Kidney Stones

Typically, kidney stones are formed in the kidney, but can also be formed in the ureter. Kidney stones can be very painful and can cause infection if they are not treated properly. If a kidney stone is blocking urine flow, it may need to be removed. This can involve surgery. However, in some cases, the stone may pass on its own. In these cases, a doctor may prescribe medicine or make changes in your diet to help the stone pass.

Kidney stones are formed when waste materials and minerals in the urine become crystallized and stick together. This can happen when there is too much calcium, or other substances, in the urine. If the stones are small, they may pass on their own. However, if the stones are large, they can block urine flow. If they are large and if the stone is blocking the ureter, they may need surgery to be removed.

If you have kidney stones, you may feel pain in your side, back, or groin. You may also be experiencing nausea, vomiting, or fever. If you are experiencing fever, this could be a sign of a more serious infection. A doctor may prescribe a pain medication or intravenous fluids to help ease the pain. You may also have to drink a lot of fluids to help the stone pass.

Kidneys are fist-sized bean-shaped organs located on the left and right side of the spine. They filter about 120 to 150 quarts of blood and urine per day. The kidneys eliminate waste products and excess calcium from the body. They also maintain the balance of fluids in the body. They can be affected by chronic diarrhea, digestive diseases, and high salt diets. A person with a family history of kidney stones may be more susceptible.

People with kidney stones should drink plenty of liquids to help them pass the stones. It is recommended that a person drink three quarts of liquid each day. You should also avoid sugary drinks and alcoholic drinks. You should also replace fluids lost through sweating.

If you are experiencing kidney stones, your doctor may prescribe medicines or change your diet to help the stones pass. You may also be asked to drink a lot of water, and to strain your urine.

Some kidney stones are very small, and may pass on their own. If they are smaller, you can treat them with over-the-counter pain medication. These medications include ibuprofen and naproxen. However, if you experience severe pain, you may have to stay in the hospital. You may also have to take stronger pain medications. You may also have to undergo a procedure called extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, where sound waves are used to break up the stone. This may require light anesthesia, bruising around the abdomen, and bleeding.

You may have to visit a urologist for treatment. A urologist can perform a procedure to break up the stone, or he or she may use a scope to take the stone out of the body.