How Common Are Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones are more common than you might expect, often striking suddenly and causing significant discomfort. For those who’ve endured their sharp pain, it’s an experience they’re unlikely to forget. But how common are kidney stones, and what makes them form in the first place?

Let’s explore the prevalence of kidney stones, risk factors, and ways to reduce your chances of developing them.

What are kidney stones?

Kidney stones are hard mineral and salt deposits that form inside your kidneys. They develop when your urine becomes concentrated, allowing minerals like calcium, oxalate, or uric acid to crystallise and stick together. These stones vary in size, with some small enough to pass unnoticed, while others grow large enough to block your urinary tract.

The unpredictability of kidney stones makes them particularly challenging. While they can sometimes pass without much trouble, larger stones may cause severe pain and require medical intervention. Understanding their causes and symptoms is crucial for managing and preventing them.

How common are kidney stones?

Approximately 1 in 10 people experience kidney stones at some point in their lives. Men are slightly more affected than women, with cases most common between the ages of 30 and 60. However, kidney stones are increasingly seen in women, linked to lifestyle factors such as diet and hydration.

It’s also worth noting that kidney stones are a recurring issue for many. Around 50% of those who’ve had a stone will develop another within five years, highlighting the importance of prevention and awareness.

What increases your risk?

Several factors make kidney stones more likely, ranging from lifestyle habits to medical conditions:

Dehydration

Not drinking enough fluids is a major contributor. When your urine is too concentrated, it creates the perfect conditions for minerals to crystallise.

Dietary choices

Diets high in salt, sugar, or animal protein can increase your risk. For instance, excessive salt raises calcium levels in your urine, which can lead to stones.

Genetic factors

If kidney stones run in your family, your chances of developing them are higher. Genetics often influence how your body processes minerals.

Medical conditions

Obesity, diabetes, gout, and certain metabolic disorders all increase your risk. Some medications, such as calcium-based antacids, may also contribute.

Age and gender

Men are more likely to develop kidney stones than women, though the gap is narrowing. Stones are most common between the ages of 30 and 60.

Why are kidney stones becoming more common?

The prevalence of kidney stones is rising, driven by lifestyle factors such as poor hydration and unhealthy diets. Consuming too much salt, sugar, and processed foods plays a significant role. Additionally, obesity and diabetes, both of which affect how your body processes minerals, are becoming more common.

Modern habits, like relying on sugary drinks instead of water, further compound the problem. The good news is that small changes to your daily routine can make a big difference in reducing your risk.

Recognising the symptoms

The symptoms of kidney stones can range from mild to severe. Here are the key signs to watch out for:

Sharp pain in your back, side, or lower abdomen.
Blood in the urine, which may appear pink, red, or brown.
Frequent or painful urination, particularly when passing a stone.
Nausea and vomiting, often accompanying severe pain.
Fever and chills, which may indicate an infection.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical advice promptly. Left untreated, kidney stones can lead to complications such as infections or kidney damage.

Diagnosing kidney stones

Medical professionals use several methods to diagnose kidney stones:

Imaging tests: X-rays, ultrasounds, or CT scans help locate and measure the stones.
Urine analysis: Tests can reveal abnormal levels of minerals that promote stone formation.
Blood tests: These identify potential causes, such as high calcium or uric acid levels.

Early diagnosis can make a significant difference in preventing complications and ensuring timely treatment.

Practical steps for better kidney health

Kidney stones may be common, but they’re not inevitable. By staying hydrated, eating a well-balanced diet, and paying attention to your risk factors, you can significantly reduce your chances of developing them. If you’ve experienced kidney stones before, these measures are especially important to prevent future occurrences.

Understanding the symptoms and seeking timely medical advice is just as crucial. With the right approach, you can keep kidney stones at bay and maintain good kidney health for the long term.

Take control of your health today – your kidneys will thank you for it.

Maneesh Ghei

Mr Maneesh Ghei MS MRCSEd MD (UCL) FRCS (Urol) is a highly experienced Consultant Urological Surgeon and founder of Urocare London, with over three decades of practice in both NHS and private settings across the capital. As Lead Cancer Clinician at Whittington Hospital, Archway, he chairs the multidisciplinary urology cancer meeting, overseeing patient care from diagnosis through to the latest minimally invasive treatments. A pioneer in complex endourology and stone disease management, Mr Ghei led the UK’s first randomised, double-blind trial of intradetrusor botulinum toxin for refractory overactive bladder. He holds an MBBS and MS in General Surgery from India, an MD from University College London, and undertook advanced fellowships in stone disease and laparoscopic surgery, culminating in his Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons (Urology). Committed to education and research, he supervises doctoral work in focal therapies and cryotherapy for prostate cancer and champions public awareness through annual Movember fundraising.