A stone that's smaller than 4 mm (millimeters) may pass within one to two weeks. A stone that's larger than 4 mm could take about two to three weeks to completely pass.
Smaller stones are more likely than larger stones to pass on their own. Waiting up to four to six weeks for the stone to pass is safe as long as the pain is bearable, there are no signs of infection, the kidney is not completely blocked and the stone is small enough that it is likely to pass.
Some kidney stones can stay in the body for years or even decades without issue, though most stones usually pass on their own or cause pain that is significant enough that treatment is undertaken before this time. In some instances, however, untreated kidney stones can block the ureters, causing a build-up of urine.
If you have stones, you may experience sharp pain that occurs intermittently as the kidney spasms while attempting to eliminate the stone from your body. This pain may feel similar to a back muscle strain. Expect to experience spasms around 1 to 4 times per hour until the stone passes into your ureter.
Since stones can stay in your kidneys for years without causing symptoms, it's also possible for you to learn that you have a kidney stone while receiving an imaging test for another reason. These are called silent kidney stones.
Left untreated, kidney stones can block the ureters or make them narrower. This increases the risk of infection, or urine may build up and put added strain on the kidneys. These problems are rare because most kidney stones are treated before they can cause complications.
Around 80% of kidney stones that are smaller than 4 millimeters (mm) will pass on their own in about 31 days. Approximately 60% of kidney stones that are 4–6 mm will pass on their own in about 45 days. Around 20% of kidney stones that are larger than 6 mm will pass on their own in about 12 months.
"Contrary to popular belief, passing a kidney stone once it reaches the bladder isn't the painful part," says Dr. Benway. The pain usually starts once the stone has migrated from the kidney into the ureter, the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder.
Kidney Stone Treatment at Dignity Health
Medications to relax the ureters can also help the stone pass. Your doctor may prescribe pain medication to keep you comfortable. If the stone is stuck, you may need a catheter procedure, shockwave therapy to break up the stone, or surgery to remove it.
Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid which helps dissolve kidney stones. In addition to flushing out the kidneys, apple cider vinegar can also decrease any pain caused by the stones. In addition, water and lemon juice can help flush the stones and prevent future kidney stones.
Sepsis requires emergency medical treatment and can be fatal. In some cases, kidney stones can lead to chronic kidney disease and kidney failure. That's why it's crucial to get treated as soon as possible and talk to your doctor about ways to prevent them from forming again in the future.
As mentioned, the time frame for these symptoms can be as short as a week or up to a month and beyond. So, even if it feels like your kidney stone pain has subsided, it's important to reach out to your doctor since sporadic pain is common with this condition.
Some examples of foods that have high levels of oxalate include peanuts, rhubarb, spinach, beets, Swiss chard, chocolate and sweet potatoes. Limiting intake of these foods may be beneficial for people who form calcium oxalate stones which is the leading type of kidney stone.
Urgent care facilities may be appropriate for very mild cases of kidney stone infections that just require assistance with fluids, anti-inflammatories, and painkillers. However, if the situation worsens, the urgent care doctors will likely tell you to go to the emergency room for further care.
A kidney stone may be treated with shockwave lithotripsy, uteroscopy, percutaneous nephrolithomy or nephrolithotripsy. Common symptoms include severe pain in lower back, blood in your urine, nausea, vomiting, fever and chills, or urine that smells bad or looks cloudy.
The stress the kidney stone puts on the entire body could have an impact on your digestive health and trigger IBS. Diarrhea – While it's unlikely that a kidney stone will lead to diarrhea, the opposite can be true. Dehydration is a known risk factor for kidney stone onset, and chronic diarrhea can leave you dehydrated.
Because it takes a while for a stone to pass through the entire ureter, pain typically comes and goes in waves. Nausea and blood in the urine may also be experienced. “Once a stone has reached your bladder, you've made it through the worst part.
Typically, the pain fluctuates in severity but does not go away completely without treatment. Waves of severe pain, known as renal colic, usually last 20 to 60 minutes.
Dark cola beverages, artificial fruit punch, and sweet tea are the top drinks that contribute to kidney stones. This is because these beverages contain higher amounts of fructose or phosphoric acid, which are ultimately known to contribute to kidney stones.
Even small stones can cause extreme pain as they exit your body through your urinary tract. Drinking fluids may help the process, which can take as long as three weeks. A large kidney stone can get trapped in your ureter (the tube that drains urine from your kidney down to your bladder).
A stone passing is so painful because the kidney itself is “exquisitely sensitive,” explains Dr. Lesser. When a stone blocks the flow of urine through the urinary tract, backed-up urine can put pressure on the kidney, resulting in pain.