Patient Education - Kidney Stones
What is a kidney stone?
A kidney stone is, as the name implies, a hard mass that forms when chemicals such as calcium oxalate form crystals in the urine that stick together. These crystals may continue to grow to form stones that range in size from a grain of sand to a ping pong ball.
How common are kidney stones?
Kidney stones are one of the most common problems affecting the urinary tract across the world. According to the National Institute of Health, over 10 million people are found to have kidney stones yearly. Once you have one stone, you are more likely to have another, unless measures are taken to prevent stone formation. By age 70, 12 percent of men and 5 percent of women are affected by stones. Kidney stones are more common in men; only one of five patients with kidney stones are women.
Why do kidney stones occur in some people and not others?
Normally, our urine contains substances that increase stone formation and other substances that inhibit stone formation. Some people have a higher concentration of those substances that form stones [calcium, for example], and have lower concentration of those substances that decrease the likelihood of stone formation [citrate, for example]. The factors which contribute to stone formation in those who have an increased likelihood of stones are the following:
Too Little Water Intake
Blockage of urinary tract
Chronic kidney diseases
Certain medications
Blockage of urinary tract
Genetic and metabolic diseases
How do you know if you have a kidney stone?
Some patients may never have any symptoms if the stones remain small and do not cause an obstruction. When stones get big enough to stop urine flow, then the following symptoms may occur:
Severe pain in kidney, your flank, radiating to groin
Inability to find a body position which provides relief
Fever, chills, and weakness
Blood in urine
Nausea and vomiting
Decreased urine output
How can my doctor find out if I have kidney stones?
First, x rays, CT scan, or ultrasound [sound waves] may help to determine if you have kidney stones. Once kidney stones are found, it is very important to verify which type of stone you have so future stones can be prevented. This requires that a 24 hour urine collection test is done.
How are kidney stones treated?
Regardless of the type of stone, you must increase water intake. Based on the type of stone you have, we may give you a medication to prevent future stones, or give you a medication to dissolve the stone [calcium oxalate stones cannot be dissolved].
When an infection or an obstruction occurs, kidney damage can occur and the stone must be removed by a urologist.
Can kidney stones be prevented?
Once the stone is removed, you must see a kidney doctor to prevent additional stone formation. Based on blood and urine tests, we will recommend diet and medication changes to prevent further stone formation. REMEMBER, STONE DISEASE IS PREVENTABLE and we will show you how to prevent them.