Kidney gravel: symptoms, causes and which doctor to see
Kidney gravel (“sand”) is minerals in the urine settling in the kidney as crystals smaller than a few millimetres. It often causes no symptoms and is found by chance on a urine test or ultrasound; sometimes, as it passes through the urinary tract, it can cause burning, an ache in the groin or slight bleeding. Not drinking enough and eating a lot of salt and animal protein are the most important factors. Without precautions, gravel can turn into stones over time.
Which doctor should I see for kidney gravel?
For kidney gravel you can first see: Urology or Internal Medicine. If you are not sure, a family doctor can refer you to the right specialist.
What are the symptoms of kidney gravel?
- Burning when passing urine
- A mild ache in the flank or groin
- Cloudy or pinkish urine
- Sand-like particles in the urine
- Often no symptoms
What causes kidney gravel?
The most common causes are listed below. Only a doctor’s examination can determine the exact cause.
- 1Not drinking enough and working in hot environments
- 2Too much salt and animal protein
- 3Eating a lot of oxalate-rich foods
- 4Family tendency
- 5Gout and some metabolic diseases
When is it an emergency? Call 112 now
- Is there unbearable pain spreading from the flank to the groin? (passing a stone)
- Is there fever and chills
- Are you unable to pass urine
- Is there confusion, fainting or difficulty waking up
- Is there facial drooping, slurred speech or sudden weakness in an arm or leg
- Are you struggling to breathe even at rest
What you can do at home
- Drink enough water each day to pass pale urine.
- Cut down on salt and ready-made foods.
- Drink water with lemon and eat plenty of vegetables and fruit.
See a doctor if
- When crystals or blood are found on a urine test
- Recurring burning on urination and flank pain
- People with a family history of kidney stones
How long does it last and how is it treated?
Most gravel passes out in the urine on its own with plenty of fluids. If it keeps recurring, the cause is investigated with urine and blood tests and the diet is adjusted.
Who gets kidney gravel?
- People who do not drink enough
- People who live and work in hot climates
- People with a family history of stones
- People with obesity and diabetes
How is it diagnosed?
It is found with a urine test and ultrasound; for recurrent cases a 24-hour urine analysis is done.
Can it be prevented?
- Plenty of water, little salt, balanced protein and normal calcium intake.
Find a urologist in your city
Urologists in Turkish cities who can help with kidney gravel.
People also describe it as
- “They said I have sand in my kidney”
- “Something like sand comes out when I pass urine”
Frequently asked questions
Which doctor should I see for kidney gravel?
For kidney gravel you can first see: Urology or Internal Medicine. If you are not sure, a family doctor (general practitioner) can assess you first and refer you to the right specialist.
What are the symptoms of kidney gravel?
Common symptoms: burning when passing urine; a mild ache in the flank or groin; cloudy or pinkish urine; sand-like particles in the urine; often no symptoms. Symptoms vary from person to person; a doctor’s examination is needed for a diagnosis.
What causes kidney gravel?
The most common causes: not drinking enough and working in hot environments; too much salt and animal protein; eating a lot of oxalate-rich foods; family tendency; gout and some metabolic diseases. Only a doctor’s examination can determine the exact cause.
How long does kidney gravel last and how is it treated?
Most gravel passes out in the urine on its own with plenty of fluids. If it keeps recurring, the cause is investigated with urine and blood tests and the diet is adjusted.
Who gets kidney gravel?
It is more common in: people who do not drink enough; people who live and work in hot climates; people with a family history of stones; people with obesity and diabetes.
How is kidney gravel diagnosed?
It is found with a urine test and ultrasound; for recurrent cases a 24-hour urine analysis is done.
Can kidney gravel be prevented?
Plenty of water, little salt, balanced protein and normal calcium intake.
Does kidney gravel pass on its own?
Most of it passes out in the urine with plenty of water.
What is the difference between kidney gravel and a stone?
Gravel is crystals smaller than a few millimetres; if they join and grow, a stone forms.
When is kidney gravel an emergency?
If the answer to any of these questions is yes, call 112 without delay: “Is there unbearable pain spreading from the flank to the groin? (passing a stone)” “Is there fever and chills?” “Are you unable to pass urine?” “Is there confusion, fainting or difficulty waking up?” “Is there facial drooping, slurred speech or sudden weakness in an arm or leg?” “Are you struggling to breathe even at rest?”
When should I see a doctor for kidney gravel?
See a doctor: when crystals or blood are found on a urine test; recurring burning on urination and flank pain; people with a family history of kidney stones.
Similar complaints
Emergency numbers in Turkey
112: ambulance, emergency (free, 24/7, from any phone). 114: National Poison Information Centre. 182: appointment line for public hospitals (MHRS). Pharmacies on night duty (nöbetçi eczane) are posted on the door of every pharmacy.
Sources
This page is based on current information published by the official and independent bodies below and on our editorial principles. Last updated: . To report an error: contact us.
This page does not provide a medical diagnosis and does not replace an examination by a doctor. If you think it is an emergency, call 112 (Turkey’s free emergency number). For poisoning, call the National Poison Information Centre on 114.