Dealing with kidney stones can be painful and worry you. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to make yourself comfortable. If you are suffering from kidney stones, the first and best thing to do is to see a doctor. While waiting for kidney stones to pass, you can use pain relievers and home remedies to treat pain. You can also help your body get rid of kidney stones by following your doctor's instructions and drinking adequate amounts of fluids. Finally, you can reduce the chances of kidney stones coming back by living a healthy lifestyle.
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Method 1 of 3: Treating Pain from Kidney Stones
Step 1. Go to the doctor if you have never had kidney stone symptoms before
If you are still in doubt whether the symptoms are from kidney stones, you should undergo a medical examination to get the correct diagnosis. Your doctor can rule out other conditions or health complications that could be causing your symptoms. Doctors can also suggest the best method to treat kidney stones.
- Common symptoms of kidney stones include pain (in the side of the body, stomach, back, or groin), pain when urinating, brown or pink urine, nausea or vomiting, a strong urge to urinate or frequent urination, as well as fever or feeling cold (if you have a secondary infection). You may also experience sudden, constant pain on one side of your back (this is called renal colic).
- Even if you have had kidney stones before, consult your doctor if you have any problems or questions.
- If your doctor suspects that you have kidney stones, he or she may filter your urine to check for kidney stones or determine their composition.
Step 2. Seek medical help as soon as possible if you experience severe symptoms
Sometimes, kidney stones can cause additional complications that require immediate medical attention (for example, if a blockage or infection occurs). Call emergency services or go to the hospital immediately if:
- You have so much pain that you can't stay still or don't feel comfortable in any position.
- You have nausea and vomiting accompanied by pain.
- You feel pain accompanied by fever and chills.
- There is blood in your urine or you have difficulty urinating.
Step 3. Use a pain reliever as directed by your doctor
If the kidney stone is still small, you can ease the pain with over-the-counter pain relievers. Some of the commonly used medications are acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Motrin), and naproxen (Aleve).
- Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are also taking any other medications, or if you have any health problems.
- Some doctors recommend combining acetaminophen with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as naproxen or ibuprofen, to relieve severe pain. Talk to your doctor about whether you can safely use both drugs at the same time.
- If the pain is so severe that it cannot be treated with over-the-counter medications, your doctor may prescribe a stronger medication.
Step 4. Walk as much as possible
Even if you're reluctant to move your body when you're suffering from kidney stone pain, staying active can actually relieve pain. Go for a slow walk or do light exercise if you can afford it. Another good option is to do light stretching or yoga.
If the pain gets worse when you try to move your body, stop what you are doing. You can continue to exercise if this can indeed help relieve pain
Step 5. Take a hot bath (can take a bath or use a shower)
Wet heat (moist heat) obtained from water can relieve pain due to kidney stones. Take a hot shower, or soak yourself in a tub filled with warm water for 20 minutes or more. Make sure the water is not too hot as it can scald the skin.
You can also apply a heating pad to the painful area. Do not lie on a heating pad, and always place a layer of cloth (such as a towel, blanket, or heating pad cover) between the skin and the pad. You can use a heating pad 3 or 4 times a day for 20-30 minutes for each session
Method 2 of 3: Helping the Body Remove Kidney Stones
Step 1. Drink plenty of fluids
Keeping the body hydrated can help remove kidney stones from the body and keep the urinary tract healthy. A sign that you have been drinking adequate amounts of water and other clear fluids is urine that is clear and almost colorless.
- You can drink fluids other than water, but don't overdo it with tea, coffee, or acidic drinks as they can irritate your urinary tract and make you feel uncomfortable.
- Apple juice and grapefruit (large oranges) can cause kidney stones. If you like juice, choose a better alternative, such as cranberry juice.
- Don't drink alcohol and soda, as they can dehydrate you and potentially make kidney stones worse.
Step 2. Take an alpha blocker if your doctor recommends it
Your doctor may prescribe an alpha blocker to relax the muscles in your urinary tract and help your body get rid of kidney stones. Take this medication carefully as directed by your doctor.
- Alpha blockers commonly prescribed by doctors to treat kidney stones include tamsulosin (Flomax), doxazosin (Cardura), and alfuzosin (Uroxatral).
- Before taking an alpha blocker, tell your doctor if you are also taking any other medications at this time. Drugs that can interact with alpha blockers include calcium channel blockers, beta blockers, and drugs to treat erectile dysfunction.
Step 3. Sleep on your side on the side of the body affected by the kidney stone
As much as possible, keep the stone-filled kidney facing down at night if you feel comfortable and painless while doing so. This can help the body to remove the kidney stone easily.
Researchers do not know for sure why sleeping position can help remove kidney stones. This may be because the side of your body that you are lying on has increased filtration and urine flow
Step 4. Get more intensive care if your doctor recommends it
If the kidney stone is too large to pass on its own, or has other complications (such as infection or bleeding), you may need to use other treatments. Consult with your doctor to get the most suitable treatment for you. Some of the treatments that can be obtained include:
- ESWL (extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy). This treatment is done by sending sound waves into the body to break the kidney stones into small pieces. It is usually used in kidney stones that are not hard.
- Perform surgery to remove stones. This procedure is usually performed using a small instrument that is inserted through a small incision in the back. Usually, doctors only recommend surgery if ESWL or other treatments don't work. Surgery is also used to remove large stones.
- Use a ureteroscope to remove stones. This technique is performed by inserting a small camera through the urethra and bladder into the ureter (the tube that connects the kidney to the bladder). Once the stone is found, the doctor will insert a tool into the ureter to remove or break up the stone.
Method 3 of 3: Preventing Future Kidney Stones
Step 1. Keep yourself hydrated
Drink plenty of water and other clear fluids throughout the day. This can help the body produce urine in sufficient quantities to remove crystals that have built up and have been petrified in the kidneys. In most people, drinking 3-4 liters of water every day is sufficient.
To find out if you have been drinking enough water, consult your doctor. A number of tests will be done by your doctor to see if you are producing a healthy amount of urine
Step 2. Cut down on foods that are high in oxalate
These foods can encourage the formation of certain types of kidney stones, such as calcium oxalate stones. Avoid foods that contain the following oxalates:
- Rhubarb
- Bit
- Spinach
- Swiss chard
- Sweet potato
- Chocolate
- Tea
- Black pepper
- Soya bean
- Nuts
Step 3. Avoid salt and animal protein
If you've ever had kidney stones, don't eat meat and foods that are high in salt. Both salt and animal products can cause a buildup of substances in the urine that can lead to the formation of kidney stones.
- Do not consume more than 2,300 mg of sodium in a day. Depending on your medical history, your doctor may advise you to reduce your sodium intake to a larger amount, which is around 1,500 mg per day.
- Limit your daily consumption of meat to just one piece that is no bigger than a deck of cards.
Step 4. Eat foods that contain lots of calcium
Although excessive calcium content in the urine can cause kidney stones, calcium is still an important ingredient for you. So that you do not consume excessive calcium (as well as meet the needs), choose foods that contain lots of calcium, not supplements.
- Foods high in calcium include leafy greens (such as broccoli, collard greens, and kale), dairy products (such as milk, yogurt, and cheese), and certain types of seafood (such as canned fish without bones).
- It will be easier for your body to absorb calcium if you also take vitamin D. Look for foods and drinks that are fortified with vitamin D and calcium (such as some dairy products and juices).
- Consult a doctor if you do not know how much calcium in the diet should be consumed. Your doctor can determine the ideal amount of calcium based on a number of factors, such as your age, gender, and your overall health.
Step 5. Take magnesium potassium citrate supplements
This supplement can reduce the buildup of substances in the urine that cause kidney stones. Consult your doctor whether this magnesium potassium citrate supplement is right for you.
Consult your doctor to find out the ideal dosage of this supplement. Usually, urologists recommend that you consume a total of 1,600 mg of potassium citrate and 500 mg of magnesium citrate in a day
Step 6. Consult your doctor before taking any supplements
Some types of supplements can cause kidney stones. For example, high doses of vitamin C and vitamin D can cause kidney stones. Tell your doctor about any supplements you want to take to make sure they don't cause kidney stones to form again.
If your doctor approves a supplement, ask about the exact dose you should take. Supplements may be healthy in small amounts, but can be harmful in large doses
Step 7. Include antioxidants in the food you consume
The best way to do this is to eat lots of colorful vegetables and fruits. Antioxidants can reduce the risk of kidney stones by reducing the amount of calcium oxalate in the urine.
- Good sources of antioxidants include apples, berries, oranges, artichokes, bell peppers, kale, and fruit juices (such as pomegranate juice).
- Be careful, do not consume sources of antioxidants that also contain lots of oxalate, such as nuts and sweet potatoes.
- You can see a list of foods that are high in antioxidants on this site:
Step 8. Change your usual sleeping position
Sleeping in a position that doesn't change all the time can cause kidney stones to form, especially if you sleep on your side. Kidney stones tend to form on the side of the body you use to tilt. If you have a tendency to have kidney stones on one side of your body, try sleeping on the other side for a while.
If you currently have a kidney stone and are trying to get rid of it, sleeping on the side of the body that has the kidney stone can be useful. After the kidney stones come out, change the sleeping position to the other side of the body
Step 9. Practice healthy weight control techniques
Maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent kidney stones from forming. If you're having trouble controlling your weight, talk to your doctor or a dietitian to find the best method for losing weight and keeping it off.
Kidney stones are linked to insulin resistance. If you are overweight, lose weight so that your body can effectively metabolize insulin
Step 10. Talk to your doctor about medications to prevent kidney stones
Depending on the type of kidney stone you tend to have, your doctor can prescribe medication to prevent new stones from forming. Some medications to prevent kidney stones include:
- Medications containing phosphates or thiazides to prevent calcium stones from forming.
- Allopurinol to prevent the formation of uric acid stones.
- Antibiotics to prevent the formation of struvite stones.
Warning
- Many other health conditions have symptoms similar to those caused by kidney stones. Even if you believe that your symptoms are caused by kidney stones, you should see a doctor.
- If you suspect you have kidney stones, go to the doctor. Your doctor will plan your treatment and decide whether you should be hospitalized or at home. Once the kidney stone has passed, filter your urine to collect it. Take the stone to the doctor for examination.
