To pass a kidney stone fast, consider the following expert-recommended steps:
Key Steps to Pass a Kidney Stone Quickly
- Drink plenty of fluids: Increasing your water intake to produce about 2 to 2.5 liters of urine daily helps flush out the stone and prevents it from growing. Citrus juices like lemon or orange juice may also help due to their citric acid content
- Stay active: Gentle physical activity such as walking or light exercise can encourage the stone to move through your urinary tract more quickly
- Pain management: Use over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or naproxen to manage discomfort while passing the stone. Applying heat or taking a warm bath can also help ease pain
- Medications: Your doctor may prescribe alpha blockers, which relax the muscles in the ureter, helping the stone pass faster and with less pain
- Medical procedures: For larger or stubborn stones, minimally invasive procedures like holmium laser lithotripsy or laser stone ablation can break stones into smaller fragments that pass more easily. These are outpatient procedures with quick recovery
Additional Tips
- Avoid high-impact exercise but maintain low-intensity activities such as walking or yoga to aid stone movement
- If you experience severe symptoms such as fever, inability to urinate, or uncontrolled vomiting, seek immediate medical attention as these may indicate complications
Summary
Passing a kidney stone quickly largely depends on its size and location. Small stones (under 4 mm) often pass naturally within about a month with hydration and activity, while larger stones may require medical intervention
. Drinking plenty of fluids, staying active, managing pain, and following your doctor's advice on medications can help speed the process and reduce discomfort
. If pain is severe or symptoms worsen, consult a healthcare provider promptly.
