A Crash Course in Kidney Stones

In the beloved 1990s sitcom Friends, there is an episode that follows simultaneous storylines in a hospital: Phoebe is giving birth to triplets while Joey is down the hall trying to pass kidney stones. The juxtaposition of the two scenes suggests that passing kidney stones is the closest that men will ever come to experiencing the pain of childbirth. Indeed, kidney stones are known for causing incredible pain as they leave the body.

What Are Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones form when dissolved minerals build up into sharp, crystalline “stones” inside of the kidneys. A lack of water in the body is the leading cause of kidney stone development. This is because water plays the important role of diluting the uric acid found in urine. If uric acid isn’t diluted, it creates an acidic environment that is perfect for the formation of kidney stones. Even if the stones pass through the urinary tract without any trouble, they can cause immense pain when leaving the body.

How Do You Know If You Have Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones can be identified from specific symptoms that include severe pain in the groin or side, blood in the urine, and a burning sensation during urination. If kidney stones lead to infection, fever, chills, and vomiting may also occur. If you don’t drink the recommended 8 to 10 glasses of water a day, or you are a male between the ages of 30 to 50, you are at an increased risk of kidney stones as well.

Diagnosing and Treating Kidney Stones

If you suspect that you are suffering from kidney stones, it is important to see your doctor as soon as possible. A few different tests can be used to formally diagnose the presence of kidney stones, including a physical examination, urinalysis, CT scan, and ultrasound. Once your kidney stones are identified, your doctor can help you select the best treatment. Shock wave therapy can sometimes be used to break the kidney stone into smaller pieces and help it pass with less pain.

Don’t wait until the pain of kidney stones becomes unbearable; call Kavita Rao M.D., Gulf Coast Internist, at (727) 525-0900 to schedule an appointment and get the medical attention you need. Dr. Rao can also help you identify preventative measures to avoid painful kidney stones in the future.