Kidney stones are a common problem, but many people don't know how to tell if they have one. In this blog post, we will discuss the symptoms of kidney stones and what to do if you think you might have one. We will also talk about how to prevent kidney stones from forming in the first place.
Signs
There are a few key symptoms to look out for if you think you might have a kidney stone. The most common symptom is pain in the lower back or abdomen. This pain can be severe and come in waves. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, blood in the urine, and fever. If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to see a doctor right away.
Prevention
Preventing kidney stones from forming in the first place is the best way to avoid this problem. Some lifestyle changes that can help prevent kidney stones include drinking plenty of fluids, eating a healthy diet, and avoiding high-sodium foods. If you are at risk for developing kidney stones, your doctor may also recommend taking medications to prevent them.
Risk Factors
There are several risk factors for kidney stones, including family history, dehydration, certain medical conditions, and certain medications. People who are most at risk for developing kidney stones are those who have a family history of the condition, are dehydrated, have had a previous kidney stone, or have certain medical conditions such as gout or Crohn's disease. If you are on any medications that can increase your risk for kidney stones, be sure to talk to your doctor about how to avoid this problem.
Diagnosis and treatment
Kidney stones can be diagnosed with an imaging test such as an ultrasound or CT scan. Once the stone is found, the next step is to figure out how to treat it. The most common treatment is to pass the stone naturally. This can be done by drinking plenty of fluids and taking pain medication. If the stone is too large to pass on its own, it may need to be removed surgically.
If you think you might have a kidney stone, don't wait to see a doctor. The sooner the stone is diagnosed and treated, the less pain and discomfort you will experience. With the right treatment, most people can pass a kidney stone without any major problems. If you have a history of kidney stones, your doctor may also recommend taking medication to prevent them from forming.
Lansing Institute of Health is a Division of Compass Health. The area’s leading physicians have come together for your health. Welcome to a new direction in health care.Physician leaders in the Lansing area have come together to form Compass Health—a multi-specialty medical group committed to preserving the physician/patient relationship in today’s health care landscape. At Compass Health, providing the care you need is the focus of everything we do. The physicians and staff of Compass Health provide leading-edge patient-centered care across a range of medical specialties.