Most kidney stones do not require an emergency room visit. But certain signs mean you should not wait for an office appointment: a fever, an inability to urinate, pain that will not respond to medication, or vomiting that will not stop. If any of those apply to you right now, go to the ER.
Go to the emergency room if you have a fever, especially with chills, since this can signal an infection behind a blocked stone. The same is true if you cannot urinate at all, if your pain is unbearable and unresponsive to pain medication, or if you cannot keep fluids down due to persistent vomiting. These combinations can point to a blockage with infection, which needs to be addressed urgently.
If your pain is significant but manageable, you are able to stay hydrated, you have no fever, and you are still urinating normally, that is typically a same-day-office situation rather than an emergency. Call us and let our team know you are dealing with stone pain. We prioritize getting these patients seen quickly.
A kidney stone on its own is painful but rarely dangerous. A kidney stone combined with an infection behind a blockage is a different situation entirely, and it can escalate quickly if it is not treated. The ER has the tools to diagnose and stabilize that combination immediately, which is why we want you there rather than waiting on an office visit if those warning signs are present.
Not sure if it’s an emergency? If you’re in pain right now, call us and we’ll help you figure out the right next step.