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Kidney Stones (cont.)

Prevention is always the preferable way to treat kidney stones. Remaining well hydrated and keeping the urine dilute will help prevent kidney stones from forming.

Those who have never passed a kidney stone may not appreciate the severity of the symptoms. There is little a person can do at home to control the debilitating pain and vomiting that can occur with a kidney stone other than to seek emergency care. If this is the first episode and no previous diagnosis has been established, it is important to be seen by a health-care provider to confirm the diagnosis.

For those who have a history of stones, home therapy may be appropriate. Most kidney stones, given time, will pass on their own, and treatment is directed toward symptom control. The patient should be instructed to consume oral fluids. Ibuprofen may be used as an antiinflammatory medication if there is no contraindication to its use. If further pain medication is needed, the primary-care provider may be willing to prescribe stronger narcotic pain medications.

Please note, if a fever is associated with the symptoms of a kidney stone, this becomes an emergency, and medical care should be accessed immediately. Urinary tract infections associated with a kidney stone often require urgent assessment and may need intervention by a urologist to remove or bypass the stone.