Kidney stones can be extremely painful, but it is possible to both treat the stones and prevent them from reforming. To help this happen, however, you need to know when to visit a urologist. The earlier you can recognise that you may have kidney stones, the easier it will be to intervene and address the symptoms.
In this blog, we outline how to spot the early signs that you could have a stone. If you think you may have any of the symptoms listed below, make sure to book an appointment with a local urologist as soon as you can.
For personalised advice, contact Dr. Marlon Perera, Urological Surgeon today.
What is a Kidney Stone?
A kidney stone is a small, hard formation created by the chemicals found in urine. Once formed, the stone will either remain in the kidney or begin to travel down the urinary tract into the ureter. While tiny stones may pass out of the body through urine with very little pain, other stones may be too large. These can cause urine to back up in the kidney, bladder, or urethra, which is what can cause the severe pain often associated with kidney stone.
Kidney stones form when the fluid in your urine is unable to dilute the amount of crystal-forming substances in your urine. These substances that need to be diluted and broken down in your urine can include calcium, oxalate, and uric acid. When these crystals stick together and collate, kidney stones can form.
The Early Signs and Symptoms of Kidney Stones
What are the signs that you may have kidney stones? What symptoms should be taken straight to a urologist?
Generally speaking, you won’t experience kidney stone symptoms as soon as a stone forms. Rather, symptoms will arise once the stone begins to move around within the kidney or pass into one of the ureters, which are the tubes connecting the kidney to the bladder. When a stone becomes lodged in one of these tubes, the flow of urine may be blocked. This is what causes the kidney to swell and incites pain in the irritated ureters.
The symptoms you may experience at this stage include:
- Discoloured urine (Red, pink, or brown)
- Foul-smelling urine
- Frequent urination
- Burning sensations while urinating
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sharp pain below the ribs
- Pain radiating down into the groin
- Severe pain in the side and back
- Pain that fluctuates in intensity
- Pain that changes over time as a result of the stone moving through the urinary tract
What Causes Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones can form when you least expect it. In most cases, the reason kidney stones form is because an individual is genetically predisposed to the condition. There is usually no disease or injury that causes kidney stones – rather, it is simply a matter of unfortunate genetics. There are rare cases that may cause stones to occur, such as having high levels of calcium in your bloodstream. There are, however, several factors that can increase the likelihood of forming kidney stones. These include:
- Urinary infections
- Metabolic conditions
- Gout
- Surgery
- Bowel disease
- Lifestyle and diet
How a Urologist Will Treat Kidney Stones
Once a kidney stone is diagnosed, there are several ways a urologist can remove the stone. Small stones may be able to pass through the urinary tract without treatment, even though the process may be painful. Larger stones, however, can be assessed and broken down by a urologist. Typically, if a procedure is needed to break down the stones and safely remove them, this can all be completed within one day. Urologists will be able to walk you through this minor operation, and hopefully eliminate your pain quickly.
Kidney stone treatments include:
- Shockwave lithotripsy
- Uteroscopy
- Nephrolithotripsy
- Nephrolithomy
Worried About Kidney Stones? Book an Appointment with Dr. Marlon Perera Today
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, it is best to see a urologist as soon as possible. The faster you can get your kidney stones diagnosed, the faster you can get back to regular life. Dr. Marlon Perera is an experienced and highly regarded Melbourne urological surgeon who cares about helping patients eliminate their pain. To address your kidney stones or any other urology concerns, book an appointment at Perera Urology today.
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