What Causes Kidney Stones?

Did you know that even babies can get kidney stones? While kidney stones mostly affect adults the truth is that they can affect anyone at any age. One thing that those who have experienced kidney stones can tell you is that they are not fun!

We at AFC Dalton are here to answer your questions about this unpleasant ailment.

What Are Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones are hard deposits made up of substances that have crystallized in the urinary system and range in size from smaller than a grain of rice to, rarely, as large as a golf ball. They are usually brown or yellow and may be smooth or jagged in form.

The kidneys and urinary system are continually filtering waste from your body. When urine becomes too concentrated the kidneys struggle to filter out substances such as phosphates, uric acid and calcium. When there is too much waste and too little urine, these substances combine to form crystals that are referred to as kidney stones.

Typical Kidney Stone Symptoms

• Severe pain on either side of your lower back
• Vague pain or stomach-ache that doesn’t go away
• Blood in the urine
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fever and chills
• Urine that smells bad or looks cloudy

What Can Be Done to Treat Kidney Stones?

If you suspect you have a kidney stone, or your doctor has diagnosed you with one, you will almost certainly be advised to drink a lot of water. By increasing your water intake, you can help move a stone from your kidney and out of your body more quickly and with less pain.

In most cases, kidney stones last for roughly a month; however, each person’s experience with a kidney stone is unique. The most effective treatment methods are described below.

Common Kidney Stone Treatments

Drinking water

Most kidney stones are small and will eventually pass through your urinary system, so drinking lots of water is the best way to flush them out sooner rather than later. Drinking fluids will dilute your urine and give you the best chance of passing a kidney stone in a timely manner.

Pain relievers

Passing kidney stones can be painful. To relieve pain, over-the-counter medications like naproxen sodium can be helpful. Ask your doctor before taking ibuprofen as it can increase the risk of kidney failure during an acute kidney stone attack.

Medical therapy

In some cases, your doctor may give you a medication called an alpha-blocker to help pass your kidney stone. This type of medication relaxes the muscles in your ureter, which will help you pass the kidney stone more quickly and with less pain.

Feeling less than your best? Don’t hesitate to visit our AFC Urgent Care Dalton team today.