Can kidney stones cause diarrhoea: Kidney stones are one of those health problems that can stop you in your tracks. The pain can be sudden, sharp, and scary; often starting in the back or side and sometimes showing up with blood in the urine. Because the symptoms can feel intense and confusing, many people ask a common question: can kidney stones also cause diarrhoea?
First, what exactly are kidney stones?
Kidney stones are hard, crystal-like deposits made from minerals and salts that form inside the kidneys. Some are tiny, like a grain of sand, while others can grow much larger. Trouble usually begins when a stone moves out of the kidney and travels through the urinary tract. Some symptoms include:
- Severe cramping pain in the back, side, or lower abdomen
- Burning or pain while urinating
- Frequent urge to pass urine
- Blood in the urine
- Nausea or vomiting
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So, is diarrhoea a symptom of kidney stones?
Not directly. Kidney stones are mainly a problem of the urinary system: the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Diarrhoea is linked to the digestive system, so stones don’t typically cause loose motions on their own.
However, some people with kidney stones do report diarrhoea, and that’s usually because of indirect reasons, not because the stone itself is affecting the intestines.
Why diarrhoea can show up when you have kidney stones
Pain and stress can disturb digestion: Severe colicky pain can trigger a stress response in the body. For some people, that stress can lead to nausea, cramps, or even loose stools.
Medicines may irritate the stomach: Painkillers, antibiotics, or other medicines given during a stone episode can cause side effects like stomach upset, changes in bowel movements, or diarrhoea in some individuals.
Dehydration plays a role: Kidney stones often develop when the body is low on fluids. Dehydration can throw off normal digestion and electrolyte balance, which may contribute to loose motions in certain cases.
An underlying condition could connect both: Some people have health issues that raise the risk of stones and bowel problems at the same time, such as inflammatory bowel disease, chronic digestive disorders, or certain metabolic conditions.
When diarrhoea with kidney stones needs attention
An occasional loose stool may not be serious. But if diarrhoea is frequent, severe, or doesn’t settle, it’s important to take it seriously, especially because dehydration can worsen stone symptoms and complications. Seek medical care if you have:
- diarrhoea lasting more than 2–3 days
- signs of dehydration (dry mouth, dizziness, weakness, dark urine)
- high fever or chills
- new or severe abdominal pain that feels different from stone pain
- blood in urine or blood in stool
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Diarrhoea is not a classic symptom of kidney stones because stones affect the urinary tract, not the digestive system. But indirectly, it can happen due to pain, stress, dehydration, medicines, or another condition happening alongside the stone. And since stones are painful enough on their own, it’s best to address any stomach symptoms early so they don’t make recovery harder.
