Is a 4mm kidney stone serious? How is it treated?

A 4mm kidney stone is usually not serious and is considered a small stone. The treatment methods mainly include the following: 1. Observation and lifestyle adjustments: Due to the small size of the stone, some patients may not experience obvious symptoms. In such cases, drinking more water and increasing physical activity can help promote the natural passage of the stone. 2. Medication: Under a doctor's guidance, certain medications may be used to help dissolve or expel the stone, although attention should be paid to the drug's effectiveness and potential side effects. 3. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL): If the stone remains unpassed for an extended period or causes noticeable symptoms, a doctor may recommend ESWL. This non-invasive treatment uses shock waves to break the stone into smaller pieces, allowing them to pass out of the body through urine.