Medications called alpha-blockers have been shown to increase the spontaneous passage of kidney stones, especially smaller stones that are in the lower ureter near the bladder. There is usually no permanent damage if kidney stones are recognized and treated in a timely fashion.ĭoctors Mehran Movassaghi, MD, Przemyslaw Twardowski, MD, Timothy Wilson, MD, and Jennifer Linehan, MD, are experts in urology and urologic conditions. Stones that are larger than 7 mm rarely pass without a surgical procedure. Those that are 5 to 7 mm (larger than a pencil erasure but smaller than a green pea) can be passed in 50 percent of cases. Kidney stones that are 4 mm and smaller (about the size of a popcorn kernel) can be expelled naturally from the body in about 90 percent of cases. Passing kidney stones can be quite painful. Other medications such as indinavir sulfates (Crixivan®), which is used to treat HIV infections, and Topiramate (Topamax®), used to treat seizures, are known to cause kidney stones/kidney damage in their reported use. Supplements can also present risk for kidney stones, such as taking calcium supplements beyond recommended levels. Some surgical procedures, including weight loss surgery or other stomach/intestine surgeries can present some riskĬertain medications including protease inhibitors, antibiotics, and diuretics, can increase the risk for kidney stones.Hypercalciuria, which is high calcium levels in the urine.Melanie Goldfarb performs ultrasound imaging to assess parathyroid disease-a condition that can lead to kidney stones. There are a variety of common health conditions that can increase risk because of how each can affect urine chemical composition, which causes stones to form.ĭr. Those most at risk may present with more than one risk factor. There are several risks for developing kidney stones include. Pain in the lower back or flank of body.What are the Signs and Symptoms of Kidney Stones? Other types of stones include oxalate, urate, xanthine, and phosphate. A cysteine stone would indicate a buildup of an amino acid in the urine called cystine (aminoaciduria). For example, a calcium stone (high calcium in the blood) may be the result of another underlying condition, such as with hyperparathyroidism. Your doctor can determine the composition of the stone with a blood test, which may indicate the need for other treatments or medical intervention. This can cause swelling of the kidney, resulting in pain and nausea. A stone in the kidney will not typically cause pain unless it is blocking the ureter, which causes pressure to back up into the kidney. A blockage of urine can cause an infection and kidney damage, creating potentially life-threatening complications. The size of the stone and where it is located, and whether it obstructs the passing of urine, is most important. Urolithiasis, for example, means stones appear in the urinary tract (ureter), while nephrolithiasis (nephro = kidney) refers to stones in the kidney. Though kidney stones can successfully be treated successfully, they can recur in the future.ĭepending on where the stone resides in the urinary tract, it will indicate the type of diagnosis. Though they start small, stones can grow over time to an inch in diameter or larger. When kidney stones occur, chemicals and minerals that are concentrated within urine crystallizes, forming a small stone. They not only remove waste but regulate our electrolytes. Our kidneys are the filters for our blood. About the Kidneys and Kidney Stones Kidney stones are formed in the kidney and can travel into the ureters. The physicians at Saint John’s Health Center can successfully treat kidney stones and other urologic conditions. Kidney stones are the formation of small, hardened pebbles in the kidney, which can affect any part of the urinary tract.
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