Is a 4-mm kidney stone serious, and how is it treated?
Disease description:
Recently, I’ve experienced some lower back pain. After visiting the hospital for evaluation, my doctor diagnosed me with a 4-mm kidney stone. Is a 4-mm kidney stone considered serious, and how should it be treated?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhao Xinju
A 4-mm kidney stone is generally not considered severe. Stones smaller than 0.6 cm (6 mm) typically pass spontaneously with conservative management. Increasing daily fluid intake, engaging in regular physical activity—especially jumping exercises—can facilitate spontaneous passage of the stone in the urine. If spontaneous passage does not occur, medications such as Shitong Wan (Urolithiasis-Relieving Pills) or Hubo Xiaoshi Keli (Succinum Calculus-Dissolving Granules) may be prescribed under a physician’s guidance. If the stone still fails to pass, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) can be performed at a hospital.
