Kidney Stones

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Overview
Kidney stones are small, hard deposits consisting of mineral and acid salts that crystallize when urine becomes concentrated. Although kidney stones originate in the kidneys, they can affect any part of the urinary tract. Millions of people are diagnosed with urolithiasis, or kidney stone disease, each year. It is one of the most painful conditions treated in the field of urology, and every kidney stone patient shares the same goal of prompt, safe relief.
Symptoms
Kidney stones are rarely life threatening; however, they can be extremely painful, they frequently move through the urinary tract and can cause irritation and blockages. Symptoms including pain, fever, nausea, and blood in the urine may occur as a result. Depending on the location, composition, and size of the stones, they can even cause serious damage to the kidneys.

There are many symptoms to alert you that you may have or are passing a kidney stone. These include:

• Severe pain in the side of the torso and back, or below the rib cage
• Pain in the lower abdomen and groin area
• Pain that comes in waves, while varying in intensity
• Pain while urinating
• Discolored urine
• Unusually cloudy or unusual smelling urine
• Feeling the need to vomit (or vomiting)
• Feeling the urgent need to empty the bladder
• Visiting the restroom more often than normal
• High temperatures and chills, if an infection is present
• Urinating in small quantities
Causes
Kidney stones occur when substances that are normally dissolved in the urine begin to crystallize inside the body. Once stones have begun to form, they become larger as new crystalline deposits form around the original kidney stone.

Biology

Kidney stones are more common in men than women.

Diet

You may also have other issues with your diet or metabolism that need to be addressed.

Water

Kidney stones are often caused by not drinking enough water.

Age

Prevalence increases when a person reaches his or her 40s. For women, kidney stones reach peak prevalence at age 50.

Family

Kidney stones run in families and can come back over and over, so it is important to try to prevent them from forming before you have pain or need surgery.

Summer is Kidney Stone Season!

Kidney Stone Care at UroCare Specialist

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Treatments & Procedures for Kidney Stones
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