March is National Kidney Month. Each year, more than half a million people go to emergency rooms for kidney stone problems. It’s estimated that one in ten people will have a kidney stone at some time in their lives.
What are Kidney Stones?
At Urology of North Florida, our team of board-certified urologists and specialists use advanced care to treat kidney stones. Urologist Mathew Loughlin, MD, describes kidney stones as deposits made of minerals and salts.
What are the Symptoms of Kidney Stones?
Stones in the kidney may not cause any symptoms and can go undiagnosed. However, if a stone blocks the flow of urine out of the kidney, it can cause a lot of pain. Symptoms of stones include:
- A sharp, cramping pain in the back and side, often moving to the lower abdomen or groin. Men may feel pain at the tip of the penis
- Pain that comes in waves and fluctuates in intensity
- An intense need to urinate, or urinating more often
- A burning feeling during urination
- Urine that is dark or red due to blood
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever and chills if an infection is present
Types of Kidney Stones
Diet, excess body weight, lack of fluid intake, and some medical conditions, among other factors, can cause kidney stones. Dr. Loughlin says kidney stones can affect any part of your urinary tract, from your kidney to your bladder and there are different types of kidney stones that can form.
“Stones often form when the urine becomes too concentrated. When this happens, minerals can crystallize and stick together,” said Dr. Loughlin. “Identifying the type of kidney stone is important so we can determine the best treatment approach and help prevent future stones from developing.”
Calcium Stones
Calcium stones are usually in the form of calcium oxalate. Oxalate is a substance made daily by your liver or absorbed from your diet. Certain fruits and vegetables, as well as nuts and chocolate, have high oxalate content.
Struvite Stones
Struvite stones form in response to a urinary tract infection. These stones can grow quickly and become quite large, sometimes with few symptoms or little warning.
Urid Acid Stones
Urid acid stones can form in people who lose too much fluid because of chronic diarrhea or malabsorption, those who eat a high-protein diet, and those with diabetes or metabolic syndrome. Certain genetic factors also may increase your risk or uric acid stones.
Cystine Stones
Cystine stones form in people with a hereditary call cystinuria that causes the kidneys to excrete too much of specific amino acid.
How can Urology of North Florida help?
Urology of North Florida has the diagnostic tools and technology to create a customized treatment plan for many urological issues.
“Our team understands how critical it is to relieve pain as quickly as possible. We use a collaborative approach within our urological specialties to ensure we find each patient the right care plan,” said Dr. Loughlin.
Along with a customized plan, Urology of North Florida is a one-stop office with in-office lab testing and medication dispensary.
EXPERT CARE
Our team of board-certified urologists and specialists at Urology of North Florida safely and successfully eliminate kidney stones. We understand that kidney stones can be quite painful so it’s crucial to get care immediately. At Urology of North Florida we are committed to offering same-day appointments for kidney stone treatment.
