Stones · 5 min read
Kidney Stone Pain: What To Do, And When It Is An Emergency
Most small stones pass. A few situations need to be seen the same day — those are worth knowing before the pain starts at 2 am.
Written by Dr. Apeksha Raheja — MBBS, MS General Surgery, FMAS, DrNB Urology
Medically reviewed by Dr. Apeksha Raheja, Urologist (MS General Surgery, FMAS, DrNB Genitourinary Surgery in training)
Published · Last updated
Stone pain typically starts in the loin, comes in waves, and may move towards the groin. It is severe, and it is usually not dangerous. Sometimes it is.
See someone the same day if - There is fever with the loin pain - Vomiting stops you keeping fluids down - You are passing no urine - Pain does not settle with the medication you have been given - You have one functioning kidney or a transplant
An obstructed and infected kidney needs drainage urgently.