Kidney Stones 101
posted by Lehi Willowcreek Family Medicine | October 20, 2017
In many cases, a kidney stone won’t cause symptoms until it moves around in the kidney or passes into the ureter (the tube that connects the kidney and the bladder). At this point, symptoms or signs may include:
Types of Kidney Stones
Knowing the type of kidney stone you have can give clues to the cause of the stone and how to prevent future stones. If you pass one, try to save it so you can bring it to the doctor for analysis. Types of kidney stones include:
Causes and Risk Factors
Kidney stones often don’t have a single cause. They’re formed when the urine contains more crystal-forming substances (calcium, oxalate and uric acid) than your body is able to dilute successfully. The urine may also lack substances to prevent crystals from sticking to each other, and these factors combine to create a perfect environment for kidney stones.
There are several factors that can raise your risk of kidney stones:
Diagnosis and Treatment
Kidney stones may be diagnosed using one of several possible tests and procedures. Treatment varies depending on the type, cause, and size of the stone. Small stones with limited symptoms can generally be treated with non-invasive methods:
For larger stones or stones that cause symptoms, conservative measure might not be enough. Other methods might include:
Prevention
Prevention of kidney stones comes down to lifestyle changes and medications. Drinking water and making changes to the diet as recommended by your doctor based on the causes of your kidney stones is vital, and your doctor may also prescribe medications based on the kind of stones you have.
If you have symptoms of kidney stones or are at risk, your doctor can provide recommendations for prevention and treatment.
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“Kidney stones.” The Mayo Clinic. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/kidney-stones/home/ovc-20319559
“Kidney Stones Health Center.” WebMD. http://www.webmd.com/kidney-stones/default.htm
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional. You should always consult your doctor before making decisions about your health.