Kidney Stones

What are kidney stones?

Kidney stones are hard, rock-like deposits made of minerals and salts. They occur when your urine contains high concentrations of crystal-forming materials like uric acid, calcium, and oxalate. If your urine is unable to dilute these substances, kidney stones may form.

What are the symptoms of kidney stones?

In their early stages, kidney stones rarely present symptoms. Once a stone leaves your kidneys and enters the ureter, you might experience:

• Sharp, shooting pain in your side or lower back
• Pain that radiates into your groin or lower abdomen
• Pain that fluctuates in intensity
• Burning sensation when urinating

Other telltale signs of kidney stones include cloudy or foul-smelling urine, nausea, and a persistent need to urinate.

Who is at risk of experiencing kidney stones?

Kidney stones affect all types of people, but there are several factors that may increase your risk. For example, you’re more likely to develop kidney stones if you don’t drink enough water throughout the day or you eat a diet high in protein, salt, and sugar. 

Other factors that can increase your risk of kidney stones include being overweight, having a family history of kidney stones, and taking certain supplements or medications. This is especially true if you consume laxatives, vitamin C, or calcium-based antacids regularly.

How are kidney stones diagnosed?

Dr. Youngren offers an appointment fast track for people with symptomatic kidney stones. Whenever possible, he tries to see you within 24 hours of your initial symptoms.

To diagnose kidney stones Dr. Youngren reviews your medical history and asks about your lifestyle and symptoms. He then conducts a comprehensive physical and orders several diagnostic tests, including urinalysis, blood work, a complete metabolic evaluation, and diagnostic imaging. 

Blood work can reveal high levels of uric acid or calcium in your blood, while urinalysis analyzes your urine for high concentrations of stone-forming chemicals.

Diagnostic imaging procedures, like a CT scan, can reveal the size and location of the kidney stones. The information gathered during the metabolic evaluation can help prevent the formation of additional kidney stones in the future.

How are kidney stones treated?

Treatment for kidney stones depends on their size, location, and affect on your quality of life. If you have small stones, Dr. Youngren might recommend drinking plenty of water, taking over-the-counter pain medication, or prescription medication to help you pass the stone.

Larger kidney stones often require minimally invasive intervention. Dr. Youngren specializes in minimally invasive surgery and uses the latest technology to remove the stone. These treatments present little downtime and allow you to return to your favorite activities rapidly.

Minimally invasive treatment techniques include extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) using a scope to remove the kidney stones and parathyroid gland surgery.

To receive prompt treatment for kidney stones, schedule an appointment at Advanced Urology. Book a consultation online or call the office to speak with a caring staff member today.