How to Treat a Kidney Stone

Kidney stones form from crystals found in the urine. The crystals bind together to form a large hard mass, which is referred to as a kidney stone. The stones can be painful when they move from one place to another. Kidney stones are a common problem that affects more than 350,000 Americans each year and that number is constantly growing.

How to Treat a Kidney Stone

1. Acute pain in the abdomen is the first sign that kidney stones may be blocking the urine flow. The pain usually occurs in the back and side in the area of the kidney. You may also experience nausea and vomiting. 


2. Contact your doctor and let him or her know the type of pain you are experiencing. There are a number of tests that can be performed to determine if the pain is from kidney stones such as a urine test or a CT scan.


3. After the presence of kidney stones is confirmed, your doctor will probably request that you start drinking at least two quarts of water a day.


4. Use a strainer when you urinate so you can catch the stones when you pass them through your urine. The stones should be taken to your doctor to undergo lab analysis.


5. Take any prescribed pain medication as needed. Passing the stone can be excruciating and most doctors will prescribe a strong pain reliever to help with the pain.