If a patient suspects a kidney stone and is in severe pain, when should they be seen?

A patient experiencing severe pain due to a suspected kidney stone should be seen immediately. This urgency is justified by several factors that complicate the situation. Severe pain can indicate that the stone may be obstructing the urinary tract, which could lead to complications such as urinary retention, infection, or damage to the kidney.

Timely intervention is crucial in these cases to alleviate pain and prevent potential complications. Immediate evaluation in a medical setting can allow for prompt imaging studies to confirm the presence of a stone and the appropriate treatment to relieve the obstruction and pain, whether that involves medication, hydration, or surgical intervention.

Waiting for 24 hours, until the next day, or only if symptoms worsen could result in a delay that may lead to serious health issues. Therefore, the recommendation for immediate medical attention is the best practice in this scenario.