Signs You Might Have Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are a common, albeit unfortunate, occurrence with an estimated one in ten people developing kidney stones at some point in their life. Those hard mineral deposits that form in your kidneys can affect any part of your urinary tract. Kidney stones affect both men and women, and are more likely to develop in those between the ages of 40 and 60 than in any other age group.

Though they don’t typically cause lasting damage, they are painful and can be incredibly uncomfortable to pass. But how do you know if what you’re feeling is a symptom of kidney stones? The team at Broward Specialty Group in Coconut Creek, Delray Beach, and Pompano Beach, FL go over some signs that may indicate you have kidney stones.

Causes of kidney stones

There are several things that can cause kidney stones, and there is often more than one culprit in any given case. Genetics, diet, lifestyle, and infections all play a role. There are also different types of kidney stones:

• Cystine stones develop in people who have the hereditary disease cystinuria, which makes the kidneys excrete too much of the amino acid cystine.
• Calcium stones, the most common type of kidney stones, typically come in the form of calcium oxalate and develop due to dietary factors. High amounts of vitamin D, nuts, chocolate, and certain types of fruits and vegetables contain lots of oxalate, contributing to the development of the calcium stones.
• Uric acid stones occur when the uric acid levels in your urine are too high. This could be due to a high-protein diet, too much fluid loss due to malabsorption or chronic diarrhea, diabetes, or certain genetic factors.
• Struvite stones are a result of chronic urinary tract infections.

Common signs

Kidney stones usually remain undetected until they move around in your kidney or move down the urinary tract to your ureters – tubes that connect your kidneys to your bladder. The stones can vary in size, from a grain of sand to a chickpea, and few may even grow to the size of a golf ball. The severity of symptoms depends largely on the size of the stones, as well as the location of the stones as they move through the urinary tract.

Common signs of kidney stones include:

• Pain radiating to the lower abdomen and groin
• Waves of pain that fluctuate in severity
• Pain accompanied by nausea or vomiting
• Sharp pain occurring below the ribs in the sides and back
• Pain or burning during urination
• A constant need to urinate
• Pink, red, or brown urine

If you have any of the above symptoms, or you have difficulty passing urine, notice blood in your urine, or have pain so severe that you can’t find a comfortable position, it’s time to get in touch with us. Our expert team can diagnose the issue and recommend the best treatment for your specific case.

Treatment

Once the size of the kidney stone is determined, the appropriate treatment is recommended. Most small stones can be passed with the help of pain relievers and lots of water. Your doctor may prescribe an alpha blocker to help the stones pass a bit easier. Alpha blockers relax the muscles in your ureter to ease the pain and help pass the stones more quickly.

Larger stones that are unable to pass on their own or pose a threat to your kidneys or urinary tract require a more hands-on approach. Your doctor may recommend a procedure called extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), in which sound waves are used to break up the stones into pieces small enough to pass through your urine. Another option is to use a scope to locate the stones and employ special tools to break them up so they may be passed. If ESWL is unsuccessful or the stone is too large, surgery may be necessary.

Don’t hesitate when you notice symptoms of kidney stones. It’s important to get a diagnosis, determine the cause or causes of the stones, and get the appropriate treatment. Discussing how to prevent future kidney stones is recommended because once you’ve had one stone, you’re at an increased risk of developing another one.

Our team at Broward Specialty Group has the expertise to get you the treatment you need. Give us a call at the location most convenient to you or book an appointment online today.