Sarah Wolfensohn, a 71-year-old veterinary science academic from Oxfordshire, has endured 14 kidney stone attacks over three decades, describing the pain as more severe than childbirth. Despite maintaining a healthy diet and staying well-hydrated, she continues to experience severe symptoms that have led to multiple hospitalizations.

Kidney stones—small, hard deposits of salts and minerals such as calcium—often remain symptomless until they obstruct the ureter, the narrow tube connecting the kidney to the bladder. This blockage can cause intense, colicky pain and may become life-threatening if infection develops. In the United Kingdom, recent data indicates a significant increase in kidney stone-related hospital admissions, rising by 27.4% in England and 17% in Scotland between 2020 and 2025. Experts forecast a further 33% increase in admissions by 2034–35, with estimated NHS costs reaching £1.82 billion.

Men are approximately twice as likely as women to develop kidney stones, a disparity attributed in part to higher testosterone levels, which may increase oxalate production in the liver. Yet urological specialists report a shifting demographic. Consultant urological surgeon Vimoshan Arumuham from University College London Hospital notes a rise in younger, health-conscious patients developing stones, including some who follow high-protein or carnivorous diets and consume protein supplements. These dietary patterns acidify urine, increase calcium excretion, and reduce citrate levels, an inhibitor of stone formation.

Supporting this, research reviews involving over 100,000 individuals have linked higher animal protein intake to increased kidney stone risk. For example, consuming an additional 100 grams of red meat daily was associated with a 39% greater risk. Furthermore, studies on protein shakes reveal that whey protein can elevate urinary calcium and acidity, factors conducive to stone formation.

While diet plays a significant role, other contributors include genetics, urinary tract anatomy, and especially hydration status. Dehydration concentrates urine, promoting crystal formation. Small stones under 5 millimeters typically pass naturally, but larger stones—often exceeding the 3-millimeter width of the ureter—may cause obstruction requiring medical intervention. Treatment options include lithotripsy, which uses shockwaves to fragment stones, ureteroscopy to remove or break up lodged stones, and surgical removal for the largest cases.

Sarah Wolfensohn’s experience illustrates the complexity of management. Diagnosed with hypercalciuria, a condition causing excess calcium in urine, she has undergone multiple procedures including lithotripsy and ureteral stenting. Her case underscores the risk of complications like stone fragments blocking urine flow, necessitating further hospital care.

Prevention strategies vary based on stone composition but generally emphasize maintaining adequate fluid intake, reducing salt consumption to under 6 grams daily, and increasing dietary fiber. Contrary to some beliefs, avoiding calcium-rich dairy is not advised, as low calcium intake can elevate oxalate levels in urine and increase stone risk. Patients are often encouraged to collect passed stones for analysis to tailor dietary recommendations.

Emerging research points to bacterial biofilms within stones, suggesting microbes may contribute to stone formation and growth. This discovery could pave the way for novel preventative treatments in the future.

Kidney stones remain a substantial public health concern due to rising incidence rates, treatment complexity, and potential for serious complications such as sepsis. Health professionals continue to emphasize balanced diet, hydration, and awareness of individual risk factors to mitigate the growing burden on patients and healthcare systems.