How to Get Rid of Kidney Stones: When They Pass Naturally vs Need Treatment

Kidney stones sometimes pass on their own, especially when they are small and moving through the urinary tract without causing major blockage. When stones are larger, very painful, infected, or unable to pass, medical treatment can help relieve symptoms and protect kidney health.

Overview: Can Kidney Stones Go Away on Their Own?

Kidney stones are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form in the kidneys. They can stay in the kidney without causing symptoms, or they can move into the ureter, the narrow tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder. It is often this movement that causes the classic symptoms of sudden flank pain, nausea, and difficulty getting comfortable.

Whether a stone passes naturally depends mainly on its size, location, and shape, as well as how much it blocks the flow of urine. In general, smaller stones are more likely to pass without a procedure, while larger stones are more likely to get stuck and need medical help. A person’s symptoms also matter: even a small stone may need treatment if it causes severe pain, repeated vomiting, or infection.

Many people improve with conservative care that focuses on hydration, pain control, and monitoring. However, kidney stones should not be ignored if symptoms are severe or prolonged. Timely assessment helps doctors decide whether watchful waiting is safe or whether active treatment is needed to prevent complications such as urinary blockage or kidney damage.

Symptoms of Kidney Stones

Kidney stones do not always cause symptoms at first. When symptoms do appear, they often start suddenly and may come in waves. Pain is usually felt in the side or back below the ribs, and it can travel toward the lower abdomen or groin as the stone moves.

Other common symptoms include pain or burning with urination, needing to urinate more often, nausea, vomiting, and urine that looks pink, red, or brown from blood. Some people notice cloudy or foul-smelling urine. The intensity of symptoms does not always reflect the stone’s size; even a small stone can be very painful if it blocks urine flow.

Certain symptoms suggest a more urgent problem. These include fever, chills, difficulty passing urine, very little urine output, pain that cannot be controlled, or symptoms in a person with a single kidney, pregnancy, or significant kidney disease. In these situations, prompt medical evaluation is important.

• Sharp pain in the side, back, lower abdomen, or groin
• Blood in the urine
• Nausea and vomiting
• Burning or urgency with urination
• Cloudy urine or foul smell
• Fever or chills, which may point to infection

Why Kidney Stones Form and Who Is at Risk

Kidney stones form when the urine contains more stone-forming substances than it can dilute. These substances may include calcium, oxalate, uric acid, or cystine. When urine is too concentrated, crystals can form and gradually grow into stones. Dehydration is one of the most common contributors because it reduces urine volume and makes crystal formation more likely.

Diet, family history, and certain medical conditions also play a role. Some people are more likely to form stones because of inherited tendencies, recurrent dehydration, obesity, digestive diseases that affect absorption, gout, or overactive parathyroid glands. Urinary tract infections can contribute to certain stone types, especially struvite stones. Repeated stones may be linked to a chronic metabolic tendency rather than a one-time event.

Risk can also rise with high salt intake, low fluid intake, and diets that are very high in animal protein for some individuals. Doctors may sometimes evaluate whether a stone is related to another urologic issue, such as kidney conditions or urinary outflow problems, especially if symptoms are atypical or recurrent. Understanding the stone type helps guide prevention after the immediate episode has passed.

When Kidney Stones May Pass Naturally

Many kidney stones can pass naturally, particularly if they are small and have already moved close to the bladder. During this time, treatment often focuses on drinking enough fluids, managing pain, and monitoring symptoms. A doctor may also recommend straining the urine to catch the stone, which can then be analyzed to identify its composition.

Passing a stone can take days or sometimes several weeks. During this period, a person may notice waves of pain as the stone moves. Symptoms may lessen once the stone reaches the bladder, and the stone may then pass in the urine without much warning. Even when home care is appropriate, medical follow-up may still be advised to confirm that the stone has passed and that the kidney is draining normally.

Doctors may prescribe medications that help relax the ureter in selected cases, especially for stones in the lower ureter. This approach is sometimes called medical expulsive therapy. Conservative care is usually considered only when the pain can be controlled, kidney function is stable, there is no sign of infection, and the person can drink fluids and follow up reliably.

• More likely to pass naturally: smaller stones, lower ureter stones, mild and controlled symptoms
• Less likely to pass naturally: larger stones, ongoing blockage, severe symptoms, infection, or reduced kidney function

How Doctors Diagnose Kidney Stones

Diagnosis begins with a medical history and physical examination. A doctor will ask about the pattern of pain, urinary symptoms, previous stones, diet, medications, and family history. Because other conditions can mimic kidney stone pain, accurate diagnosis is important. These may include urinary infection, appendicitis, gallbladder disease, or other kidney disorders.

Urine and blood tests help check for blood in the urine, signs of infection, kidney function, and mineral imbalances. Imaging is often the key step in confirming the diagnosis and locating the stone. Ultrasound may be used first in some patients, especially when radiation should be minimized, while non-contrast CT is highly accurate for identifying the size and position of a stone.

For people with repeated stones, doctors may recommend additional evaluation after the acute episode. This can include stone analysis and a 24-hour urine collection to look for metabolic causes. The results help shape a prevention plan that fits the individual rather than offering general advice alone.

When Kidney Stones Need Treatment

Kidney stones usually need treatment when they are unlikely to pass, when pain remains severe despite medication, or when the stone is blocking urine flow. Treatment is also important if there is an associated infection, because a blocked and infected urinary tract can become a serious emergency. Repeated vomiting, dehydration, worsening kidney function, or stones in both kidneys may also lead doctors to recommend intervention.

Several procedures are available, and the best choice depends on the stone’s size, location, hardness, and the person’s overall health. Shock wave lithotripsy uses sound waves to break certain stones into smaller pieces so they can pass more easily. For stones in the ureter or kidney, a doctor may perform ureteroscopy to locate the stone and remove it or break it apart with a laser.

Larger or more complex stones may require percutaneous nephrolithotomy through a small incision in the back. In some situations, temporary drainage with a stent or nephrostomy tube is needed first, especially if there is infection or significant obstruction. When a stone remains within the kidney and is causing ongoing problems, options such as shock wave lithotripsy may be discussed. The aim is not only to relieve symptoms but also to protect kidney function and reduce the risk of complications.

Prevention and Self-Care After a Stone

After a kidney stone episode, prevention becomes an important part of care. The most widely recommended step is adequate hydration, because producing more urine helps reduce the concentration of stone-forming minerals. Many people are advised to drink enough fluids to keep urine pale yellow, unless they have a medical reason to limit fluid intake.

Dietary advice depends on the type of stone. A doctor may suggest limiting excess salt, moderating animal protein, and being mindful of foods high in oxalate in selected cases. It is also important not to make major restrictions without guidance, since some changes can be unhelpful or even counterproductive. For example, maintaining a normal dietary calcium intake is often recommended rather than avoiding calcium completely.

Medications may be prescribed for people with recurrent stones or specific metabolic causes. These can help reduce calcium in the urine, lower uric acid, or change urine acidity. Follow-up is important, especially for anyone with repeated stones, a strong family history, or related conditions such as urinary tract infection. A personalized prevention plan usually works better than general advice alone.

When to See a Doctor

A person should seek medical care if they suspect a kidney stone and have significant pain, blood in the urine, or trouble urinating. Even when symptoms seem typical, an evaluation can confirm the diagnosis, rule out other causes, and determine whether home management is safe. Waiting too long may increase the risk of complications if a stone is causing persistent blockage.

Urgent medical attention is especially important for fever, chills, fainting, uncontrolled pain, inability to keep fluids down, or reduced urine output. These symptoms can signal infection, dehydration, or obstruction that needs prompt treatment. People who are pregnant, have one kidney, are older, or have chronic kidney disease should be assessed sooner rather than later.

For international patients needing specialist assessment, Acibadem International’s multidisciplinary teams in JCI-accredited hospitals diagnose and treat kidney stones with medical and minimally invasive options tailored to the individual. Regardless of where care is received, early consultation with a qualified doctor is the safest way to decide whether a stone is likely to pass naturally or needs active treatment.

Frequently asked questions

How do people know if a kidney stone will pass naturally?

The likelihood depends mostly on the stone’s size, location, and whether it is blocking urine flow. Smaller stones, especially those already in the lower ureter, are more likely to pass without a procedure. A doctor usually confirms this with imaging and assesses symptoms before recommending watchful waiting.

How long does it take to pass a kidney stone?

It can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the stone and the person’s anatomy. During that time, pain may come and go as the stone moves. If symptoms worsen or the stone does not pass as expected, medical review is important.

What helps kidney stones pass naturally?

Fluids, pain control, and close follow-up are the main parts of conservative care. In some cases, a doctor may prescribe medication to help relax the ureter and improve stone passage. Home remedies should not replace medical care if there is fever, severe pain, or reduced urine output.

When is a kidney stone considered an emergency?

A kidney stone can become an emergency if it is associated with fever, chills, infection, inability to pass urine, or pain and vomiting that cannot be controlled. These problems may signal obstruction or infection, which can threaten kidney health. Immediate medical assessment is recommended in these situations.

Can kidney stones come back after treatment?

Yes, kidney stones can recur, especially if the underlying cause is not addressed. Preventive steps such as adequate hydration, dietary adjustments, and sometimes medication can reduce the risk. People with repeated stones often benefit from a metabolic evaluation and follow-up plan.

Are all kidney stones treated the same way?

No, treatment depends on the stone’s size, location, type, and the symptoms it causes. Some stones can be observed, while others require procedures such as shock wave lithotripsy, ureteroscopy, or percutaneous removal. The best approach is individualized after a doctor reviews imaging and overall health.

References

• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
• American Urological Association
• European Association of Urology
• National Kidney Foundation
• Mayo Clinic

This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a qualified doctor about your individual situation.