How to Handle Kidney Stones

Kidney stones form when minerals in urine crystallize and stick together in the kidneys. When there is an imbalance in fluid and other components of urine, the minerals may not dissolve as they should. This can occur because of underlying diseases and conditions, certain prescription medications and a variety of lifestyle factors, such as poor diet and inadequate water consumption. Kidney stones may cause pain in the back, side and lower abdomen. While the process is often painful, most kidney stones pass on their own without medical intervention.

Instructions

• 1

  See your doctor to make sure your symptoms are caused by a kidney stone.

• 2

  Ask your doctor to suggest or prescribe a pain medication if you need relief from pain.

• 3

  Drink a lot of water to flush the kidney stone out and prevent new stones. Your goal should be to pass around two liters of urine in 24 hours. You will need to drink about 14 cups of fluids in a day to achieve this, according to the Mayo Clinic.

• 4

  Be physically active. This may help the stone to pass through your system more easily.

• 5

  Return to your doctor if you do not pass the kidney stone as expected. Some kidney stones need to be surgically removed, according to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse.

• 6

  Take steps to reduce the risk of kidney stones developing in the future. Continue drinking plenty of water, and enjoy drinks made from real lemons. The citrate in lemons helps prevent kidney stones from forming, according to the Mayo Clinic. Ask your doctor if diet changes or medications would be helpful in your situation.