Kidney stones are small, hard deposits that form in the kidneys and can cause significant pain as they move through the urinary tract. Many individuals experiencing sudden, severe flank pain, often radiating to the groin, wonder where to seek immediate medical attention. Urgent care centers can provide initial assessment and management for suspected kidney stones.
How Urgent Care Diagnoses Kidney Stones
Urgent care centers diagnose kidney stones through a detailed assessment of symptoms and medical history, followed by a physical examination for tenderness. Urinalysis is a common test, detecting blood, infection signs, or crystals in the urine, which are indicators of kidney stones.
Imaging techniques are used to confirm the presence, size, and location of stones. Bedside ultrasound can detect larger stones and assess for urinary tract blockage. KUB X-rays identify calcifications in the urinary system. CT scans are the most precise imaging, and urgent care may refer patients for them if necessary. Blood tests also evaluate kidney function or rule out infection.
Urgent Care’s Role in Initial Management
Once a kidney stone is diagnosed, urgent care focuses on immediate symptom relief and stabilization. Pain management is a primary concern, involving nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen, or stronger pain relievers. Anti-nausea medications, such as ondansetron, are given for nausea and vomiting accompanying kidney stone pain.
Hydration is important, with oral fluids recommended, or intravenous (IV) fluids if the patient is dehydrated or unable to keep liquids down. Patients are advised to strain their urine to collect the passed stone for analysis to determine its composition. Urgent care centers do not remove stones but help patients manage symptoms until the stone passes or specialized care is arranged.
When Urgent Care is the Right Choice
Urgent care is an appropriate choice for kidney stone symptoms when pain is manageable and severe complications are absent. This includes sudden, severe pain in the flank or lower abdomen radiating to the groin, particularly for a first suspected kidney stone. Other suitable symptoms include persistent discomfort or blood in the urine without fever.
Immediate emergency room attention is necessary for certain symptoms. These include severe, unbearable pain uncontrolled by medication, high fever (above 101.5°F) or chills, persistent vomiting preventing fluid intake, or an inability to urinate. These signs can indicate a serious infection, a complete urinary blockage, or other complications that require advanced diagnostic tools and interventions found only in an emergency department.
After Your Urgent Care Visit
Following an urgent care visit for kidney stones, patients receive instructions for home care. Advice includes continued pain management, hydration, and using a urine strainer to collect passed stones for analysis. Stone composition guides future stone prevention strategies.
A referral to a urologist is common for further evaluation if the stone does not pass, is large, or recurs. Urologists can recommend definitive treatments like shock wave lithotripsy or surgical removal. Follow-up with a primary care physician is advised to discuss stone prevention strategies, including dietary adjustments and increased fluid intake.