How long does it take to pass a kidney stone?

According to U.S. News, kidney stones usually take 72 hours to pass after symptoms appear, but certain cases can take weeks. Factors such as the shape of the stone and its location affect how long it takes to pass.

According to U.S. News, recommendations for the waiting period to pass a kidney stone include consuming at least 3 quarts of water per day, staying physically active, using pain medication prescribed by a physician, urinating through a strainer to retrieve the stone, and seeking out medical attention if worsening symptoms occur. For people who would prefer not to wait for a kidney stone to pass, it is possible for a urologist to remove the stone.