Kidney Stone Advanced Therapy

What is a kidney stone (a kidney stone)?

According to the National Institutes of Health, your kidneys help filter waste from your body via urine. So, when stones form in your kidney and block your urinary flow, this can make it very difficult to urinate and feel pain. It can also be life-threatening if left untreated, as the condition may cause blood in your urine to clot, eventually leading to sepsis, which can lead to death. Most people with kidney stones will experience some discomfort, but others will not even know that they have this problem until symptoms worsen. As a result, it’s crucial to know what is happening and why before you visit an expert. We’ve compiled several facts below that will guide you through these situations.

What are kidney stones?

Kidney stones are small, hard formations or “stones” in your kidney that can block urine. They usually develop due to a buildup of calcium in your kidney. However, it can also develop from kidney diseases such as diabetes. In case you have kidney disease, you might need to take medications to manage high blood pressure, control high cholesterol levels, and prevent blood clots. If you have kidney stones, then your doctor will perform tests on your kidney to determine the source of the infection. After your results come back positive, kidney stones are treated using standard methods. But always consult with your doctor first for any doubt or uncertainty.

Why do kidney stones occur?

You’re about to find out how to spot kidney stones that are caused by bacteria. Kidney stones are a serious problem, not only because they have no signs but also because they can grow into large stones and cause severe complications. There are two types of kidney stones, acute and chronic. Acute kidney stones are those that happen suddenly, while chronic kidney stones develop over time. The causes of kidney stones vary. Your doctor will want to know the specific reason behind your kidney stone – such as calcium imbalance or inflammation – before starting a treatment plan. You should also check the following three things before you undergo surgery: whether you smoke, drink alcohol, eat a lot of salty food, or get certain medicines. If you’re worried that you have a kidney stone, call our kidney stone clinic in Fort Pierce today for advice!

What are the stages of kidney stones?

A kidney stone may be described as a collection of various crystals, crystals, or grains that block your urine from flowing, making it difficult to pass urine. According to the Mayo Clinic, there are six phases of how kidney stones develop. Each stage is based on the type and location of your kidney. Here’s everything you need to know about each type of kidney stone:

Stage 1 = 

Congestion. 

This means there is excessive fluid on the surface of the kidney. Some people who suffer from urinary tract infections at this stage may have a bladder infection. If you suspect you are experiencing Stage 1, it’s best to see a medical professional immediately.

Stage 2 = 

Intrinsic obstruction. At this point, the kidney appears larger than normal. A person may still be able to walk around without issues, although they may experience frequent urges to urinate. Although less likely, some may also require kidney transplantation.

Stage 3 = 

Extrinsic obstruction. People may now see a little bit more extra liquid buildup on the outside of their kidneys. Symptoms here include difficulty passing urine, pain in the abdomen, nausea, weakness, muscle cramps, chest pain, fever, swelling, and pain along the side of the body (known as flank tenderness). It is important to see a physician if you see any of these symptoms.

Stage 4 = 

Difficult Urination. Once the patient sees all other symptoms go away, they begin to experience difficulties in emptying their bladder. They may start to notice swelling in their legs or feel like passing urine may hurt in certain areas.

Stage 5 = 

Bladder Stones. These are the most common form of kidney stones. When a person feels this condition, they might notice one or more of the symptoms listed below: pain during urination, increased frequency of urinating, straining to pass, the urgency to pass, trouble passing urine, pain in a specific area, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, and sometimes a bad odor.

Stage 6 = 

Hematuria. blood in the urine. When a person has hematuria during this phase, they experience severe pain on the upper right side of the belly area. If not treated correctly, they can easily bleed to death.

What are the different types of kidney stones?

When people hear the word kidney stones, it’s easy enough to picture stones that are shaped like grapes or cucumbers. While the term covers many minerals, it’s actually just a short-hand way to describe the variety of crystal formations that build up in your kidney and cause renal failure. Your doctor will look at both the shape and its composition to identify the type of kidney stone you might have. Depending on how much salt is left stored in your body, you may have a higher risk of developing kidney stones.

Your kidney stone type does not define how big it is, however. One thing to keep in mind is that doctors do treat non-small stones as small ones. Smaller kidney stones are treated with antibiotics so they do not become chronic but rather prevent further complications. Bigger kidney stones are removed through open surgery or endoscopy.

How to detect kidney stones?

If you think you have kidney stones that may or may not be permanent, you should see your doctor soon. First, know what types of kidney stones are associated with you so you know what is needed medically. Second, you can learn more about how to diagnose kidney stones with proper medication. This includes knowing the most effective way to remove them from your urinary system. An expert will also give you recommendations about the kind of diet you should follow in order to avoid kidney stones. Remember, prevention is better than a cure when treating kidney stones.

How do I see my kidney stone?

If you get kidney stones, you must see your doctor to rule out any other conditions that may be causing the issue. Sometimes kidney stones are simply a result of a kidney disorder that requires treatment with medication. Other times, doctors might suggest the use of surgical removal or a procedure called ablation therapy, where a laser goes through your tissue. Another option is to try something known as nephrectomy surgery where a surgeon removes kidney tissue. With these options, doctors do not recommend removing stones yourself. Instead, your doctor will prescribe appropriate treatments to get rid of those stones and prevent future problems. This could involve taking medicine, doing physical therapy, or even going to a dialysis center.

What happens after getting kidney stones?

Once a kidney stone is eliminated, you can expect to feel a full range of symptoms. These 

include:

Nausea

Pain

Weakness

Diarrhea

Pain

When a person first discovers a new kidney stone, nausea will kick in. It takes a few days for the symptoms to subside before you’ll be used to the feeling of being nauseated. During this time, you can continue to focus on controlling the pain and suffering. Try drinking fluids and keeping a diary of your symptoms. Also, it’s essential to keep an eye out for unusual changes in your urine. Unusual changes might indicate that there’s another underlying problem behind your kidney stones. For example, a kidney stone may show up as brown or pinkish-white deposits on your bathroom counter, a change in urine color or appearance, a more frequent urge to urinate, a sudden rise in pain or pain during exercise, or weight loss. All of these changes can be related to kidney stones but will also indicate underlying health problems such as diabetes and kidney disease. In addition, your doctor can tell that kidney stones have advanced, meaning that more kidney disease is present than usual. Advancing the condition means that your kidneys are unable to properly filter and eliminate fluid.