Kidney & Urinary Health: Stones, Symptoms & Healthy Habits

The kidneys help remove waste and excess fluid from the body and play important roles in maintaining fluid, electrolyte and blood-pressure balance. The urinary system also includes the ureters, bladder and urethra.

Common Urinary Symptoms

Some symptoms that may indicate a urinary or kidney-related problem include:

• Burning or pain while passing urine
• Needing to urinate more frequently
• A sudden or urgent need to urinate
• Blood in the urine
• Cloudy or unusually strong-smelling urine
• Pain in the lower abdomen or back
• Difficulty passing urine
• Swelling of the legs or around the eyes

What Are Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones are hard deposits that can form when certain substances in urine become concentrated and form crystals. Stones can vary in size and may remain in the kidney or move into the urinary tract.

Some small stones may pass without major problems, while larger stones or stones that block urine flow can cause significant pain and may require medical treatment.

Common Symptoms of Kidney Stones

• Sharp pain in the side or back
• Pain that may move toward the lower abdomen or groin
• Blood in the urine
• Nausea or vomiting
• Frequent or painful urination
• Restlessness because of severe pain

Symptoms can vary depending on the location and size of a stone.

Hydration and Kidney Health

Adequate fluid intake is important for general urinary health and may help reduce the risk of some types of kidney stones. Individual fluid needs vary according to climate, activity, diet and health conditions.

People with certain kidney, heart or liver conditions may have been advised to restrict fluids. In such cases, follow the advice of your healthcare professional rather than increasing fluid intake on your own.

Healthy Habits

• Drink an appropriate amount of water based on your individual needs.
• Maintain a balanced diet and avoid excessive intake of highly processed foods.
• Keep salt intake moderate as advised by your healthcare professional.
• Maintain a healthy body weight and regular physical activity.
• Avoid smoking.
• Do not ignore persistent urinary symptoms.
• If you have previously had kidney stones, discuss prevention strategies with a healthcare professional.

Blood in the Urine

Blood in the urine should not automatically be assumed to be caused by kidney stones. Urinary infections, kidney disease and other conditions can also cause blood in the urine.

Visible blood in the urine or repeatedly detected blood on testing deserves appropriate medical evaluation.

Kidney Health and Blood Pressure

High blood pressure and kidney disease can be closely related. Long-term high blood pressure can damage blood vessels in the kidneys, while kidney disease can also contribute to high blood pressure.

Regular blood-pressure checks and appropriate medical follow-up can therefore be important for people at risk.

When Should You Seek Medical Advice?

Professional evaluation is appropriate for persistent burning during urination, repeated urinary infections, unexplained blood in the urine, recurrent kidney-stone symptoms, persistent back or side pain, swelling or significant changes in urination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does drinking more water always prevent kidney stones?

Adequate hydration can help reduce the risk of some types of kidney stones, but stone prevention depends on the type of stone and individual risk factors.

Is every back pain caused by the kidneys?

No. Back pain has many possible causes, including muscles, joints and the spine. Kidney-related pain is only one possibility.

Should blood in urine be ignored if there is no pain?

No. Blood in the urine can have several causes and should be appropriately evaluated even when it is not painful.