Finally, such diseases as hyperparathyroidism, cystinuria, renal tubular acidosis and urinary tract infections can rob the body of vital regulatory hormones and bacteria that may lead to stone formation.

What can doctors do?

The treatments available for kidney stone sufferers depend on the patient’s history and condition. As with any problem, the goal is to remove the cause of the condition rapidly and effectively, ease the pain, and set standards that will help prevent the problem going forward.

If you have a small stone, and you’re not in agony, watchful waiting is typically the plan. You will be advised to rest and drink a lot of water (as many as two to three liters per day) to help flush the stone from your system. You will know that you’re ingesting enough when urine is clear.

Your doctor may prescribe pain relievers to help ease discomfort while the stone works its way out of your system. Such over-the-counter medications as naproxen sodium (commercially known as Aleve), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) and acetaminophen (Tylenol) are effective in helping with pain.

Some doctors also prescribe an alpha blocker, a medication that can relax muscles in the ureter. That will help you more easily pass the stone.

Big Stones, Big Problems

Large stones present a different problem. These can be so big that they can cause massive internal problems, including bleeding, ongoing urinary tract infections and kidney damage. They’re usually too large to pass.