Kidney stones are one of the more common conditions that send Australians to their GP or local emergency department, and they can affect people of almost any age. They form when minerals and salts in urine crystallise into hard deposits inside the kidney, and while some stones cause no trouble at all, others lead to sudden and intense pain.
This article explains what kidney stones are, why they form, and how they are usually diagnosed and treated in Australia, including where Medicare and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) fit in. It is general information only, so please speak with a GP about your own situation, and if you think you are having a medical emergency, call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department immediately.
What Are Kidney Stones?
Your kidneys filter waste from the blood and produce urine. When urine becomes too concentrated, minerals such as calcium and oxalate can clump together and slowly form a hard, crystal-like mass.
This mass is a kidney stone. Stones range from as small as a grain of sand to as large as a golf ball, though most are much smaller than that.
Where Stones Cause Problems
A tiny stone may pass out of the body in urine without you ever noticing it. Trouble usually starts when a stone is large enough to block the flow of urine, or when it moves into the narrow tube (the ureter) connecting the kidney to the bladder.
Causes and Risk Factors
Not drinking enough water is one of the biggest contributors to kidney stones, especially in Australia’s hotter regions where fluid loss through sweat is higher. Concentrated urine gives minerals more chance to crystallise.
Diet also plays a role. Eating a lot of salty or processed food can increase the risk over time. You can read more on the Healthdirect kidney stones page, a reliable government-backed resource.
Other risk factors include a family history of kidney stones, certain long-term medical conditions, some medications, and having had a stone before. Your GP can talk through whether any of these apply to you.
Symptoms of Kidney Stones
Symptoms depend on the size of the stone and whether it is moving. Many people describe the pain as one of the worst they have ever felt, often starting suddenly in the back or side and spreading toward the lower abdomen.
Common signs to watch for include:
- Sharp, cramping pain in the back, side, or lower abdomen that comes and goes in waves
- Pain that spreads toward the groin as the stone moves
- Blood in the urine, which may look pink, red, or brown
- Nausea or vomiting alongside the pain
- A frequent or urgent need to urinate
- Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
- Fever and chills, which can suggest an infection alongside the stone
For a fuller overview of symptoms and when they tend to appear, the Better Health Channel’s guide to kidney stones is a helpful Victorian Government resource that many Australians find useful.
How Kidney Stones Are Diagnosed
If you have symptoms suggestive of a kidney stone, the usual first step is a GP visit. Bulk billing may be available depending on the practice, so it is worth asking when you book.
Your GP will typically ask about your symptoms, examine your abdomen and back, and may arrange a urine test to check for blood or signs of infection. Imaging such as an ultrasound or CT scan is often used to confirm the size and location of a stone.
Depending on the findings, your GP may provide a specialist referral to a urologist, a doctor who focuses on the urinary system. The RACGP’s clinical information for patients explains how referral pathways generally work within Australian general practice.
Treatment Options
Many small kidney stones eventually pass on their own with plenty of fluids and, if needed, pain relief recommended by a doctor or pharmacist. Your GP or pharmacist can advise on suitable options for your circumstances.
Larger stones, or those causing a blockage or severe pain, may need a medical procedure. Common approaches used by Australian urologists include shock wave therapy to break up the stone, or a minimally invasive procedure using a small scope passed through the urinary tract.
Costs for specialist treatment can vary, and Medicare rebates may apply to eligible services, while related medicines are sometimes subsidised through the PBS. For general guidance, Kidney Health Australia’s patient information is a good starting point, alongside your own GP.
Preventing Kidney Stones
Staying well hydrated is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce your risk of forming new stones, particularly during hot Australian summers or after exercise.
Moderating salt intake, eating a balanced diet, and maintaining a healthy weight can also help. If you have had kidney stones before, a dietitian, who is a type of allied health professional, can offer tailored dietary guidance, and a referral may attract a Medicare rebate in some circumstances.
You can check current Medicare rebate details and eligibility for allied health referrals through Services Australia’s Medicare information, since rebate amounts change from time to time.
When to Seek Urgent Care
Some kidney stone symptoms need urgent attention rather than a routine GP visit. These include severe pain that is not easing, fever with chills, being unable to urinate, or persistent vomiting.
If any of these apply to you, call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department without delay, since a blocked or infected kidney can become serious quickly.
For milder or ongoing symptoms, a telehealth consultation can be a convenient way to check in with a GP before deciding whether an in-person visit or emergency care is needed.
Conclusion
Kidney stones are common, often painful, but usually manageable with the right care. Understanding the causes, recognising the symptoms early, and knowing when to seek help can make a real difference to how the experience unfolds.
If you suspect you have a kidney stone, or you have had one before and want to reduce your risk of another, a conversation with a GP is the best place to start. You can use medicine.com.au to find GPs and urologists across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, and other major Australian cities, making it easier to get the personalised advice a website simply cannot provide.
FAQs
1. What actually causes kidney stones?
Kidney stones form when urine becomes concentrated enough for minerals like calcium and oxalate to crystallise. Not drinking enough fluids, certain diets, family history, and some medical conditions can all increase the likelihood of stones forming.
2. How painful are kidney stones really?
Many people describe kidney stone pain as one of the most intense pains they have experienced, often coming in sudden waves in the back or side. The severity usually depends on the size of the stone and whether it is moving through the urinary tract.
3. Can kidney stones be prevented?
Staying well hydrated is one of the most effective ways to lower your risk, along with moderating salt intake and eating a balanced diet. If you have had stones before, your GP or a dietitian can offer more tailored prevention advice.
4. Do all kidney stones need surgery?
No, many smaller stones pass naturally with fluids and appropriate pain relief. Larger stones or those causing a blockage may need a procedure such as shock wave therapy, which a urologist can discuss with you.
5. Will Medicare help cover the cost of treatment?
Medicare rebates may apply to eligible GP visits, specialist consultations, and some imaging or procedures, though the exact amount depends on the service and provider. Check servicesaustralia.gov.au or ask your healthcare provider for current details relevant to your situation.