Kidney Stones

·       Kidneys make urine from water and the body’s waste. When kidneys are healthy, they control the levels of sodium, potassium and calcium in the blood. Kidney stones are hard stones found in the kidneys. They form when the urine contains high levels of minerals and salts and the kidneys are unable to clean waste properly. Kidney stones can go unnoticed but most often they present as a sharp, cramping pain in the back and side. Treatment for kidney stones can vary on the type, size, location and how long symptoms have been present. Since there are multiple treatment options, you should talk to your health care team about what is best for you. 

Definition

Kidneys are fist-sized organs that handle the body’s fluid and chemical levels. They make urine from water and the body’s waste. Healthy kidneys control the levels of sodium, potassium and calcium in the blood. They also clean waste from the blood and remove it in the form of urine. Kidney stones are hard stones found in the kidneys. They form when the urine contains high of levels of minerals and the kidneys are unable to clean waste properly 

Kidney stones come in different types and colors. There are four main types: 

·       Calcium stone – these are the most common 

·       Uric acid stones

·       Struvite/infection stones

·       Cysteine stones 

Kidney stones can go unnoticed but most often they present as a sharp, cramping pain in the back and side. The pain moves to the lower abdomen or groin and usually starts suddenly and comes in waves. It can come and go as the body tries to get rid of the stone. Other symptoms include: 

·       A feeling of intense need to urinate.

·       Urinating more often, 

·       A burning feeling during urination. 

·       Urine that is dark or red due to blood. 

·       Nausea and vomiting. 

·       A feeling of pain at the tip of the penis in men. 

To help prevent kidney stones, doctors recommend increasing water intake, reducing salt and animal protein in your diet, getting the recommended amount of calcium and limiting stone-forming foods.

Treatment for kidney stones can vary on the type, size, location and how long symptoms have been present. Since there are multiple treatment options, it is best to talk to your health care team about what is best for you.