Is near your groin and lower abdomen Is located on the side of your back around your ribs Comes and goes, but will worsen over time Becomes more intense and then less intense Happens when you try to urinate

Brown, red, or pink in color Cloudy Bad smelling

Feel like you need to urinate even if you just went Find yourself going to the bathroom more often that is normal for you

Severe pain that makes it impossible to get comfortable Pain that is accompanied by nausea and vomiting or fever and chills Bloody urine Having a hard time urinating at all

Staying well-hydrated is one of the most important steps to maintaining healthy kidneys. [9] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source If the urine is a clear to light-yellow color, it means you are hydrating enough. [10] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source If the urine is dark yellow, orange, or tea-colored, drinking more water can be helpful. [11] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source

Recent recommendations are to avoid sodas containing phosphoric, such as colas, as these increase the risk of kidney stones. [13] X Research source

Keep in mind that if you have recently gained weight, then you may also be at risk of developing kidney stones, even if you are not obese.

Inflammatory bowel disease Gastric bypass surgery Chronic diarrhea Hyperparathyroidism Urinary tract infection Cystinuria

Getting a CT scan is the most accurate way to determine if you have kidney stones. Your doctor can also use the results of the kidney stones to determine where the stones are at and how big they are.

If you kidney stones are large, then your doctor may need to use something called “extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy” or ESWL. This procedure breaks large stones into smaller ones so that you can pass them more easily. [18] X Research source Your doctor can also use a scope to break up a stone that is trapped in your ureter and make it easier for your body to pass. [19] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Be aware that surgery may be required for severe cases of kidney stones that do not respond to other forms of treatment. [20] X Research source

You may take ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or aspirin depending on your medical needs and personal preferences. Ask your doctor for a recommendation if you are not sure what to take. Read and follow the product instructions for any medicine that you take.