If you’re a Miami resident experiencing the excruciating pain of a kidney stone, you’re probably wondering how long this unwelcome guest will be staying. Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, as the journey of a kidney stone depends on its size, location, and individual factors. Let’s delve into the process and factors influencing the timeline, offering guidance and reassurance along the way.

Understanding Kidney Stones (Urolithiasis): A Brief Overview

• Crystal Formation: Kidney stones, also known as urolithiasis, form when substances in your urine (like calcium oxalate or uric acid) become highly concentrated and crystallize within your kidneys.
• Size Matters: Stones can range from tiny grains of sand to larger pebbles, and their size significantly impacts how long they take to pass.
• Location: Stones can form within the kidneys (calyces) or travel down the urinary tract, lodging in the ureter (tube connecting kidney to bladder) or the bladder itself. 

How Long to Pass a Kidney Stone: A Timeline

The journey of a kidney stone varies considerably, but here’s a general timeline:

1. Formation in the Kidneys: Stones can form over weeks or months, often without any noticeable symptoms.
2. Migration into the Ureter: This is often when the intense pain begins, as the stone tries to pass through a narrow tube. This phase can last hours to days, depending on the stone’s size.
3. Entering the Bladder: Once the stone reaches your bladder, you might experience relief from pain. However, you might still feel an increased urge to urinate and some discomfort.
4. Passing through the Urethra: The final leg of the journey! If the stone is small enough, it should pass easily through your urethra during urination within a few days.

Stages of Passing a Kidney Stone: What to Expect

• Pain: Kidney stones are notorious for causing severe, colicky pain in your back or side. This pain can come and go in waves.
• Hematuria (Blood in Urine): The sharp edges of the stone can cause microscopic bleeding, visible in your urine.
• Nausea and Vomiting: Often due to the intensity of the pain.
• Increased Urgency and Frequency of Urination: As the stone moves lower in your urinary tract.

Are Kidney Stones Genetic?

While not directly inherited, you might have a family history of certain conditions that increase your risk of developing stones, such as:

• Gout
• Certain Kidney Diseases
• High Blood Pressure

How Long Do Kidney Stones Last? When to Seek Help in Miami

• Most Pass on Their Own: Smaller stones (less than 4mm) often pass within a few weeks.
• Medical Intervention Might Be Needed: Larger stones may take longer or require procedures to break them up or remove them.
• Seek Help if: Pain is severe, you have fever/chills, or can’t keep fluids down.

Your Miami Primary Care Partner

If you suspect you have a kidney stone, don’t hesitate to contact your primary care doctor or nurse practitioner in Miami. They can assess your symptoms, order imaging scans (like a CT scan) to confirm the diagnosis, and discuss treatment options tailored to your needs. Call Hiriart & Lopez MD at (305) 274-8779 or visit our office at 9950 SW 107th Ave STE 101, Miami, FL, 33176. You can also schedule an appointment online on our website.

Don’t Wait for Pain to Worsen – Seek Relief Today!