Possible treatments
A kidney stone usually doesn’t cause problems until it starts to move within the kidney or tries to pass into the ureters (the tubes that connect your kidneys to your bladder). If a stone blocks one of the ureters, it can stop the flow of urine, causing the kidney to swell and the ureter to spasm, which can be very painful. If this happens, you might experience:
- Severe pain in your side and back, just below the ribs
- Pain that spreads to your lower belly and groin
- Pain that comes and goes in waves
- Pain when you urinate
- Urine that looks pink, red, brown, or cloudy, or has a strong smell
- Feeling like you need to urinate all the time
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever and chills, which may mean there’s an infection
There are different ways to treat kidney stones, and your doctor will go over the options with you. They’ll recommend the best treatment based on your health, the size of the stone, and where it’s located.
If you have small kidney stones, or small stones get stuck in the ureter, your doctor will likely recommend that you drink plenty of water to help flush the stones out in your urine. If you feel pain or discomfort while passing the stones, you can take over-the-counter pain medication, and you can also use anti-nausea medicine if you feel sick.
For smaller kidney stones that can’t be passed when you pee, there are treatments to help. One option is Medical Expulsive Therapy, which helps the stones pass more easily. Another option is breaking them down, if possible, to make them easier to pass.
This chapter contains general information about kidney and ureteral stones. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. Always consult your doctor or healthcare provider for guidance on your individual medical situation.
Last updated: January 2025.