People often report that passing kidney stones is one of the most painful experiences in life. That often begs the question, where do kidney stones come from? And why do they form in the first place? When do you get kidney stones? We have the answers.
Usually, kidney stones form from some of the waste products that are typically filtered out of your kidney. The signs and symptoms of kidney stones are evident, and it’s important to make an appointment with your nephrologist Los Angeles specialist at the first sign of pain or discomfort.
When Do You Get Kidney Stones?
Since the kidneys are the filtration process of the body, they deal with a lot of waste. Sometimes, some of this waste stays behind in the blood and crystalizes. This turns into a stone inside the kidneys. The longer the crystalization builds up, the more the stones will harden and cause pain.
Patients who are at risk of kidney stones are typically:
- On medication that changes the properties of the urine
- Not drinking enough water or fluids throughout the day
- Diagnosed with a prior medical condition that changes the urine
Unfortunately, the only thing that can be done with most kidney stones is to wait for them to pass. This is typically a painful process and may require a visit to your kidney specialist for further treatment.
Symptoms of Kidney Stones
If you have never dealt with kidney stones before, you may be unaware of the sudden arrival of serious symptoms. It is important to know what bodily signs and behaviors to look out for.
Some kidney stones are small enough to be passed without much detection. However, larger ones may be met with some resistance. If you feel sharp or pressing pain in your abdomen that comes and goes, you may be dealing with kidney stones. The pain may also be so severe that it makes you feel sick or even vomit. This is a sure-fire sign that you have large kidney stones, and it is important to schedule an appointment with your specialist as quickly as you can.
How Large Kidney Stones are Treated
If your kidney stones are large and causing severe pain, it is possible that they need to be broken up or surgically removed instead of passed through your urine. The longer you wait, the more serious your condition can become, leaving you with symptoms of unbearable pain.
Once kidney stones are removed or passed, it is likely that the patient will experience them again within the next five years unless they take measures to improve their overall state of health.
Kidney Stone Prevention
You can prevent the likelihood of developing kidney stones by working on prevention measures through lifestyle changes and habits. The first and foremost thing you need to do is drink more water. Hydration is the key to cleansing your body and urine, preventing a buildup of toxic waste.
Pale-colored urine is a good sign; that means it is free of toxins. Some of the biggest contributors to those toxins include sugary foods and lots of salt. By reducing these ingredients in your meals, you are helping prevent your kidney from getting overloaded with waste.
Visit Your Kidney Specialist ASAP
Kidney stones are not fun to deal with. While you may be lucky enough to have a small kidney stone, most kidney stones can cause symptoms of pain and sickness. If you are in pain due to a kidney stone, it is important for you to seek urgent care. You can reach out to our Dialysis Beverly Hills specialists at the office of Dr. Victor Gura to find out more about treating and preventing kidney stones.
Get in touch with our office today and schedule your appointment before your symptoms get worse.