How to Cope With Kidney Stones

Kidney stones form when calcium oxalate or other chemicals in the urine form crystals that stick together. Most kidney stones are small and pass out through the urinary tract without any intervention by a doctor. Some people compare the pain of kidney stones to childbirth. Home is the best place to cope with the pain and other symptoms of kidneys stones.

Instructions

• 1

  Prepare for severe pain when a kidney stone moves into the urinary tract. The pain may come in waves and last minutes or hours. You may experience nausea and even vomiting.

• 2

  Take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, to help cope with the pain.

• 3

  Drink at least 2 qt. of water a day to help the stone pass more quickly. Your urine should look clear if you are drinking enough water.

• 4

  Expect a burning sensation or even blood in the urine during urination. You may also feel the urge to urinate more frequently. These are normal symptoms that do not require a visit to the doctor.

• 5

  Catch the stone in a strainer and take it to your doctor for analysis. Knowing the type and cause of kidney stones makes it easier to prevent new stones from forming.

• 6

  Adjust your daily diet to reduce the chance of another kidney stone forming. See related eHow titled "How to Lessen Risk of Kidney Stones." Taking a daily supplement of citrate also is effective in kidney stone prevention.