How to Get Treatment for Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are a common medical problem. They can be painful, but they are treatments for them.

Author:
Howcast
Updated:
Nov 7, 2018
Original:
May 17, 2010

Instructions

: 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.
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.
Step 2: Visit your doctor Visit your physician to confirm that kidney stones are the problem and to determine the best course of treatment.
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.
TIP: Your doctor may prescribe a medicine to help your urine break down the stone.
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.
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.
TIP: If you catch the stone, take it to your doctor for analysis. This will be helpful in determining its cause.
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.
TIP: Most stones can be eliminated with a non-surgical procedure called extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy. If not, surgery is an option.
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.
FACT: Some scientists have theorized that kidney stones are more common in areas with high heat and humidity.