How long can it take for a stone to pass? A. With medical expulsive therapy, most small stones (less than 5 or 6 mm) will typically pass within a few days to a few weeks. Provided you are in good health, you can try for up to 6 weeks to pass a stone, although most patients elect for earlier intervention.
Kidney stones are exceptionally common, affecting nearly one in every ten Americans. Those who have suffered from stones in the past, or who know someone else who has, understand that stones can be incredibly painful when they start to pass. Our team of stone experts at Washington University offers advanced care for the treatment and prevention of stone disease.
Below, you will find information about stone disease, links discussing treatment and prevention options available to our patients, and frequently asked questions about stone disease.
Symptoms associated with kidney stones
When a kidney stone starts to pass, symptoms typically occur suddenly and without warning. Sharp, stabbing pain usually develops in your side or back, typically right at the bottom part of the ribcage. Sometimes, the pain will travel downward into the genital area. Stones that have nearly passed into the bladder may be associated with an intense urge to urinate.
Stone pain typically comes and goes. After an initial period of severe pain, you may feel better for a few hours before developing another attack. Many patients will require medication to help with stone pain.
Nausea and vomiting are also very common and are often a reason for hospital admission during stone attacks. You might also see blood in your urine. This can be unsettling to many patients, but is generally not life-threatening.
The most concerning symptom during a stone attack is fever, which indicates that you may have an infection in addition to a kidney stone. This is a potentially life-threatening combination and requires immediate evaluation and treatment.