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When To Go To The ER For Kidney Stones? Recognizing Symptoms & Seeking Urgent Care
Updated on
- Written by Breanna Loparo, RN, BSN
Medically reviewed by
Dr. Maya Frankfurt, PhD
Kidney stones are a common urological condition[1] affecting millions of people worldwide. These small, hard deposits can cause excruciating pain and discomfort. While small kidney stones can pass on their own, some situations require immediate medical attention at the emergency room (ER). This article will guide you in recognizing the symptoms that indicate a need for urgent care and understanding what happens at the ER when you have kidney stones.
When To Go To ER For Kidney Stone?
If you experience intense, unbearable pain in the back or lower abdomen, accompanied by other symptoms such as blood in urine, fever, or persistent vomiting, it is crucial that you go to the emergency room immediately. Prompt evaluation[2] and treatment can help manage the pain and prevent further complications. Visit the ER if you experience severe symptoms or if your symptoms worsen despite at-home interventions.
Common Kidney Stone Symptoms
Kidney stones can manifest with various symptoms, some of which can be indicative of a medical emergency. Recognizing these symptoms is essential for timely intervention and appropriate medical care, and decreases the chance for a kidney infection. The following are common signs and risk factors of kidney stones.
Intense Pain
Intense pain is a hallmark symptom of kidney stones. It is characterized by severe, stabbing, intolerable pain in the back or lower abdomen. This pain can be excruciating and may radiate to the groin area. The intensity of the pain worsens and fluctuates, with periods of intense discomfort followed by relative relief.
Hematuria
Hematuria, the presence of blood in the urine[3], is a common symptom associated with developing kidney stones. When kidney stones are present, they can cause irritation and damage to the urinary tract, leading to bleeding. As a result, the urine may appear pink, red, or brownish in color. It is important to note that hematuria can also be a sign of other underlying conditions, so it is essential to seek medical evaluation for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.
Urinary Changes
Urinary changes are commonly experienced by individuals who develop kidney stones. These changes can include increased frequency of urination, a sense of urgency to urinate, and a burning sensation during urination. Additionally, kidney stones can sometimes lead to alterations in urine appearance. The urine may have a strong odor or appear cloudy due to the presence of sediment or other substances. Generally speaking, if left untreated, your risk of infection increases.
Nausea & Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms that can accompany kidney stone pain, especially when the stones cause a blockage in the urinary tract. The intense pain experienced with kidney stones can stimulate the body’s natural response of nausea and can sometimes lead to vomiting. This occurs as a result of the body’s attempt to cope with the severe discomfort.
Fever & Chills
The presence of fever and chills with kidney stones may indicate the occurrence of an accompanying infection. When a kidney stone causes a blockage or irritation in the urinary tract, it can create an environment conducive to bacterial growth leading to infection. The body’s response to this infection often includes the development of fever and chills. These symptoms suggest a more severe condition that requires immediate medical attention to prevent further complications and promote timely treatment.
When To Go To ER For Kidney Stone?
Knowing when to go to the emergency room (ER) for a kidney stone is crucial to ensure timely and appropriate medical care. While many kidney stones can pass on their own with at-home interventions, certain situations warrant immediate attention. If you experience intense, unbearable pain in the back or lower abdomen, accompanied by symptoms such as blood in urine, fever, persistent vomiting, or signs of infection, it is important to seek emergency care while experiencing symptoms.
Additionally, if your symptoms worsen despite at-home measures or if you have a history of complications related to kidney stones, visiting the ER is recommended for treatment options. These symptoms may indicate a more severe condition, such as a blocked urinary tract or accompanying infection requiring prompt evaluation and treatment. Timely intervention in the ER can help alleviate pain[4], manage complications, and prevent further damage to the kidneys.
What Happens At The ER?
When you arrive at the ER with suspected kidney stones, the medical staff will assess your symptoms, take your medical history, and monitor your vital signs. They may order various diagnostic tests, including a urine analysis, blood tests, and imaging studies such as X-rays or CT scans[5], to confirm the presence of kidney stones and evaluate their size and location. Based on the severity of your symptoms, you may receive pain medication and intravenous fluids to help manage pain and prevent dehydration.
If the kidney stone is causing a complete blockage or if complications such as urinary tract infection or kidney damage are present, prompt intervention may be necessary. In such cases, the medical team may perform procedures[6] like extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy or ureteroscopy to remove or break down the stones. Surgical intervention is typically reserved for large stones or when other treatments are ineffective.
What Is The Duration Of Stay At The Hospital For Kidney Stone?
The duration of hospital stays for kidney stones varies depending on the severity of the condition and the chosen treatment approach. In cases where urgent surgical intervention is required to treat kidney stones, hospitalization may last for a few days to a week. However, if the kidney stones are small and can be managed with conservative measures, such as pain medication, hydration, and close monitoring, you may be discharged from the ER and advised to follow up with a urologist for further evaluation and management.
Conclusion
Recognizing the symptoms of kidney stones that warrant emergency care is vital for timely treatment and preventing complications. If you experience severe pain, blood in urine, fever, or persistent vomiting, it is essential to go to the ER to seek medical attention. Prompt evaluation, diagnosis, and appropriate management can help alleviate pain and prevent further damage.
Remember, each case is unique, and the duration of hospital stays for kidney stones can vary based on individual circumstances. If you suspect you have kidney stones, it is always best to consult with a medical professional to receive proper evaluation and medical intervention.
Frequently Asked Questions
While it is crucial to seek medical care for kidney stones, there are some at-home measures that can help alleviate sharp pain. Drinking plenty of water, taking over-the-counter pain medications as directed, and using heat therapy on the affected area may provide temporary relief. However, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate treatment.
Preventing kidney stones can be managed by making certain lifestyle modifications: Staying hydrated, maintaining a balanced diet, and avoiding excessive intake of certain foods, such as salt and oxalate-rich foods, can potentially lower the likelihood of stone formation. Consulting a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian for personalized advice is recommended.
While some natural remedies, such as drinking diluted apple cider vinegar or consuming certain herbal teas, are popular suggestions for treating kidney stones, their effectiveness is not well-established through scientific research. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before trying any alternative or complementary treatments.
Yes, kidney stones can be a recurrent issue for some individuals. People who have experienced kidney stones are at a higher risk of developing new stones in the future. Following a comprehensive treatment plan, adopting healthy lifestyle habits, and regular follow-ups with a healthcare professional can help manage and prevent recurrent kidney stones.
+ 6 sources
Health Canal avoids using tertiary references. We have strict sourcing guidelines and rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic researches from medical associations and institutions. To ensure the accuracy of articles in Health Canal, you can read more about the editorial process here
- Wonngarm Kittanamongkolchai, Vaughan, L.E., Enders, F., Tsering Dhondup, Mehta, R.A., Krambeck, A.E., McCollough, C.H., Vrtiska, T.J., Lieske, J.C. and Rule, A.D. (2018). The Changing Incidence and Presentation of Urinary Stones Over 3 Decades. [online] 93(3), pp.291–299. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mayocp.2017.11.018.
- Scales, C.D., Lin, L., Saigal, C.S., Bennett, C., Ponce, N.A., Mangione, C.M. and Litwin, M.S. (2015). Emergency Department Revisits for Patients with Kidney Stones in California. [online] 22(4), pp.468–474. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/acem.12632.
- Mefford, J., Tungate, R.M., Amini, L., Suh, D., Anderson, C.S., Rudkin, S.E. and Boysen-Osborn, M. (2017). A Comparison of Urolithiasis in the Presence and Absence of Microscopic Hematuria in the Emergency Department. [online] 18(4), pp.775–779. doi:https://doi.org/10.5811/westjem.2017.4.33018.
- Moussa, M. and Mohamed Abou Chakra (2019). Patient’s perception of kidney stone prevention within the emergency department and its adherence factors: a single institution study. [online] 19(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12873-019-0263-0.
- Daniels, B., Schoenfeld, E.M., Taylor, A.M., Karrin Weisenthal, Singh, D. and Moore, C.I. (2017). Predictors of Hospital Admission and Urological Intervention in Adult Emergency Department Patients with Computerized Tomography Confirmed Ureteral Stones. [online] 198(6), pp.1359–1366. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2017.06.077.
- Chyng-Wen Fwu, Eggers, P.W., Kimmel, P.L., Kusek, J.W. and Ziya Kirkali (2013). Emergency department visits, use of imaging, and drugs for urolithiasis have increased in the United States. [online] 83(3), pp.479–486. doi:https://doi.org/10.1038/ki.2012.419.
Written by:
Breanna Loparo, RN, BSN
Medically reviewed by:
Medically reviewed by:
