Kidney Stones
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Urology Center of Florida
Urologists located in Pompano Beach, FL
For most people, the agony of passing a kidney stone is an unrivaled experience they never want to repeat. Yet, without treatment, your chances of developing recurring kidney stones greatly increase. The specialists at the Urology Center of Florida in Pompano Beach have the tools, technology, and experience to relieve your pain and prevent future occurrences. Serving southern Florida, Dr. Craig Herman and Dr. Steven C. Kester are two of the state’s most eminently qualified urologists. If you are experiencing symptoms of kidney stones, call or book an appointment online to get rapid relief and outstanding follow-up care.
Kidney Stones Q & A
What are kidney stones?
Kidney stones are composed of tiny crystals that develop inside the kidneys. Kidney stones form from a variety of materials, including calcium, struvite, uric acid, and cystine. They can be as small as a grain of sand, as big as a pebble, or larger. Although they often go unnoticed while in the kidney, they cause extreme pain when traveling to the bladder and lodging in the urinary tract.
What causes kidney stones?
Normally, substances like calcium and uric acid are easily diluted in your urine. However, if concentrations exceed what can be absorbed, they crystallize into stones. Not drinking enough water is the most common cause. Family history, diet, and medical conditions like metabolic disorders can also play a role.
What are the symptoms of kidney stones?
The onset of an episode is often marked by sudden, extreme pain in your side and back, just beneath your ribs. The pain can extend to your groin, and often comes in waves of varying intensity.
Other symptoms of kidney stones include:
- Brown, red, or pink urine
- Burning sensation during urination
- Cloudy or bad smelling urine
- Fever and chills
- Frequent need to urinate
- Vomiting
Am I at risk for kidney stones?
Risk factors for developing kidney stones include:
- Dehydration
- Diets high in protein, salt, and sugar
- Inflammatory bowel disease and other digestive disorders
- Obesity
If someone in your family has had kidney stones, your risk also increases. Once you develop kidney stones, you are more likely to have recurrences.
How are kidney stones diagnosed?
When you come in for your appointment, your doctor evaluates your medical history, and examines your lower abdomen and groin for signs of kidney stones. Next, he performs a urinalysis to detect the presence of blood or infection, and does a blood test to analyze kidney function. If kidney stones are indicated, ultrasound, x-rays, or CT scans are required for a definitive diagnosis.
What kidney stone treatments are available?
Depending on the diagnosis, your physician may recommend increased fluid intake, dietary changes, and supplements. If these therapies don’t resolve the kidney stone, your doctor can prescribe a medication to relax the ureter muscle to help pass the stone more efficiently.
Other treatments for kidney stones include:
- Ultrasonic treatment (ESWL)
- Ureteroscope removal
- Surgery (for large stones)
With proper treatment, the pain and suffering of kidney stones is quickly alleviated, and future occurrences prevented. If you are experiencing symptoms of this condition, call or book an appointment online today at the Urology Center of Florida.
