Kidney Stones
Kidney stones result from the precipitation (crystallization of previously dissolved particles) of certain substances within the urine. These stones form in the kidney and subsequently travel through the ureter (the tube that conducts urine from the kidney to the bladder) and are eliminated through the urine if they are small. In some cases, the stone may not be able to travel through the ureter, causing pain and possibly causing an obstruction, blocking the flow of urine out of the kidney. Kidney stones can be caused by a large number of factors, such as infection, certain diets, medications, and conditions that result in an increased concentration of calcium or other substances, including oxalate and uric acid, in the urine. The composition of the stone depends on the cause, but the most common type of stone contains calcium.
The symptoms associated with kidney stones vary depending on the size of the stone, its position within the urinary tract, and whether there is an associated kidney infection.
Pain in the back or side
Blood in the urine
Vomiting
Fever
Urinary frequency or urgency (the sensation of the immediate need to urinate)
Pain with urination
In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, your doctor may order blood tests to assess your kidney function and the concentration of certain electrolytes and dissolved minerals (such as calcium) in your blood. A urinalysis (analysis of a small sample of urine for infection and blood) and a 24-hour urine collection (to look for substances associated with kidney stones) may also be performed. Your doctor may order a computed tomography (CT) scan, abdominal x-ray, or ultrasound test to locate the stone and to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms.
Initial treatment includes pain medication and oral or intravenous fluid to help the stone pass through the urine.
Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy is a procedure that uses shock waves to break up the stone without the need for surgery.
Surgery may be necessary if the stone is very large and if there is blockage of the affected kidney or infection.
Depending on the cause of your kidney stone, your doctor may prescribe medication or suggest dietary changes to prevent a recurrence.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
800/891-5390
http://www.niddk.nih.gov
National Kidney Foundation
800/622-9010
http://www.kidney.org
American Kidney Fund
800/638-8299
http://www.akfinc.org
<< Back to article index...
Two Offices conveniently located to serve you.
Sarah Ringold, MD, Writer; Tiffany J. Glass, MA, Illustrator; Richard M. Glass, MD, Editor
JAMA. 2005;293(9):1158. doi:10.1001/jama.293.9.1158.
JAMA. 2005;293(9):1158. doi:10.1001/jama.293.9.1158.
Kidney stones result from the precipitation (crystallization of previously dissolved particles) of certain substances within the urine. These stones form in the kidney and subsequently travel through the ureter (the tube that conducts urine from the kidney to the bladder) and are eliminated through the urine if they are small. In some cases, the stone may not be able to travel through the ureter, causing pain and possibly causing an obstruction, blocking the flow of urine out of the kidney. Kidney stones can be caused by a large number of factors, such as infection, certain diets, medications, and conditions that result in an increased concentration of calcium or other substances, including oxalate and uric acid, in the urine. The composition of the stone depends on the cause, but the most common type of stone contains calcium.
SYMPTOMS
The symptoms associated with kidney stones vary depending on the size of the stone, its position within the urinary tract, and whether there is an associated kidney infection.
DIAGNOSIS
In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, your doctor may order blood tests to assess your kidney function and the concentration of certain electrolytes and dissolved minerals (such as calcium) in your blood. A urinalysis (analysis of a small sample of urine for infection and blood) and a 24-hour urine collection (to look for substances associated with kidney stones) may also be performed. Your doctor may order a computed tomography (CT) scan, abdominal x-ray, or ultrasound test to locate the stone and to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms.
TREATMENT
FOR MORE INFORMATION
http://www.niddk.nih.gov
http://www.kidney.org
http://www.akfinc.org
<< Back to article index...
Two Offices conveniently located to serve you.
MIAMI - 1880 W 49 St. Suite 510, Hialeah, FL 33012. Telephone (305) 821-4555, FAX (305) 821-4563
PEMBROKE PINES - 17890 NW 2 St., Pembroke Pines, FL 33029. Telephone (954) 442-6090, FAX (954) 442-0070
Email: Info@luislugomd.com
DON'T WASTE TIME HOLDING ON THE TELEPHONE. Do you need to make a reservation? Check on a Referral? Request a Prescription Refill? Request Medical Records? No need to call the office. Get help fast by logging on to our PATIENT PORTAL. Ask us about WEB ENABLE on your next Office Visit. All of your Health Needs are right at your fingertips. You can even access your Health Information SECURLY from your Mobile Phone or Tablet. Download the free Mobile App Today. DOWNLOAD THE FREE HEALOW MOBILE APP BY CLICKING HERE, then find us by using our unique practice code. GGAHBA. To use the Patient Portal, please call the office and ask to be Web Enabled. You will need a valid Email Address to receive instructions on the Patient Portal. New Patients may also join us by clicking on the Patient Portal Link at the top of this page then click the Pre Registration Button. Note. Pre Registration is only for new Patients. Regular patients need to be Web Enabled. Call and ask us how to get access.
PEMBROKE PINES - 17890 NW 2 St., Pembroke Pines, FL 33029. Telephone (954) 442-6090, FAX (954) 442-0070
Email: Info@luislugomd.com
DON'T WASTE TIME HOLDING ON THE TELEPHONE. Do you need to make a reservation? Check on a Referral? Request a Prescription Refill? Request Medical Records? No need to call the office. Get help fast by logging on to our PATIENT PORTAL. Ask us about WEB ENABLE on your next Office Visit. All of your Health Needs are right at your fingertips. You can even access your Health Information SECURLY from your Mobile Phone or Tablet. Download the free Mobile App Today. DOWNLOAD THE FREE HEALOW MOBILE APP BY CLICKING HERE, then find us by using our unique practice code. GGAHBA. To use the Patient Portal, please call the office and ask to be Web Enabled. You will need a valid Email Address to receive instructions on the Patient Portal. New Patients may also join us by clicking on the Patient Portal Link at the top of this page then click the Pre Registration Button. Note. Pre Registration is only for new Patients. Regular patients need to be Web Enabled. Call and ask us how to get access.