Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. Often, stones form when the urine becomes concentrated, allowing minerals to crystallize and stick together. Some causes of stones can be from certain medical conditions, diet, excess body weight, and certain medications and supplements.

Passing of kidney stones can be painful, but the stones usually cause no permanent  damage if they are caught in a timely manner. Sometimes, pain medication and drinking lots of water can help pass a stone. But if stones become lodged in the urinary tract, or if you have a urinary infection or any type of complication, then surgery may be needed. If a kidney stone becomes lodged in the ureters, it may block the flow of urine and cause the kidney to swell and ureter to spasm, which can be very painful. Some symptoms you may have when reaching this point are: severe, sharp pain in the side and back, below the ribs, pain that radiates to the lower abdomen and groin, pain that comes in waves and fluctuates in intensity, pain or burning sensation while urinating. You may also experience pink, red, or brown colored urine, cloudy or foul smelling urine, a persistent need to urinate, urinating more often than usual or urinating in small amounts, nausea or vomiting, or fever and chills if an infection is present.

Pain caused by a kidney stone may change as it could shift to a different location or by  increasing in intensity, as the stone moves through the urinary tract.

There are different types of kidney stones. Knowing the type of stone you have helps   determine a particular cause; it may give clues on how to reduce your risk of getting more stones and if possible, try to save your kidney stone if you pass one so that you can bring it to your doctor for analysis. Remember to make an appointment with your doctor if you have any signs or symptoms that worry you. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience pain so severe that you can’t sit still or find a comfortable position, any pain accompanied by nausea and vomiting, pain accompanied by fever and chills, difficulty passing any urine, and lastly, any blood in your urine. Make sure to be proactive!!

Have a happy day!