Kidney stones are common and can be quite painful. They form inside the kidneys and are made up of minerals and salts that couldn’t be dissolved in the urine. Show
There are several things that can increase the risk of kidney stones, including:
Having one kidney stone means you’re at greater risk for developing more in the future. Pain usually dissipates once you pass the stone. There might be some residual soreness and pain, but this should be temporary. Lingering pain after passing a kidney stone could be a sign that you have another stone, an obstruction, or infection. It could also be an unrelated issue. Kidney stones can also cause nausea, vomiting, or blood in the urine. A fever could be a sign of infection and should be considered a medical emergency. Let’s take a closer look at some causes for soreness or pain after passing a kidney stone and signs that you need to see a doctor. Once a stone passes out of your body through urine, pain tends to go away. But some people do experience ongoing pain. There are a few reasons this might happen. Residual painSoreness, general discomfort, and pain could be due to irritation or mild inflammation caused by the stone as it passed. If this is the case, these symptoms should resolve within a few days. Another kidney stoneEven if you had a CT scan that identified only one stone, scans can sometimes miss a second, smaller stone. And once you’ve had a kidney stone, you’re at risk for developing another. In fact, people who’ve had one stone have about a 50 percent chance of forming another stone within 5 years. ObstructionPain after you’ve passed a kidney stone could be due to narrowing of the ureter. This could be related to a buildup of scar tissue or inflammation caused by the kidney stone as it passed through. There could also be a second stone blocking the ureter. Either way, it means you’ll have trouble urinating. As urine backs up, it can cause damage to the kidneys. Other signs of obstruction are:
ConstipationA doctor may have prescribed narcotics (opioids) for the pain. One of the side effects of these drugs is opioid-induced constipation, which can lead to pain and abdominal bloating. Make sure you’re not taking more than you need. Referred painWhen you feel pain in one place, but it originates in another, it’s called referred pain. So, the pain that seems so similar to kidney stone pain could be due to something else entirely. Pain in your side, back, or under the ribcage could actually be due to a problem with the gastrointestinal tract, abdomen, or genitals. While pain can ease once the stone reaches your bladder, it can become painful again as it leaves your body through the urethra. Passing a large stone can irritate the urethra, but it should be temporary. Urethral pain can be due to a number of factors aside from passing a kidney stone. Continuing urethral pain should be assessed by a doctor. Small stones can pass without any symptoms at all, but larger stones can be a problem. As long as the stone is in the kidney and not blocking the flow of urine, you probably won’t feel it. Eventually, the stone leaves the kidney and enters the ureter on its way to the bladder. The ureters are tiny, about 1/8 inch wide, so if a stone can’t move through, it’s hard for urine to flow. This can cause swelling and incredibly painful spasms (renal colic). You’ll feel a sharp, stabbing pain in your side or back, below the ribcage. Pain sometimes radiates to the groin and genitals. You might find that the intensity of the pain changes as you change position and as the stone continues its journey through your urinary tract. You’ll probably find it near impossible to lie still, tossing and turning in an effort to stop the pain. Pain can subside for several hours before returning. Other symptoms of kidney stones include:
The pain tends to ease up once the stone reaches the bladder. If the stone is small, or has broken into small pieces, you may not feel it as it flows from the bladder, through the urethra, and out with the urine. Stones don’t usually block the urethra, since it’s twice as wide as the ureters, but a larger stone can cause resurgence of pain. It takes an average of 31 days to pass a small stone. Stones 4 millimeters or larger may take longer or require a medical procedure to assist. Once you’ve passed a kidney stone, symptoms should be greatly improved. See a doctor for follow-up as recommended. But call a doctor right away with additional concerns, particularly if you have:
Medical Emergency A doctor will likely start with a physical examination and discussion of your symptoms. Diagnostic procedures may include:
Home remediesDrink plenty of fluids, especially water. This will help urine flow and lower the chances of forming a new stone. If your urine isn’t very light in color, you’re not drinking enough. Unless pain is severe, try to stay physically active. If you’re not taking prescribed pain relievers, try over-the-counter (OTC) medicines for a few days. If you think you’re going to pass another stone, use a strainer so you can bring the specimen to a doctor. Medical treatmentTake prescribed medications and follow up as recommended. Keep your doctor informed of any new or worsening symptoms. Additional treatment will depend on the cause for your continuing discomfort or pain. Having one kidney stone means you might develop kidney stones in the future. Here are some steps you can take to help prevent kidney stones from forming:
If you have a history of kidney stones, a dietician can review your eating habits and provide specific dietary tips that can help lower risks of kidney stones. Soreness after passing kidney stone is likely the result of irritation caused by the stone. In most cases, this should clear up within a few days. Lingering pain after passing a kidney stone could be a sign of another stone, infection, or an unrelated problem. Unexplained pain should be investigated. Once the cause is determined, your doctor can take the next steps toward resolving the problem. Can you get an infection after kidney stone removal?Urinary tract infections (UTI) are now the most common complications after urinary stone management with several severe clinical scenarios, from postoperative fever (4.4%) to urosepsis (0.7%), despite adequate perioperative antimicrobial prophylaxis.
What should I watch after kidney stone surgery?You may have pain and nausea when the stone pieces pass. This can happen soon after treatment and may last for 4 to 8 weeks. You may have some bruising on your back or side where the stone was treated if sound waves were used. You may also have some pain over the treatment area.
What causes sepsis after kidney stone surgery?Several intraoperative factors, such as the average renal pressure sustained during PCNL and the operative time, also seem to increase the risk of sepsis. Finally, the contribution of postoperative factors, such as presence of a nephrostomy tube or a urethral catheter, has also been investigated.
Is it common to get a kidney infection after a kidney stone?When kidney stones remain inside the body, complications can develop. If they block the tube that connects the kidney to the bladder, urine will not be able to pass out of the body. This dysfunction increases the risk of a UTI or kidney infection.
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