Your kidneys eliminate fluid and waste from your blood through urine. At times, once you have excess waste and lack enough fluid within your blood, waste may accumulate inside your kidneys and bind together, resulting in kidney stones. In the United States, kidney stones are slowly becoming a common occurrence, affecting roughly 13% of men and 7% of women at some point in their lives. If you think you have a kidney stone, expert urological care is accessible to assist you in finding relief. Schedule a consultation with a competent Murray Hill kidney stones specialist, Dr. Rotman, today through mobile or book online.
What is a Kidney Stone?
A kidney stone is a hard, pebble-like plaque that develops in one or both kidneys. It has the potential to move down the urinary tract. The stones can range in size from a grain of sand to a pearl.
Seldomly, they may grow to be as large as golf balls. The surface of a kidney stone might be smooth, uneven, or jagged. The majority of them are brown or yellow in appearance and come in different forms, including:
o Calcium stones
o Struvite stones
o Cystine stones
o Uric acid stones
What Are the Common Causes and Risk Factors for Kidney Stones?
A kidney stone may affect everyone, but some people are more susceptible than others. The following are some of the risk factors of kidney stones:
o Family or individual history of kidney stones
o Not taking enough water
o Eating a high-protein, sugar, and/or sodium diet
o Obesity or overweight
o Have had a gastric bypass or any other intestinal surgery
o Have cystic or polycystic kidney disease
o Have a disorder that causes excessive levels of oxalate, cystine, calcium, or uric acid in your urine
o Have a digestive condition that causes irritation or swelling
o Take particular medications, like calcium antacids or diuretics
What Are the Symptoms of Kidney Stones?
If you have a minor kidney stone that effortlessly passes through your urinary tract, you may not experience any symptoms and never realize you have one. Nonetheless, if your kidney stone is bigger, you might experience the following symptoms:
o Discomfort while urinating
o Blood in the urine
o Vomiting and nausea
o Stabbing pain in your lower abdomen or back
o Odorous or cloudy urine
o Constant urination
o Chills and fevers
Immediately you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above; you should contact Dr. Michael Rotman.
What Are the Care Options for Kidney Stones?
The treatment you will receive from your doctor is dependent on the size of a kidney stone, its substance, and whether it is causing discomfort or blocking your urinary tract. To obtain an accurate diagnosis, your doctor may order a blood test, urine test, X-ray, CT scan, or even an ultrasound.
Dr. Rotman might suggest extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) or stent therapy, depending on your unique condition and symptoms.
Do you believe that you might have a kidney stone? Expert urologist Michael Rotman, MD, can help. If you reside in the New York region, call the office or request an appointment online today.