It can take hours, days or weeks for a kidney stone to travel through the urinary tract. The trick is getting it to move as quickly as possible with fluids or finding treatment needed to escape from this extremely painful condition. The pain usually starts suddenly as the stone gets into the urinary tract. It might be a sharp pain in the lower abdomen or in the back and side of the kidney area that does not go away, according to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC). Pain or discomfort may move to the groin.
Large Stones
The stone causes pain because it has become too large for the body to push it out. Blood may appear in the urine. There may be a need to urinate more often or a burning sensation when urinating. Nausea and vomiting may result because of the constant agony. It could cause an infection, bringing on fever and chills. In these extreme cases, the NKUDIC says, it is necessary to seek medical attention immediately.
Formation
Common kidney stones are made of calcium, which may combine with oxalate or phosphate chemicals. The stones can also be caused by infections. Kidney stones are hard masses that develop because of crystals in the urine. Urine usually prevents the crystals from forming, but this does not always happen. The crystals that are formed are usually so small they pass through the urinary tract without problems. For some people, however, pain begins when the stones get too large.
Buildup
Although calcium is good for you, too much calcium from food or vitamin supplements may build up the stones to cause blockages. Gout, a disorder that produces excess uric acid and mainly affects men, can cause kidney stones, according to the National Institutes of Health. Men are more prone to kidney stones from calcium than are women.
Fluids
The passing of stones depends on size, location and what the person does to get them out. Drinking 2 to 3 quarts of water a day aids in flushing the stone through the urinary tract, according to the Mayo Clinic. This may also prevent other stones from forming. Staying physically active can also help the stone pass as quickly as possible by activating the stone, the clinic reports. It is a good idea to avoid staying in bed. Move around as much as possible, even taking frequent walks. Patients are given pain medication and may be advised to use a heating pad to ease pain.
Treatment
It is a painful process, especially when it is not known when the stones will pass. But taking the necessary steps can help the stones pass sooner and end the pain. If the stone does not move, medical procedures are necessary, the Mayo Clinic explains. Treatments include shockwave or ultrasound to break up the stones, or removal of the stone with surgery. The stones can be analyzed when removed, or when saved by the patient in a cup or strainer during urination, to recommend a proper diet to avoid the chemicals causing the kidney stones in the future.
