Kidney Stones (Pathri): Symptoms, Pain Medicines and Prevention

Few things hurt like a kidney stone. People who have passed one often describe it as the worst pain of their life, and in Pakistan, where summers are hot and many of us do not drink enough water, pathri (kidney stones) is far more common than most families realise. This guide explains the warning signs, how the common medicines work, and what you can do to stop stones coming back.

What is a kidney stone?

A kidney stone is a hard lump formed from minerals and salts that settle out of urine. It can be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a marble. Small stones often pass on their own. Larger ones can block the urine pipe (ureter) and cause severe pain, which is why a doctor’s check is important.

Common symptoms of pathri

• Sudden, sharp pain in the side or back that comes in waves and may move toward the lower belly or groin.
• Burning or pain while passing urine, or a constant urge to go.
• Pink, red or brown urine, or cloudy, foul smelling urine.
• Nausea and vomiting along with the pain.
• Fever and chills, which can mean an infection.

Fever with severe pain, inability to pass urine, or vomiting that will not stop are emergency signs. Go to a hospital the same day.

How doctors confirm a stone

Your doctor will usually ask for a urine test and an ultrasound of the kidneys and bladder. Sometimes a CT scan or X-ray is needed to see the exact size and position. The size of the stone decides the plan: wait and let it pass, take medicines to help, or break or remove it with a procedure.

Medicines used for kidney stones

There is no single magic tablet that dissolves every stone, so be careful with anyone who promises that. These are the medicine groups doctors commonly use:

• Pain relievers. Anti inflammatory painkillers are often the first choice for stone pain, but they are not safe for everyone, especially people with weak kidneys, ulcers or heart problems. Read more in our guide to painkillers explained. You can browse the Pain and Inflammation range here.
• Anti nausea medicines. These help when the pain makes you vomit. See our Nausea and Vomiting category.
• Alpha blockers. Doctors sometimes prescribe these to relax the urine pipe so a small stone can pass more easily.
• Antibiotics. Only when there is an infection along with the stone. Never start them on your own. Our article on when antibiotics are really needed explains why.
• Citrate or alkalinising preparations. For some stone types, a doctor may advise these to change the urine chemistry.

Most of these are prescription medicines. If you have a prescription, you can send it through our upload prescription page and we will help you with the order.

Water: the cheapest treatment

Drinking enough fluid is the most proven way to prevent stones. The target is pale yellow urine through the day. In summer, or if you sweat a lot at work, you need more. If you are losing fluid through vomiting or loose motions, replace it with ORS. Our Dehydration and Electrolytes section stocks oral rehydration products.

Food habits that help

• Cut down on extra salt. Pickles, chips, packet snacks and salty namkeen all add up.
• Do not overdo red meat and organ meat, which raise uric acid.
• Keep normal dairy and calcium in your diet unless your doctor says otherwise. Cutting calcium completely can actually make some stones worse.
• Add lemon water. Citrate in lemon helps against some stone types.
• If your stone is the oxalate type, your doctor may ask you to limit spinach, nuts, and very strong tea.

Be careful with Ayurvedic and herbal stone remedies

Many shops sell herbal pathri tablets and tonics. Some people feel better with them, but evidence is limited and some products can irritate the stomach or interact with other medicines. If you want to try a herbal product, tell your doctor first. You can see what we stock under Liver, Kidney and Stone Care and Herbal Tonics and Remedies.

Questions to ask your doctor

• What size and type of stone do I have, and can it pass on its own?
• Which painkiller is safe for me, given my kidneys and stomach?
• Do I need a urine culture or antibiotics?
• Which foods should I limit for my stone type?
• When should I come back for a repeat scan?

Frequently asked questions

Can a kidney stone pass without surgery?

Many small stones do, usually within a few weeks, with plenty of fluids and pain control. Bigger stones may need a procedure.

Does pathri come back?

It can. Studies show a good share of people form another stone within several years, which is why daily water intake and diet matter.

Is back pain always a kidney stone?

No. Muscle strain, UTI and other problems cause similar pain. Read about UTI symptoms to tell the difference, and get checked if you are unsure.

Can kidney problems get worse with painkillers?

Yes, frequent use of some painkillers can harm the kidneys. If you already have kidney disease, check our Kidney Disease range only with your doctor’s guidance.

Disclaimer: This article is for general awareness and does not replace medical advice. Please consult a doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine, especially if you are pregnant, elderly or have kidney, liver or heart disease.