Kidney Stones Doctor in Smithfield, NC

Kidney stones are hard mineral or salt deposits that form in the kidneys. Kidney stones can be made of several different compounds including calcium, uric acid, struvite, and cystine. Calcium is the most common culprit, accounting for approximately 80% of kidney stone cases.

There are many different factors that can contribute to a person’s chance of developing kidney stones. Your diet and other medical conditions can have a large impact on these chances. Reducing the amount of calcium or salt in your diet can decrease the levels of calcium in your urine, decreasing the likelihood that you will develop kidney stones. Increasing your water intake can also be a vital part of reducing your kidney stone risk. Patients with certain bowel conditions or who have other disorders may have a greater risk of developing kidney stones, as do patients who are obese. Taking certain medications including vitamin C supplements and calcium can increase your risk.

For a patient who is experiencing kidney stones for the first time, it can be difficult to know when it is time to see a doctor. An increase in urination, burning sensation during urination, or urine that is red or dark in color are all signs that you should see a doctor. Nausea and vomiting, as well as an intense need to urinate can also indicate that kidney stones may be the culprit. One of the most common indicators that you may be experiencing kidney stones is an intense cramping pain in your side and back that can move into the groin or lower abdomen. This pain is the result of your body attempting to pass a kidney stone and can begin very suddenly, coming and going in waves.

There are a few options for kidney stone treatment that will depend on the severity of your condition. For smaller stones, it may be best to wait for your body to dispose of the stone naturally. It can take as many as 4-6 weeks for your body to pass a kidney stone, so it is important to make sure you are drinking enough water while your body works to get rid of it. Over the counter pain medication can help when you feel discomfort as a result of your kidney stone. Some medications have been shown to help the body pass a kidney stone. These prescription medicines include tamsulosin, which helps relax the ureter and make it easier for your body to naturally pass a kidney stone. For very large stones, or patients who have many kidney stones, surgical intervention may be necessary. There are several minimally invasive procedures available including ureteroscopy, percutaneous nephrolithotomy, and shock wave lithotripsy that can provide relief for patients suffering with large stones or stones that are beginning to negatively impact their kidney function.

If you think you may have a kidney stone, don’t wait to seek treatment. Contact Mohamed & Associates Urology Center today to schedule an appointment and find relief from your kidney stone pain.