Doctors diagnose kidney stones using blood and urine tests, ultrasounds, and x-rays. Tests and imaging scans can let them know what kind of stones you have, how large they are, and whether they’re small enough to pass on their own.
Staying hydrated can help prevent future stones from forming, so drinking plenty of water every day is essential. [6] X Expert Source Scott Tobis, MDBoard Certified Urologist Expert Interview. 13 September 2021. Water is best, but you can also drink ginger ale and some types of 100% fruit juice in moderation. Avoid drinking grapefruit juice and cranberry juice, which can increase the risk of kidney stones. [7] X Research source Avoid caffeine or limit your consumption, as it can lead to dehydration. Try to drink no more than 1 c (240 mL) of caffeinated coffee, tea, or cola per day. [8] X Research source
If over-the-counter pain relievers aren’t effective, ask your doctor for a prescription medication. If necessary, they’ll give you a prescription-strength pain reliever (such as ibuprofen) or, in some cases, prescribe a narcotic pain reliever. [10] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source Be sure to take any prescription medication according to your doctor’s instructions.
Side effects may include dizziness, lightheadedness, weakness, diarrhea, and fainting. Getting out of bed or standing up slowly can help prevent lightheadedness and fainting. Tell your doctor if any side effects are persistent or severe. [12] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source
Long-term management of kidney stones varies depending on the type and cause. In order to come up with an effective treatment plan, your doctor might need to test a collected sample. If necessary, your doctor will provide you with the required equipment and instruct you how to collect and strain a sample.
Waiting for small kidney stones to pass can be frustrating, but try to be patient. Although they usually pass on their own, sometimes kidney stones require medical intervention. While waiting to pass the stones, check in with your doctor if you experience any worsening symptoms, such as severe pain, the inability to urinate, or blood in your urine.
If you haven’t seen a doctor or haven’t been diagnosed with kidney stones, seek medical attention if you experience these symptoms. Doctors take ultrasounds or x-rays to find kidney stones. If they determine a stone is too large to pass on its own, they’ll recommend a treatment method based on the stone’s size and location.
Side effects vary and may include upset stomach, diarrhea, nausea, and drowsiness. Let your doctor know if any side effects are persistent or severe. [17] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source
For struvite stones, which are caused by infections, your doctor will likely prescribe an antibiotic. Take any medication as directed, and don’t stop taking your medicine without consulting your doctor. Maintaining a healthy weight, monitoring blood pressure, maintaining a normal blood sugar level, and avoiding smoking are effective ways to maintain healthy kidneys. [19] X Expert Source Scott Tobis, MDBoard Certified Urologist Expert Interview. 13 September 2021.
You’ll be given medication to help you relax or fall asleep during the procedure. It takes about an hour, and you’ll spend about 2 hours in recovery. Most people go home on the same day as the procedure. Rest for 1 to 2 days before resuming your normal activities. Pieces of the stone may take 4 to 8 weeks to pass. During that time, you may have pain in your back or side, experience nausea, or see small amounts of blood in your urine. [21] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source
Your doctor may also recommend a similar procedure called a ureteroscopy to remove stones in the tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder. If a stone is too large to be removed, a laser breaks it into pieces small enough to pass when you go to the bathroom. Cystoscopies and ureteroscopies are often performed under general anesthesia, which means you’ll be asleep during the procedure. Most people are able to go home the same day as the procedure. For the first 24 hours after the procedure, you might experience a burning sensation when you urinate and see small amounts of blood in your urine. Let your doctor know if these symptoms last more than a day. [22] X Trustworthy Source National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Health information from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, a division of the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
Some people spend at least 2 to 3 days in the hospital after a nephrolithotomy, which is the technical name for the surgical procedure. Your doctor will provide instructions about changing the dressing, caring for the incision site, and resting after the procedure. [24] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source
For example, if you have uric acid stones, you’ll need to avoid herring, sardines, anchovies, organ meats (such as liver), mushrooms, asparagus, and spinach. If you have calcium stones, you’ll need to avoid calcium and vitamin D supplements, limit your intake of calcium-rich foods to 2 to 3 daily servings, and avoid antacids that contain calcium. Note that people who have kidney stones once are at an increased risk of having them in the future. Kidney stones recur within 5 to 10 years in about 50% of people who have them once. Preventative measures, however, may lower your risk of recurrence. [26] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
Instead of cooking with salt, flavor your meals with fresh and dried herbs, citrus juice, and zest. Try to cook your own food as much as possible instead of going to restaurants. When you eat out, you can’t control the amount of salt in your meals. Avoid deli and processed meats, as well as meats that have been pre-marinated. Additionally, steer clear of salty snacks, such as chips, and canned foods, such as soups. Check the sodium content on any packaged foods before you eat them.
Lemon may also help lower the risk of uric acid stones. Try not to drink lemonade or other lemon products that are high in sugar. [29] X Research source
If you’re prone to uric acid stones, try not to eat more than 3 oz (85 g) of meat per meal. To manage uric acid stones, note that your doctor might suggest cutting out animal protein altogether, including eggs and poultry. [31] X Trustworthy Source National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Health information from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, a division of the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
Don’t take calcium, vitamin D, or vitamin C supplements, and steer clear of antacids that contain calcium.
While exercise is important, pay attention to how much you sweat. The more you sweat, the more water you’ll need to drink. To avoid dehydration, aim to drink about 1 c (240 mL) of water every 20 minutes during intense exercise, hot weather, or whenever you’re sweating a lot.
