How to Get Treatment for Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are a common medical problem. They can be painful, but they are treatments for them.
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You Will Need
- A doctor
- Water
- Pain medication
- A strainer
Steps
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Kidney stones should be diagnosed by a doctor. Get medical attention if you have blood in your urine, cannot urinate, or have a high fever. Follow your doctor's advice for treatment of kidney stones.
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Step 1
Recognize symptoms
Determine if you have the symptoms of kidney stones, such as severe pain in your lower back, a persistent urge to urinate, blood-tinged urine, and nausea.
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Step 2
Visit your doctor
Visit your physician to confirm that kidney stones are the problem and to determine the best course of treatment.
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Step 3
Take pain meds
Take the recommended amounts of an over-the-counter or prescription pain medicine to control the pain caused by the stones.
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Your doctor may prescribe a medicine to help your urine break down the stone.
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Step 4
Drink water
Drink lots of water and stay active. You may be able to pass the stone. If your doctor agrees, aim to drink 2 to 3 quarts of water per day.
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Step 5
Strain urine
If your doctor advises, strain your urine through a strainer they provide you with, so that when the stone comes out, you can save it.
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If you catch the stone, take it to your doctor for analysis. This will be helpful in determining its cause.
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Step 6
Get a medical procedure
Ask your doctor if you need a medical procedure. If, after a few weeks, drinking fluids and staying active fails to get the stone out, you may need a procedure.
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Most stones can be eliminated with a non-surgical procedure called extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy. If not, surgery is an option.
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Step 7
Prevent future stones
Have your blood and urine samples analyzed, drink plenty of water, and avoid the foods your doctor says to avoid to prevent kidney stones from recurring.
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Some scientists have theorized that kidney stones are more common in areas with high heat and humidity.
