Medullary sponge kidney

Patients with symptoms of kidney stones (flank pain projecting to the groin area, with or without blood in the urine) or of a urinary tract infection (burning or pain on urination, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, feeling of more frequent urinating, and small volumes of urine) should contact their physician. The patients should be instructed to go to the emergency department if they experience fever, chills, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, or severe pain. NIDDK: medullary sponge kidney Opens in new window

To prevent kidney stones, patients should be instructed to have enough fluid intake for a urine volume of more than 2 L/day. This prescription would usually be up to 3 L/day, with more required during hot seasons or in hot climates. Patients should be informed that 24-hour urinary profiles may be required to determine whether other risk factors are contributing to kidney stones. Dietary changes or medications may be recommended to prevent stone formation.