4 Stages Of Passing A Kidney Stone: What Are They & How They Feel Like?

Kidney stones can be an extremely painful and uncomfortable experience. Many people who have experienced this condition know how unbearable it can be. Understanding the stages of passing a kidney stone^[1] can help you prepare for what is to come and take necessary measures to alleviate the pain. In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss the stages, what each stage entails, and tips to pass a kidney stone quickly and how to prevent kidney stones.

What Are The Stages Of Passing A Kidney Stone?

The Stone Forms 

Kidney stones are formed^[2] when there is too much waste in the urine and not enough liquid to flush it out of the body. The waste products clump together and form a hard, crystalline stone. These stones can range in size from a grain of sand to a golf ball and can cause intense pain when they move through the urinary tract. Calcium stones are the most common type of kidney stones. Other types include, struvite stones, cystine stones, and uric acid stones.

The Stone Leaves Your Kidney 

The second stage is when the stone leaves the kidney and enters the ureter, the tube that connects the kidney to the bladder. This is when the pain usually begins. As the stone moves through the ureter, it can cause intense pain in the back, side, and lower abdomen.

Other symptoms^[3] may include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Blood in the urine

Pressure Builds In Your Bladder

As the stone continues to move down the urinary tract, it eventually reaches the bladder. During this process, pressure may begin to build in your bladder causing a feeling of urgency to urinate. This pressure may also cause pain or discomfort in your lower abdomen, and for women, it can cause sharp pain in the genital area, as well as a burning sensation when urinating. If the kidney stone causes a blockage in the urinary tract, you may experience severe pain in the abdomen or groin and occasionally this blockage may lead to a urinary tract infection, or UTI.

The Stone Exits From Your Bladder

The last stage of passing a kidney stone occurs when the stone leaves the bladder and passes through the urethra. This is usually the most painful part of the process because the stone is larger than the urethra and can cause a great deal of discomfort. Once the stone completely passes through the urethra, you may experience some soreness and discomfort when urinating.

How Long Is A Stage?

Each stage in passing a kidney stone can vary greatly depending on the size and location of the stone. It may take a greater amount of time to pass a kidney stone depending on including the size of the stone, its location in the urinary tract, and the individual’s overall health. It is possible for a stone to pass through the urinary tract in a matter of days, however some kidney stones may take weeks or even months to pass if they are larger in size.

What Does Passing A Kidney Stone Feel Like?

Passing kidney stones can be an incredibly painful experience. The pain is often described as a sharp, stabbing sensation in the back, side, or lower abdomen. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and blood in the urine. As the stone moves through the urinary tract, you may also experience a frequent urge to urinate and pain or discomfort while urinating.

Tips To Pass A Kidney Stone Quickly 

If you are experiencing the pain and discomfort of passing kidney stones, there are several things you can do to help speed up the process and alleviate your symptoms. Here are a few tips on how to get rid of kidney stones quickly.

Eat Diuretic Foods

Diuretic foods are known to increase urine production which helps the body get rid of excess fluid and salt. It also causes you to use the bathroom move helping to move the kidney stone through the urinary tract. Some common diuretic foods include celery, ginger, asparagus, watermelon, and cucumber. These foods are also nutrient-dense and can provide a range of health benefits, such as improved digestion, reduced inflammation and increasing urine production.

Drink Plenty of Water

Staying hydrated^[4] is crucial when passing kidney stones. By drinking plenty of water, you can help flush the stone out of your system more quickly. Water works to dilute the concentration of minerals and salts in the urine, making it less likely that they will join together to form crystals and eventually, stones. Staying hydrated also promotes healthy kidney function, as it allows the kidneys to flush out toxins and waste products more efficiently. Often the first recommendation given to patients who have experienced kidney stones in the past is to increase their water intake. Other fluids such as tea, coffee, and fruit juices also count towards hydration, but it is important to avoid sugary drinks as those can contribute to stone formation. Studies have shown that individuals who drink more water are less likely to develop kidney stones than those who drink less water.

Take Pain Medication

Kidney stones can be an extremely painful experience, so medication may be necessary to help alleviate the pain. Pain medications are typically prescribed to manage the pain associated with passing kidney stones and can include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen. In rare cases, a stronger pain medication may be prescribed, such as opioids.

Try a Heating Pad

Applying a heating pad to your back or abdomen can help relieve the abdominal pain and discomfort associated with passing most kidney stones. A heating pad works by relaxing the muscles and increasing blood flow to the affected area. This increased blood flow can help to reduce inflammation and promote healing. When using a heating pad for abdomen pain associated with kidney stones, it is important to follow some basic guidelines to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Eat More Berries

There are numerous benefits to eating berries including potentially aiding to prevent kidney stones and helping in the treatment of kidney stones. Research has shown that consuming berries,^[5] such as blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries, may help reduce the risk of kidney stones. These fruits contain high levels of flavonoids, which can prevent kidney stones and the formation of crystals in the kidneys that can lead to stones. Increase your berry intake to decrease your risk of kidney stones.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Kidney Stones

Apple Cider Vinegar for kidney stones has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for a wide range of health issues, including kidney stones. Another option is to look into the best apple cider vinegar gummies for kidney stone prevention/excretion. According to a SkinnyFit review, it is easier to stay consistent taking the gummy version due to it providing a better overall taste.

When To See A Doctor

While many kidney stones can be passed naturally, there are certain situations where medical attention is necessary. If you are experiencing severe pain, fever, chills, or vomiting, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. These symptoms may indicate a blockage or infection, which can lead to serious complications if left untreated.

Additionally, if you have a history of kidney stones or have a family history of kidney disease, it is important to consult with a doctor to discuss preventative measures and regular check-ups.

In the stages of passing a kidney stone, a woman who is pregnant^[6] is at an increased risk of having a first time symptomatic kidney stone. Women who are pregnant or suspect they may be pregnant should also seek medical attention if they experience symptoms of a kidney stone, as the condition can cause complications during pregnancy.

Furthermore, if you have a large kidney stone (larger than 5mm), it may not be able to pass naturally and medical intervention may be necessary to remove it.

Seek medical attention if you experience:

• Fever and chills.
• Difficulty urinating.
• Severe pain that is not relieved by over-the-counter medication.
• Blood in your urine.

Conclusion

Passing a kidney stone can be a painful and uncomfortable experience. It is important to understand the stages of passing a stone to help you prepare for what may occur. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms associated with having a kidney stone, remember to stay hydrated, take pain medication, and try using a heating pad on your lower abdomen or back. If your symptoms are not improving, it is imperative that you seek medical attention. With the right treatment, you can get through this painful experience and get back to living your life.

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