney Stone Treatment in Chennai — Supreme Hospitals

At Supreme Hospitals, Chennai, the Urology Department provides specialist evaluation and treatment for kidney stones and other urinary conditions.

Our urologists use clinical assessment and advanced diagnostic techniques to determine the most suitable treatment approach based on each patient’s condition.

Patients from Chennai, OMR, Padur, and nearby areas can consult our specialists for kidney stone evaluation, treatment guidance, and preventive care.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the first signs of kidney stones?

The first signs may include sudden side pain, back pain, discomfort during urination, blood in urine, and frequent urination.

Can kidney stones go away without treatment?

Small kidney stones may pass naturally, but larger stones may require medical treatment to prevent blockage and complications.

How can kidney stones be prevented?

Drinking enough water, reducing salt intake, maintaining a balanced diet, and following medical advice can help prevent kidney stones.

Which doctor treats kidney stones?

A urologist is the specialist who diagnoses and treats kidney stones and other urinary system conditions.

How long does kidney stone treatment take?

Treatment duration depends on stone size, location, and the method used. Small stones may pass within days or weeks, while larger stones may require procedures.