Kidney stones

A kidney stone is a hard crystal in the kidney or ureter. Colicky pain often comes in waves; fever or chills with a stone may indicate an infected blockage and needs immediate emergency care.

• Sudden, extremely severe pain in the side or back that comes in waves and spreads to the lower abdomen or groin.
• Restlessness and being unable to find a position that clearly relieves the pain.
• Drink normally throughout the day if you are not vomiting and do not have a fluid restriction; drinking litres at once does not make the stone pass faster.
• Strain your urine if this has been agreed, and keep any stone you find dry for analysis.
• Get in touch the same day for a first attack of severe pain in the side that comes in waves.
• For urgent GP (family doctor) care outside normal opening hours, call HAP 9252 (out-of-hours GP service). Call Ambulance 912 only if there is an immediate threat to life.