Kidney Stones Specialist

What are kidney stones?

A kidney stone develops when high concentrations of the various chemicals and waste products in your urine crystallize and form solid deposits. They form in your kidneys and travel through your ureters, bladder, and urethra to exit your body. 

Kidney stones vary in size, from as small as a grain of sand to the diameter of a ping-pong ball. Though you may pass a microscopic kidney stone without symptoms, it’s also possible that you could experience excruciating pain in your lower back. Other signs of kidney stones include:

• Dull stomach ache that doesn’t go away
• Blood in your urine
• Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever and chills
  
  

The pain occurs when your kidney stone irritates your urinary tract or causes a blockage. Though painful, kidney stones don’t typically damage your urinary tract. 

What causes kidney stones?

Kidney stones develop when there isn’t enough liquid in your urine to prevent crystal-forming substances like calcium, oxalate, and uric acid from sticking together. Some of the factors that contribute to kidney stone development include:

• Family history of kidney stones
• Previous kidney stone
• Dehydration
• Diets high in protein, salt, and sugar
• Obesity
• Bariatric surgery
  
  

You may also have an increased risk of kidney stones if you have inflammatory bowel disease, hyperparathyroidism, cystinuria, and renal tubular acidosis. 

How are kidney stones diagnosed?

Your doctor at Hemet Valley Urology Medical Center diagnoses kidney stones with a comprehensive consultation, physical exam, and diagnostic testing. Kidney stone pain is identifiable, especially when other symptoms are present. 

They may order blood and urine tests to check for elevated levels of stone-forming substances. Your doctor may also order imaging studies like X-rays and CT scans to identify and locate your kidney stone.

How are kidney stones treated?

The team at Hemet Valley Urology Medical Center has extensive training and experience in treating kidney stones. The type of treatment that will benefit you depends on the size and type of stone. 

Small kidney stones often respond to at-home measures of care like drinking water and over-the-counter pain medication. Your provider might also prescribe alpha-blockers, a type of medication that helps you pass a stone.

For large stones that won’t pass on their own, the team might recommend non-surgical stone destruction with laser lithoplasty. The treatment uses high-frequency shockwaves to break the stone into smaller, passable pieces. If lithoplasty fails to provide relief, surgical intervention may be necessary.

If you’re concerned you may have kidney stones, or if you are interested in learning how to prevent them, call Hemet Valley Urology Medical Center or make an appointment online today.