Kidney Stones
— McKinney, Texas —
More than half a million people end up in the emergency room each year due to kidney stones. They are very prevalent that it is estimated that they affect at least 1 in 11 people in the US.
What Are Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones are hard, crystalline objects that form inside your kidneys. They are made of mineral salts present in your urine. Stones may vary in size, with some as small as a pellet and others as large as a golf ball.
With that being said, even the tiniest stone can cause pain as it exits through your urinary tract. Large stones often get trapped inside the urinary tract. This can lead to immense pain and bleeding as urine tries to leave your body.
Stones are caused by various factors, including not drinking enough water, overeating salty foods, and obesity. Hereditary factors may also increase your risk of developing Kidney Stones.
What Types of Kidney Stones Are There?
There are four common types of stones.
- Calcium Oxalate: This is the most common type of stone. They form when oxalate combines with calcium and precipitates in the urine. Inadequate fluid and high salt intake may contribute to the formation of calcium oxalate stones.
- Cystine: Cystine stones are rare and typically caused by a defect in renal cysteine transport. They tend to have a genetic predisposition.
- Uric Acid: Foods such as shellfish and organ meats have a high concentration of purine, a natural chemical compound. If you overeat purine, your body produces high levels of monosodium urate, which crystallizes to form uric acid stones in your kidneys.
- Struvite: Infections in the upper urinary tract and the kidneys by certain bacteria may cause these stones.
What Are the Symptoms of Kidney Stones?
If you have kidney stones, you might experience one or more of the following symptoms:
- Blood in urine
- Fever and chills
- Pain on the sides of your lower back
- Cloudy urine that smells bad
- Stomachache that doesn’t go away
Can You Treat Kidney Stones Near Me?
Many people ask, "Can I get treated for kidney stones near me?" Well, of course, you can. If you live in McKinney, Texas, you can book an appointment with us. If your stones are small and within a certain size, we will advise you on how to deal with them. But, if they are too large, we might need to refer you to the hospital and or a Urologist for possible intervention
If left unchecked, stones can lead to chronic kidney disease (CKD).
What Is Chronic Kidney Disease?
Chronic kidney disease occurs when your kidneys are not working correctly. The disease is called chronic because it causes your kidney's functionality to deteriorate over time.
Studies have shown that recurrent kidney stones can increase your risk of developing chronic kidney disease.
How to Treat Chronic Kidney Disease
There is no cure for chronic kidney disease. With that said, there are certain precautions you can take to preserve your kidneys’ functionality and prevent worsening of your kidney function. They include:
- Keeping your blood pressure under control
- Watching your weight
- Watching what you eat
- Avoiding medications that might affect your kidneys
Kidney Stones Treatment in McKinney, TX
Our practice in McKinney, TX, specializes in kidney stones management. If you are already suffering from stones, we will develop a diagnostic and treatment plan to identify the underlying cause as well as decrease the risk of reoccurrence.
If you ask yourself, "Can I get treated for kidney stones near me?" the answer is a resounding yes! Contact us at Texas Advanced Renal Health and book an appointment today.
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