What is the first treatment for kidney stones?

Kidney stones can cause severe, cramping pain in the side or back that may move towards the groin, along with nausea or blood in the urine. Management depends on the stone's size and position, your symptoms, and whether urine can flow normally. A GP Consultation can assess you and arrange testing. An Abdominal Ultrasound may help look for a stone or blockage without using radiation.

Seek medical advice for new severe flank pain or blood in the urine. Follow the prescribed pain-relief plan and drink fluids regularly unless a clinician has told you to restrict fluids. Straining urine may help you collect a stone for analysis if your clinician recommends it. Do not take extra doses of pain medicine or use someone else's prescription. If symptoms settle, keep the follow-up appointment so passage and kidney drainage can be reviewed.

Get urgent help for fever or chills with stone-like pain, repeated vomiting, inability to pass urine, worsening pain despite treatment, or feeling faint or very unwell. A blocked urinary system with infection can require rapid treatment. Seek immediate advice as well if you have one functioning kidney, are pregnant, or have significant kidney disease.

How will we check the stone's position? Which pain medicines are suitable for me? Should I filter my urine? What symptoms suggest blockage or infection? When do I need follow-up imaging?