Kidney stones — medically known as urolithiasis or nephrolithiasis — are among the most common reasons Filipinos end up in the emergency room with sudden, severe pain. The Philippines' hot climate, salty and meat-heavy diet, and often-inadequate water intake all contribute to a relatively high rate of stone formation. Here's what you need to know about recognizing, treating, and preventing them.
What Are Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside the kidneys when urine becomes concentrated, allowing crystals to stick together. The most common type in the Philippines is calcium oxalate stones, though uric acid stones (linked to high-purine diets and gout) are also common.
Symptoms of a Kidney Stone Attack
Small stones may pass without any symptoms at all. But as a stone moves into the ureter (the tube connecting kidney to bladder), it can cause:
- Sudden, severe pain in the back or side, below the ribs (renal colic) — often described as one of the worst pains a person can experience
- Pain that radiates to the lower abdomen and groin as the stone moves
- Pain that comes in waves, fluctuating in intensity
- Pink, red, or brown urine (blood in the urine)
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
- Nausea and vomiting
- Frequent urination, or a persistent urge to urinate
- Fever and chills — if present, this can indicate an infection, which makes the situation more urgent
When to Go to the ER vs. See a Doctor
Go to the emergency room immediately if you have severe pain combined with fever, chills, vomiting that won't stop, or inability to urinate — these can signal an infected or completely blocked kidney, which is a medical emergency. For milder, tolerable pain without fever, an urgent visit to a urologist or your nearest hospital is still strongly recommended for proper diagnosis and pain control.
How Kidney Stones Are Diagnosed
- KUB ultrasound (kidney, ureter, bladder) — the most commonly used first-line imaging in the Philippines, safe and widely available
- CT scan — more sensitive, used when ultrasound is inconclusive or the diagnosis is unclear
- Urinalysis — checks for blood, infection, and crystals
- Blood tests — checks kidney function and calcium/uric acid levels
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the stone's size, location, and whether it's causing a blockage or infection:
- Watchful waiting with hydration: Stones smaller than 5mm often pass on their own with increased fluid intake and pain management
- Medication: Alpha-blockers can relax the ureter to help a stone pass more easily; pain relievers manage symptoms during passage
- Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL): Uses sound waves from outside the body to break stones into smaller pieces that can pass naturally — widely available in major Philippine hospitals
- Ureteroscopy: A thin scope is passed through the urinary tract to remove or break up the stone directly, typically for stones stuck in the ureter
- Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL): A surgical procedure for larger or complex stones, performed through a small incision in the back
A urologist determines the right approach based on stone size, location, and your overall kidney function.
Why Kidney Stones Are So Common in the Philippines
- Hot, humid climate — increased sweating without matching fluid intake concentrates the urine
- High-sodium diet — patis, toyo, bagoong, and processed foods increase calcium excretion in urine
- High-purine foods — organ meats (isaw, bopis), seafood, and certain vegetables can raise uric acid levels
- Inadequate water intake — many Filipinos don't drink enough water throughout the workday
- Family history — genetics play a significant role in stone-forming tendency
How to Prevent Kidney Stones (Especially If You've Had One Before)
- Drink more water — aim for enough fluid to produce at least 2 liters of urine per day (roughly 8–10 glasses of water, more in hot weather or with physical activity)
- Reduce sodium intake — cut back on patis, toyo, bagoong, instant noodles, and processed/canned foods
- Moderate animal protein — especially organ meats and excessive red meat, which raise uric acid and calcium excretion
- Don't over-restrict calcium — contrary to popular belief, adequate dietary calcium (from food, not supplements) actually helps prevent calcium oxalate stones by binding oxalate in the gut
- Limit oxalate-rich foods if you form calcium oxalate stones — spinach, nuts, chocolate, and bran in excess
- Ask your doctor about a 24-hour urine test if you've had recurrent stones — this identifies your specific risk factors and guides personalized prevention
PhilHealth Coverage
PhilHealth covers urology consultations and kidney stone treatment, including ESWL and surgical procedures, under specific case rate packages at accredited hospitals. Confirm accreditation and expected out-of-pocket costs with your urologist's clinic beforehand.
Find a Urologist Near You
If you're experiencing sudden flank pain or have had kidney stones before, search MyDoktor.ph for urologists near you — filter by city to find a PRC-licensed specialist who can diagnose and treat kidney stones and help you prevent future attacks.
Medical Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a licensed physician before making any healthcare decisions. In a medical emergency, call emergency services or go to the nearest hospital immediately.
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