Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are hard masses of mineral deposits formed in the kidney(s). They can be as small as a

tiny pebble or an inch or more across. They are more common in men.

Signs & Symptoms

Some kidney stones cause no symptoms. Small ones can be passed, without pain, when you urinate. When symptoms occur, they include:

1. •Crampy pain that comes and goes. The pain starts in the lower back, travels down the side of the abdomen, and into the groin area. The pain can be severe.
   

2. •Problems passing urine. You may need to pass urine often. You may pass only small amounts of urine. You may only be able to pass urine in certain positions.
   

3. •Bloody, cloudy, or dark-colored urine.
   

4. •Nausea and vomiting. Fever and chills.

Causes

1. •Too much calcium in the urine or in the blood.
   

2. •High levels of uric acid in the blood. (See Gout.)
   

3. •A diet high in oxalic acid. This is in spinach, leafy vegetables, rhubarb, and coffee.
   

4. •Repeated urinary tract infections.
   

5. •Mild dehydration that persists.
   

6. •Family history of kidney stones.
   

7. •Living in certain parts of the U.S. Areas of the southeast have the highest rates. In some cases, the cause is not known.
   

Treatment

Treatment includes drinking plenty of fluids and taking medicines to reduce stone-forming substances in the blood and urine. Lithotripsy may be done. With this, shock waves break the stone into fragments.

Do you have these problems?

1. •Severe pain in your back or side that does not go away.
   

2. •Chills and fever.

Do you have any signs and symptoms of kidney stones listed above?

Self-Care / Prevention

1. •Drink lots of fluids. Drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water a day.
   

2. •Eat a well-balanced diet. Vary food choices.
   

3. •Save any stone you pass so your doctor can have it tested. If you’ve had a kidney stone, you’re prone to getting more. Follow your doctor’s advice for diet and prescribed medicines.
   

Questions to Ask

1. Digestive & Urinary Problems