Kidney stones are small, hardened deposits that form within the kidneys when certain minerals and salts in urine become highly concentrated. These solid masses can vary in size. While some small stones may pass unnoticed, larger ones often cause intense pain as they move through the urinary system. The primary goal is to facilitate the stone’s passage as quickly and comfortably as possible.
The Natural Process of Stone Passage
A kidney stone typically begins its journey in the kidney and then moves into the ureter, the narrow tube connecting the kidney to the bladder. From there, it travels to the bladder and is eventually expelled from the body through the urethra. The duration of this passage largely depends on the stone’s size and its specific location within the urinary tract.
Smaller stones, those less than 4 millimeters (mm) in diameter, have a high probability of passing naturally, occurring approximately 80% of the time. This process can take an average of 31 days to complete. Stones between 4 mm and 6 mm may take longer, averaging about 45 days, with around 60% passing without intervention. Stones larger than 6 mm are much less likely to pass on their own and typically require medical assistance. Stones located closer to the bladder generally pass more quickly than those higher up in the ureter.
Key Strategies to Aid Passage
Maintaining adequate hydration is a fundamental strategy for helping a kidney stone pass. Drinking plenty of water, aiming for about 2.5 to 3 liters (10-12 glasses) daily, helps increase urine flow. This increased fluid volume can assist in flushing the stone through the urinary tract.
Managing pain is important to allow for continued fluid intake and mobility. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or naproxen sodium can help alleviate mild to moderate discomfort. For more severe pain, a healthcare provider might prescribe stronger medication, which should be used under medical guidance.
Gentle physical activity, such as walking, can encourage the stone to move. Movement and the force of gravity may aid in the stone’s progression through the ureter. Staying active within comfort limits can be beneficial.
In some cases, a healthcare provider may prescribe medication to assist with stone passage. Alpha-blockers, such as tamsulosin, are a class of drugs that work by relaxing the muscles in the ureter. This relaxation can widen the ureter, making it easier for the stone to pass, particularly for stones larger than 5 mm.
Recognizing When Medical Help is Needed
Certain symptoms indicate a need for immediate medical attention when passing a kidney stone. Severe, unrelenting pain that cannot be managed with medication warrants prompt evaluation. This type of pain might suggest the stone is causing a complete blockage.
The presence of fever and chills alongside kidney stone pain can signal a urinary tract infection, which is a serious complication. Persistent nausea and vomiting can lead to dehydration and may also indicate a more serious issue.
An inability to urinate, or a significantly decreased urine output, suggests a complete obstruction of the urinary tract. This situation requires urgent medical intervention to prevent kidney damage. Visible blood in the urine accompanied by any of these severe symptoms should prompt immediate medical consultation.
After the Stone Has Passed
Once a kidney stone has passed, it is helpful to confirm its passage and collect it for analysis. Patients are often advised to strain their urine using a fine mesh sieve or a specialized kidney stone strainer. Any collected stone, even small fragments, should be placed in a clean container.
Following the passage of a stone, it is important to follow up with a doctor or urologist. The collected stone can be analyzed in a laboratory to determine its chemical composition. Understanding the stone’s type is crucial for developing a personalized plan to prevent future stones from forming. Maintaining consistent and adequate hydration by drinking plenty of water remains a long-term strategy to reduce the risk of recurrence.