The kidney is really a filter for your blood. This not only removes wastes products but regulates electrolytes and of course makes urine. In the kidney, ureter and bladder chemicals within the urine can crystallize forming a stone if the urine is too concentrated. These stones are very tiny when they form but grow over time to an inch or larger.
Urolithiasis means stones in the urinary tract, while nephrolithiasis (nephro = kidney) refers to kidney stones and ureterolithiasis refers to stones within the ureter. The size of the stone and where it is located and whether it obstructs urine is most important. A stone in the kidney will not typically cause pain in the ureter unless it is blocking and causes a pressure back up into the kidney. The kidney will then swell, causing pain and nausea.
Types
Types of Kidney Stones
The stone-forming substances are:
Calcium
Oxalate
Urate
Cysteine
Xanthine
Phosphate
Signs & Symptoms
Signs and Symptoms of Kidney Stones
Pain in the lower back or flank of body
Nausea and/or vomiting
Blood in the urine
Pain when urinating
Unable to urinate
Feeling the need to urinate more often
Risk Factors
Risk Factors for Kidney Stones
Risks for developing kidney stones include:
Dehydration
Recurrent urinary tract infections
Blockage of urine in the urinary tract
Family history of kidney stones
Health conditions that affect the levels of the substances in the urine that can cause stones to form:
Hypercalciuria, which is high calcium levels in the urine
High blood pressure
Diabetes
Obesity
Osteoporosis
Gout
Kidney cysts
Cystic fibrosis
Parathyroid disease
Inflammatory bowel disease
Chronic diarrhea
Some surgical procedures, including weight loss surgery or other stomach/intestine surgeries
Medications:
Crixivan ® (used to treat HIV infections)
Topamax ® and Dilantin ® (used to treat seizures)
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of Kidney Stones
Diagnosis starts with a physical exam and review of your medical history.
Other tests include:
Blood test
Urine test
Imaging tests: kidney ultrasound, X-rays, and gold standing the CT scan
When to See a Provider
Submit an online appointment request or call 310-582-7137 if you have any signs and symptoms that worry you.
We are a team of surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, interventional radiologists, pathologists, translational research scientists, and multidisciplinary cancer support specialists that work together to develop the most effective plan for each patient. We have extensive urologic knowledge, expertise and writing experience.
