Depending on the type, size, and location of the stone, your doctor will most likely give you some recommendations to help you expel the kidney stone spontaneously, i.e., naturally without surgical intervention.
Waiting for a kidney stone to pass without intervention is safe, as long as you can tolerate the pain, show no signs of infection, and the stone is reasonably small, enough to pass spontaneously.
To help pass this stone, the doctor may recommend several remedies:
- Drinking at least 2 liters a day can help cleanse your urinary tract. You will know you have drunk enough water when your urine is almost clear.
- The passage of a small stone can cause pain of varying intensity (from mild to severe) and discomfort; so your doctor may recommend pain relievers such as ibuprofen, paracetamol, naproxen sodium, or opioid pain relievers. You may also need antiemetics.
- The doctor may also recommend an "alpha-blocker," a medication that relaxes the muscles of the ureter and helps you pass the kidney stone faster and with less pain.
- It can also be useful to take a food supplement with crystallization inhibitors that prevent the stone from continuing to grow.
Most small kidney stones do not require surgery or invasive intervention and are expelled within four to six weeks. After this time, it may be necessary to re-evaluate your treatment and determine whether spontaneous expulsion can still be expected or if intervention should be considered.
