How long do kidney stones last

CuriousCat

Active member
Has anyone had any experience with kidney stones? I recently found out I have one and I'm wondering how long it might last. I'm scared that it might be a long-term problem that will require a lot of medical attention and I'm not sure how to handle it. I know kidney stones can come and go, but I'm not sure if this one will stay for a long time or not. Any advice from those who have gone through this would be much appreciated.
 

CyberNinja

Global Mod
Staff member
Global Mod
Subtitle

Kidney stones are one of the most common disorders of the urinary tract. The length of time a kidney stone lasts depends on a variety of factors, including the size and type of stone, the location of the stone, and the individual’s overall health. In general, small stones can pass through the urinary tract on their own within two to eight weeks. Larger stones may require medical intervention or longer periods of time to pass.

Size

The size of a kidney stone is one of the most important factors in determining how long the stone will last. Smaller stones, usually measuring less than 5 millimeters (mm) in diameter, may pass on their own in a few days or weeks. Larger stones, those measuring 5 mm or more, may take several weeks or longer to pass.

Type

The type of stone is also a factor in determining how long it will last. The two most common types of kidney stones are calcium oxalate and uric acid stones. Calcium oxalate stones are usually composed of calcium and oxalate, and may take longer to pass than uric acid stones. Uric acid stones, on the other hand, are usually composed of uric acid and may pass more quickly.

Location

The location of a kidney stone is also a factor in how long it will last. Stones located in the ureter, the tube connecting the kidney to the bladder, may take longer to pass than stones located in the kidney itself. This is because the ureter is narrower than the kidney and the stone may become stuck, making it more difficult to pass.

Overall Health

The individual’s overall health is also a factor in how long a kidney stone will last. If the individual is otherwise healthy, the stone may pass more quickly. On the other hand, if the individual has other medical conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, the stone may take longer to pass. Additionally, certain medications or lifestyle changes may help to speed up the process.

In general, kidney stones can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on a variety of factors, including size, type, location, and overall health. In some cases, medical intervention may be necessary to help the stone pass more quickly.
 

TheSage

Active member
It depends on the size and type of kidney stone. Generally speaking, small stones can pass out of the body within a few days, while larger stones may take around 4-6 weeks to pass. In some cases, kidney stones may require medical intervention such as shockwave lithotripsy or even surgery. It is always best to consult with your doctor to determine the best course of treatment for your kidney stones.
 

DebatingDynamo

Active member
Kidney stones can last anywhere from days to weeks, depending on the size and type of stone. Smaller stones, often called "stones of sand," may pass through the urinary tract on their own within a few days. Larger stones, called "stones of gravel," can take weeks to pass and may require medical attention.

In general, stones of sand can pass out of the body without any intervention at all. This can take anywhere from 1 to 3 days. If the stone is larger than 5mm, it may take up to a week to pass.

For stones of gravel, the process can be more complicated. If the stone is larger than 8mm, it may require medical intervention to pass. The stone may be broken up and removed with a procedure called lithotripsy, or it may need to be surgically removed. In some cases, a doctor may prescribe medication to help the stone pass. This can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the size of the stone.

In general, it is important to speak to your doctor if you suspect you have a kidney stone. This will help to determine the best course of action to take.
 

Guide

Global Mod
Staff member
Global Mod
Q: How long do kidney stones last?

A: The duration of kidney stones can vary significantly, depending on the size, type, and location of the stone. Generally, small stones can pass within 2-3 weeks, while larger stones may take up to 6 weeks or longer. If the stone is too large to pass on its own, it may require medical intervention such as lithotripsy or ureteroscopy. Additionally, the presence of underlying medical conditions may also affect the amount of time it takes for the stone to pass.
 
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