When to See a Doctor for Kidney Stone Pain

Kidney stones are hard deposits of minerals and salts that can form in the kidneys. They travel through the ureters, which are tubes between the kidneys and the bladder. 

If a kidney stone reaches the bladder, it can usually be passed when urinating. However, in some cases, kidney stones can become lodged in the ureter, blocking urine and causing pain. 

Severe pain in the upper abdomen, side of the body, or back is one of the first symptoms of kidney stones. Other symptoms of kidney stones include:

Pain near the bladder

Frequent urination

High blood pressure

Blood in the urine

If you have the above symptoms plus fever, chills, shaking, or a fast heartbeat, this could be the cause. It may be. If you have any signs of infection, you should seek medical attention immediately.

If you have a family history of kidney stones, you may also be at a higher risk of developing kidney stones.

A doctor or health care provider can diagnose kidney stones based on a physical exam, urine test, blood test, or computed tomography (CT) scan. 

Kidney stone treatment and prevention: 

In some cases, you may be able to pass a kidney stone on your own with the help of certain pain medications. Kidney stones that are 4 millimeters or less in diameter have a 90% chance of passing on their own, given time and pain control. However, some kidney stones require surgery to remove. Drinking plenty of water can help reduce your chances of getting kidney stones, as can changing your diet depending on the type of kidney stone. 

If you have calcium stones, you should reduce the amount of salt in your diet.

If you have oxalate stones, reduce your intake of oxalates, which are found in green leafy vegetables.

If you have uric acid stones, reduce your intake of non-dairy animal proteins such as red meat and fish. 

If you have any questions or concerns about kidney stones, please consult your doctor.

Treatment Options for Kidney Stones There are several ways to treat kidney stones. People who experience recurring kidney stones can take the following precautions:

Drink lots of water to remove stones from your body. 

Maintain a diet low in foods high in oxalates to avoid further problems. 

If you have small kidney stones, treatment may include: 

Drink plenty of water to flush out the stone. 

Over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen may help minimize pain. 

In cases of severe discomfort, painkillers may be prescribed to relieve pain. 

If the stone does not pass, other medications may be prescribed to help the process.

For larger kidney stones, procedures can be used to break up the stone and make it easier to pass. However, in some cases surgical removal may be necessary. 

None of the above symptoms should be ignored. Depending on the severity, contact your doctor immediately if you experience pain or discomfort, and seek emergency treatment if you feel you need immediate intervention. 

In some cases, patients may not know when to seek treatment for kidney stones. If you have any questions or suspect you have kidney stones, please contact Austin Urology.

People with a history of kidney stones may not be able to see a doctor. 

A kidney stone infection is a medical emergency, but some people with a history of kidney stones may not always be able to see a doctor. Some people don’t need it, Lieske said. After first consulting a doctor, people who notice symptoms can try to remove stones at home because they may have painkillers on hand, he explains. Your doctor will likely tell you to drink lots of water to flush out stones in your urinary tract. 

Whether to use this approach “depends on the level of pain and how comfortable people are with this strategy,” Lieske says. “Anecdotally, the more times a patient experiences kidney stone attacks over the years, the less pain they experience, but this is not universally true.” 

Ibuprofen (Advil) Kidney A drug called tamsulosin (Flomax), which is effective for stone pain, may reduce the discomfort and allow the stone to pass, Marchalik said. Fortunately, your doctor can help you develop a preventive plan to prevent stones from recurring.

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