[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2022\/04\/how-are-kidney-stones-diagnosed\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2022\/04\/how-are-kidney-stones-diagnosed\/","headline":"How Are Kidney Stones Diagnosed?","name":"How Are Kidney Stones Diagnosed?","description":"Kidney stones are a common, painful problem for men and women. But how do you know if you have kidney stones? Here's how doctors diagnose this condition.","datePublished":"2022-04-28","dateModified":"2025-09-24","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/urology-regions","name":"Urology","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/urology-regions","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/urology\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/GettyImages-1305317670.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/GettyImages-1305317670.jpg","height":325,"width":754},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2022\/04\/how-are-kidney-stones-diagnosed\/","about":["Health Topics A-Z","Urology"],"wordCount":819,"articleBody":"Kidney stones\u00a0are a common problem for adults. The National Kidney Foundation estimates that\u00a0about 10% of people will have a kidney stone\u00a0at some point in their lives. They occur slightly more often in men than women.Kidney stones often pass through the urinary tract undetected. But sometimes, you need to see a doctor for kidney stone diagnosis and treatment.What Are Kidney Stones?Kidney stones are hard, irregularly shaped objects that form out of crystallized substances in the urine. The most common type is calcium oxalate stones.If calcium and oxalate combine in the urine, they can form kidney stones, especially if there\u2019s not enough liquid. That\u2019s why it\u2019s especially important to drink lots of water if you\u2019re prone to kidney stones.Sometimes the stones stay in the kidneys, but often they travel down the urinary tract. Smaller stones may pass out of the body with no problem.However, if they become lodged in the urinary tract, kidney stones can cause blockages. These blockages can cause urine to back up into the kidneys, bladder, ureter, or urethra.Both the backup of urine and the irritation caused by the stone itself can cause excruciating pain.Kidney Stone SymptomsKidney stones range in size from a grain of sand to the size of a golf ball. The bigger the stone, the more problems it can cause.Signs that you have a kidney stone include:A sudden, sharp pain in your lower back or side (also called flank pain).A burning sensation when you urinate.An intense stomachache.Bloody urine.Nausea.Vomiting.Fever and chills.Testicle pain in men.How Do They Test for Kidney Stones?If you think you have a kidney stone, see a health care provider as soon as possible.Your provider will perform a physical exam, during which they\u2019ll ask about your medical history and any conditions that may increase your risk of developing kidney stones. They\u2019ll also ask about your family history, diet, and symptoms.Your doctor may use any of the following tests to diagnose kidney stones.Abdominal ultrasound \u2014\u00a0This test uses sound waves that bounce off the kidney. It then sends a picture of the kidney to a video screen. A technician can then determine the size, shape, and location of any kidney stones.Blood tests \u2014\u00a0A blood sample will show if you have high levels of the minerals that lead to kidney stones (like calcium).Computed tomography (CT) scans \u2014\u00a0This imaging test uses a combination of x-rays and computer technology to make images of your urinary tract. It shows the details of bones, muscles, fat, and organs.Lab analysis of passed stones \u2014\u00a0Your doctor may ask you to strain your urine to catch the stone as it passes. They will analyze any stone to determine what caused it. That may reduce your chance of getting future kidney stones.Urinalysis \u2014\u00a0A lab worker will test your urine. Urinalysis will show if your urine has blood and minerals in it. It can also rule out a urinary tract infection, which causes some of the same symptoms as kidney stones.Urine collection \u2014\u00a0Your doctor may ask you to collect your urine for 24 hours after the stone has passed. They can then check your urine for minerals to help pinpoint what caused the kidney stone.X-rays \u2014\u00a0Your doctor will order x-rays that show the kidney, ureters, and bladder. The x-rays help find kidney stones or other abnormalities in the area.Kidney Stone TreatmentDepending on the severity of your kidney stone diagnosis, your doctor may recommend the following\u00a0treatments for kidney stones.Drinking lots of water \u2014 For smaller stones, simply increasing your fluid intake can help the stone pass.Changing your diet \u2014\u00a0Your doctor may recommend reducing the amount of salt and animal protein you eat. They may also recommend adjusting the amount of calcium and oxalate in your diet.Medication \u2014 Your doctor may prescribe a muscle relaxer to help pass the stone. They may also suggest that you take an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as ibuprofen.Surgery \u2014\u00a0Your doctor may have to remove bigger stones with surgery. There are different kinds of surgery for kidney stones, including noninvasive options.Are Other Problems Mistaken for Kidney Stones?It\u2019s important to see a doctor for kidney stone diagnosis. Other conditions can cause symptoms similar to those of kidney stones, like nausea, vomiting, and severe\u00a0flank pain.Some of these other conditions are:Appendicitis.Back arthritis or disc disease.Food poisoning.Muscle strain or pinched nerve.Stomach infection.Urinary tract infections\u00a0(UTIs).If you\u2019re in extreme pain, see blood in your urine, or have difficulty urinating, head straight to the emergency department.Editor's Note: This article was originally published on April 28, 2022, and was last reviewed on September 24, 2025.SourcesUrology Care Foundation, Kidney Stones, LinkNational Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Diagnosis of Kidney Stones, LinkNational Kidney Foundation, Kidney Stones, Link"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2022","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2022\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"04","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2022\/\/04\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"How Are Kidney Stones Diagnosed?","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2022\/04\/how-are-kidney-stones-diagnosed\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]