When confronted with the agonizing discomfort associated with kidney stones, one may ponder, “Should I go to the ER for kidney stone pain?” The severity of the pain can vary significantly, but when it escalates to a level that is unbearable, what steps should one take? Is the ache accompanied by other distressing symptoms, such as persistent nausea, vomiting, or even hematuria, which indicates blood in the urine? Furthermore, could this indicate a potential blockage in the urinary tract that necessitates immediate medical evaluation? Should one consider the duration of the symptoms – if the pain has persisted for hours or is worsening, does that warrant an emergency visit? Moreover, how does hydration status play into this decision? Would increased fluid intake alleviate the discomfort, or is the situation severe enough that only professional intervention will provide relief? Ultimately, how does one balance the urgency of care against the potential wait times and costs associated with an emergency visit?