Kidney stones and gout

The link

NIAMS lists the kidneys among the parts of the body gout can affect, because high uric acid levels can lead to stones, and lists kidney stones among conditions common in people with gout. MedlinePlus says uric acid stones can occur with gout. Other kinds of stone, such as calcium stones, are more common overall, so a stone is not proof of gout.

Kidney function and treatment

Kidneys are how most urate leaves the body. Kidney function affects which flare medicines and which urate-lowering medicines are possible. The 2020 ACR guideline still names allopurinol as the usual first urate-lowering medicine, including in chronic kidney disease, but the choice is made with your clinician. This page does not say a medicine is safe for your kidneys. More is on Other conditions.

Fluids

MedlinePlus says the biggest risk factor for kidney stones is not drinking enough fluids. If you have had stones, MedlinePlus advises drinking plenty of fluids. Ask your clinician what is right for you, especially if you have been given other advice about fluids.

Warning signs

NIDDK says to see a health care professional right away for symptoms such as:

• sharp pain in the back, side, lower abdomen, or groin
• pink, red, or brown blood in the urine
• pain while urinating, or being unable to urinate or only a small amount
• cloudy or bad-smelling urine

NIDDK adds that fever and chills, nausea, and vomiting can come with a stone. MedlinePlus advises contacting a clinician for severe pain in the back or side that will not go away, blood in the urine, or fever and chills. If you have pain with fever and chills, contact a clinician promptly rather than waiting.