Kidney stones are one of the most common — and most uncomfortable — urologic disorders that affect about five percent of the American population at some point in their lives. Kidney stones are more common in our geographic area than in other parts of the U.S. A stone begins as a tiny grain of material in the kidney. While many tiny stones will pass out of the body virtually unnoticed, others may grow to a larger size that causes them to become lodged in the ureter, possibly blocking the flow of urine and causing severe pain. Depending on many factors, some kidney stones may eventually pass on their own, while others require treatment.

Symptoms of an enlarged kidney stone can include:

• Pain — usually extreme — in the back, side or lower abdomen
• Cramping in the back, kidney area or groin
• Blood in the urine, nausea and/or vomiting
• Smaller stones may just cause a dull ache
• Burning sensation before or during during urination

An x-ray can help determine if stones are present. Blood and urine tests also help detect substances that might contribute to kidney stones.

Depending on the size and location, kidney stones are treated with a variety of options: increased water intake to help flush the stone out, analgesics to help with pain; extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (shockwaves to break up the stone); and surgical removal in some cases, mostly endoscopic.

Kidney stones can be prevented through diet and sometimes medication. At Cleveland Urologic Surgery, PA, we provide state of the art diagnosis, treatments, and prevention of kidney stones.

For more information on kidney stones click here.