Kidneys remove waste products from the blood and pass them out of the body through the urinary tract. If the person becomes dehydrated, eats too much salt or protein, takes certain medications, or is on bed rest, waste products can build up and form hard lumps in the urinary tract, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Typically, a stone will cause severe pain in the back, side or abdomen, burning, frequency and sometimes nausea and vomiting, according to the American Medical Association. Small stones may pass painlessly or with some discomfort, but larger stones may require emergency medical care and, in some cases, surgical removal.
Step 1
Drink plenty of water. Drinking two to three quarts a day can help flush the stones from your urinary tract, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Step 2
Take pain medication if needed. Although small kidney stones may pass painlessly, you may have some discomfort. Over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen or naproxen may be effective. If the pain becomes severe, contact your health care provider about stronger pain medications, suggests the Mayo Clinic.
Step 3
Apply a hot water bottle or heating pad to your abdomen or back to relieve pain.
Step 4
Walk or engage in your usual activities if you can tolerate it. Bed rest is not necessary and can contribute to stone formation.
Step 5
Strain your urine if possible. If you can collect the stone when it passes, your health care provider can order tests to determine its composition. If you do not have a urine strainer, use a urinal or other container to collect urine each time you pass it. You may be able to see the stone if it is not too small.
Step 6
Contact your health care provider if you begin to vomit or are unable to tolerate the pain, according to the American Medical Association. You may need intravenous fluids and pain medication.
Tips and Warnings
- Drink six to eight glasses of water every day to prevent stones from forming. If your urine is clear or pale yellow, you are drinking enough water. If you have a history of kidney stones, talk to your health care provider about a prescription for pain medications that you can take when a kidney stone attack begins.
- Contact your health care provider if you are unable to urinate, have a fever, or notice burning when you urinate, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Things You'll Need
- Water
- Pain medication
- Plastic container (optional)
References
- American Medical Association; Handbook of First aid and Emergency Care; 2009
- American Academy of Family Physicians: What You Should Know About Kidney Stones
- MedlinePlus: Kidney Stones
- MayoClinic.com: Kidney Stones: Treatment and Drugs
