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Your Guide to Kidney Stones

Your Guide to Kidney Stones

When the temperature rises, so does your risk of developing kidney stones, thanks to dehydration and changes in your diet. The last thing you want during a pool day or weekend getaway is an unexpected trip to the emergency department. Fortunately, most kidney stones are preventable. With a few smart habits, you can stay hydrated, and, hopefully, keep the pain away.

What Are They?

According to the National Kidney Foundation, kidney stones are hard deposits that form inside your kidneys when chemicals in your urine stick together. They can vary in size, from tiny grains to the size of a golf ball, in rare instances. While some pass without notice, others can cause intense pain. Not exactly the kind of summer thrill anyone wants.

What Causes Them?

There’s no single cause; however, several factors can increase your chances of developing a kidney stone, especially in the summer, according to the Urology Care Foundation:

  • Dehydration. When it’s hot out, and you’re sweating more, your urine can become more concentrated, creating the perfect environment for stones to form.
  • Diet. Too much sodium, animal protein or oxalate-rich foods can up your risk.
  • Medical ailments. Conditions such as obesity, digestive issues or metabolic disorders can contribute.
  • Family history. If a parent or sibling has had stones, your chances go up.
  • Certain supplements or medications. Overdoing calcium or vitamin D supplements and taking specific meds may play a role.

How Do You Know If You Have One?

The pain is often the first clue. If you suddenly feel a sharp, cramping pain in your back or side—one that comes in waves and might move to your lower belly or groin—it could be a kidney stone.

Other symptoms can include:

  • Pain or burning when you urinate
  • Blood in your urine
  • Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
  • Frequent urges to go but only passing small amounts
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Fever and chills

Don't wait to get checked out if you think you could have a kidney stone. Quick treatment can make a big difference.

How Are Kidney Stones Treated?

If a kidney stone is too large or painful to pass on its own, your doctor may recommend one of the following treatment methods:

Shock Wave Lithotripsy: Uses shock waves to break the stone into tiny pieces that pass naturally. It’s non-invasive and done under anesthesia.

Cystoscopy or Ureteroscopy: A thin scope is inserted through the urethra to find and remove the stone or break it up. These are outpatient procedures done with anesthesia.

Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: For larger stones, a small incision is made in the back to remove or break up the stone directly from the kidney. This usually requires a short hospital stay.

Sometimes a temporary stent is placed to help urine flow while you recover. Your doctor also may test the stone and your urine to help prevent future ones.

Prevention Tips

There’s a lot you can do to avoid kidney stones—especially if you’ve had one before or know you’re at risk. A few simple steps can go a long way:

  • Drink more water. Stay hydrated, especially in the heat or after exercise, to keep minerals from building up in your kidneys.
  • Keep the calcium. Pair calcium-rich foods with high-oxalate foods (like spinach or nuts) to block stone formation.
  • Enjoy citrus fruits. Lemons and oranges contain citrate, which may help prevent stones.
  • Eat balanced meals. Cut back on sodium, red meat and sugary drinks. Eat more fruits, veggies and whole grains to lower urine acidity.
  • Know your risk. If you’ve had a kidney stone before, work with your doctor to prevent a repeat.

When to See a Doctor

If you’re dealing with intense pain, can’t keep fluids down, see blood in your urine or notice signs of infection, get care right away.

Need support with kidney stone treatment or prevention? Contact us at Southwest General Health Center. Our healthcare professionals are committed to providing high-quality care and support for all your health needs.