Are you having trouble with kidney stones? Every year more than half of a million people go to the emergency room due to pain from kidney stones. The stones are often not only a nuisance but they can cause significant health issues as well. Sometimes, in the most severe cases, kidney stones can lead to sepsis and can even be life-threatening. Kidney stones themselves actually do not cause pain. Pain from kidney stones results when the stone “drops” into the ureter, the tube the drains the kidney into the bladder. When this occurs, swelling results behind the kidney stone which leads to pressure, pain, nausea, and even vomiting. Some kidney stones may pass spontaneously while others will need to be treated surgically. A medication called Flomax, which is also used to treat men within large prostates, can help to dilate the ureter to allow stones to pass more easily. When trying to pass a stone it is important to drink excessive amounts of fluids, to take Flomax, to strain urine with a coffee filter or paint strainer, and to notify a doctor if fever, intolerable pain, or other concerns.
Some kidney stones remain within the kidney and do not cause pain. These can be treated proactively with shockwave lithotripsy before the stone causes trouble. Much larger stones called staghorn stones sometimes need to be treated with more aggressive techniques. Stones that drop into the ureter are often treated via a camera placed through the urethra and into the ureter without having to make a cut in the persons body.
Kidney stones can be prevented in part by drinking large amounts of water or lemonade every day. A rule of thumb is to drink enough fluid so that the urine has no yellow tint to it but is rather clear.
If you have kidney stones talk to your primary care physician or schedule an appointment at NEO Urology to be evaluated.