According to recent medical statistics, about one in ten Americans will develop a kidney stone. Kidney stones can happen at any age for women, men, and children. Kidney stone symptoms often include nausea, pain, fever, and vomiting. Fortunately, there is effective kidney stones treatment, so you don’t need to worry. If you suspect kidney stones in Coconut Creek, the team at Broward Specialty Group provides innovative and effective treatment of kidney stones. To learn more about the treatment, call or book an appointment online today.
What Exactly Are Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones refer to small masses in your kidneys. The condition typically develops when your urine becomes overly concentrated, resulting in tiny crystals of uric acid, oxalate, and calcium-binding together to form kidney stones. The kidney stone can be as small as a single grain of sand or even as large as a golf ball. Small kidney stones can typically leave your kidney as you urinate. However, the bigger stones may get stuck in the ureter, the tube that transports urine from your kidneys to your bladder.
What Are the Common Symptoms of Kidney Stones?
Small kidney stones may not cause any symptoms. However, more giant stones can often cause problems and symptoms. Some of the symptoms include;
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Fever
- Severe pain in your side or back
- More frequent urination
- Discomfort or pain when you urinate
- Hematuria
- Radiating pain that might reach your groin, belly, or genital area
- Difficulty in beginning urination
- More frequent urination
However, some of these symptoms might also happen in other conditions, including kidney cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and blood cancer. Therefore, if you are experiencing any of the symptoms, you should visit a physician for diagnosis and treatment.
What Should You Expect During Diagnosis of Kidney Stones?
When you go for your initial diagnosis, the team at Broward Specialty Group starts by performing a physical examination, reviewing your symptoms, and discussing your medical history. For diagnosis, you will be needed to undertake blood tests and urinalysis. The tests might also include ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scan, X-rays, and intravenous pyelogram. You might also require metabolic testing if a metabolic disorder is the alleged cause of kidney stones.
What Are the Available Kidney Stone Treatments?
There are several available treatment types for kidney stone treatment. Depending on your diagnosis, your provider may recommend monitoring your situation or providing effective treatment. The available treatments include;
- Ureteroscopy
The procedure involves the use of a long ultra-slim camera to monitor kidney stones. When the image is established, the stone is removed either using a tiny basket or broken up with laser lithotripsy before being eliminated. The treatment is non-invasive and uses local anesthesia.
- Medication
The doctor might recommend using medication together with other types of therapy to ease the pain.
- Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL)
The ESWL sound waves break your kidney stones into small pieces so you can eliminate them, usually through urination.
- Urethral stent
A urethral stent is a tiny tube inserted within your ureter to remove any blocking kidney stones. Most of the surgeries to remove kidney stones include a urethral stent that prevents healing and encourages healing.
- Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL)
In this process, dilators and wires access the stone, which is removed by a nephroscope.
Do not allow kidney stones to lower your quality of life. If you have any symptoms of kidney stones, call or schedule an appointment with Broward Specialty Group for effective and individualized treatments.
