Symptoms and Causes from Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are hard deposits that are made of minerals and salts formed inside your kidney. If a kidney stone is lodged in the urinary tract, it may block the flow of urine, causing you to experience the following symptoms
- Severe, sharp pain
- Pain that radiates to the lower abdomen and groin
- Pain that comes in waves and fluctuates in intensity
- Pain or burning sensation while urinating
- Pink, red, or brown urine
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
- A persistent need to urinate, urinating more often than usual in small amounts
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever and chills if an infection is present
Kidney stones can be caused by poor diet, excess body weight, some medical conditions, and certain supplements and medications. They can form when urine becomes concentrated, and minerals will crystalize and stick together. They can form when urine becomes concentrated, and minerals will crystalize and stick together. If these stones become lodged in the urinary tract, are associated with a UTI, or cause more complications, you may need surgery.
Diagnosis
If you and your doctor suspect kidney stones, you may have to run four diagnostic tests and procedures. A blood test will determine whether there is too much calcium or uric acid in the blood. Urine testing is a 24-hour urine collection that shows if you’re excreting too many stone-forming minerals or too few stone-preventing substances. An imaging test will show kidney stones in your urinary tract. With an analysis of passed stones, you will urinate through a strainer to catch potential stones you pass. The lab analysis will then determine the makeup of the kidney stones.
Treatments
Treatment for kidney stones can vary, depending on the size of the stone and its cause. While small stones will require less invasive treatment, large stones may require more extensive treatment.
Small Stones
Small kidney stones won’t need surgery and will be able to pass through from three methods. Drink two to three quarts in a day to keep urine diluted. Taking pain relievers can help lessen the discomfort when the stones pass through. A doctor might also prescribe medication like an alpha blocker to relax muscles in the ureter, helping to pass the kidney stone easier.
Large Stones
Large kidney stones could cause bleeding, kidney damage, or ongoing UTIs which will cause more extensive treatment. Doctors might use a procedure called extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, which will use sound waves to create vibrations that break up the stones into smaller pieces. You might need percutaneous nephrolithotomy surgery which removes kidney stones usinge small telescopes and instruments inserted through an incision in your back. A doctor might pass a thin, small tube in the urethra to break down stones. In parathyroid gland surgery, a doctor will remove potential gland overgrowth, stopping the formation of kidney stones.
Receive Kidney Stone Treatment from MetroWest Urology
Kidney stones are the most common reason for placing a ureteral stent. Other reasons include stricture (abnormal narrowing of the ureter), and outside forces such as a tumor pushing on the ureter and causing a blockage. You can continue your normal activities with a stent in place. Though there may be some physical discomfort, a stent will not physically limit you.
To schedule an appointment for a urological concern, please call METROWEST UROLOGY at (508) 960-6468. In Boston, Drs. Kacker and Conners are among the top providers for Xiaflex collagenase for Peyronie’s disease and are amongst the highest volume surgeons for inflatable penile prosthetics (IPP). Our office is located in Natick at 67 Union St, Suite #308.