Does This Sound Like A Kidney Stone?

Posted on Wed, 23 Oct 2024

Question: Hi. I am experiencing an ache in my side (I guess it’s my flank) that lasts about a second then goes away. It has happened maybe 10 times in the past 2 hours. Does this sound like a kidney stone? I keep reading that kidney stone pain comes and goes, but don’t know how long it lasts.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Loveleen (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Hello dear. Yes , it may be the first sign of kidney stone

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear. Welcome to the board. First of all please be reassured that the problem is a minor one.
The pain which occurs on the site of flank region can be due to a kidney stone or an upper ureteric stone. A typical kidney stone pain may present like this, appearing and disappearing.

Other reasons for such a pain in this area can be focal muscle spasm, or a small nerve irritation. Focal spasm and nerve irritation will vanish in a couple of days with rest, however a kidney stone pain will persist.
If the pain persists, i will advise you to get an ultrasonography done after consulting your local physician.

Drink plenty of fluids. Small stones sometimes get washed away if you drink plenty of liquids.

Thanks and regards
Feel free to ask again

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Saisudha Kotla

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Loveleen (1 hour later)

Thank you. It hasn’t bothered me again in the last few hours. Is it normal for the pain to go away for that long even for a kidney stone?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Loveleen (33 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Hello. Yes it is possible that it may vanish in between

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear. So, its quite possible for a kidney or upper ureteric pain to vanish in between and then again appear.
I will advise you to wait for a couple of days. If it appears again in a similar manner, go for investigations.

Feel free to ask further.
Kind regards

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj