Kidney stones are deposits that form in the kidney as the result of crystallization of minerals such as calcium, uric acid and oxalate.  Over time the mineral deposit will enlarge and may break loose.  As the stone travels through the urinary system it may get caught causing extreme pain that requires urgent care.

Facts about kidney stone disease:

• 1 in 10 people will develop a kidney stone in their lifetime.
• Prevalence is predominantly Caucasian males ages 20 – 65.
• High fat, high protein diets promote stone formation. (Adkins diet)
• Kidney stones are responsible for over 600,000 emergency room visits a year.
• If you have a stone, there is a 13% chance of a second stone in 1 year, 50 % chance in 5 years and 65% chance in 10 years.
• Untreated stones may result in loss of kidney function.
• Kidney stones can be prevented

Symptoms and signs:

• Flank pain (mid back to the side)
• Extreme nausea and vomiting causing dehydration
• Blood in urine
• Painful and frequent urination
• Urinary tract infection

Evaluation and Management:

• Seek medical attention if these symptoms occur.
• Testing should include:
  
  • Urologic evaluation
  • Urinalysis
  • Urine culture
  • Ultrasound or CT scan
• Treatment:
  • Pain control and hydration
  • Close follow up to assure stone passes successfully
  • Surgical intervention if:
    • Stone fails to pass Kidney function is in danger
    • Urinary infection causes fever, chills and sepsis.
    • Symptoms such as pain, nausea and vomiting are not controlled.

Prevention

Simple measures such as drinking more fluids and reducing salt in the diet may reduce the chance of new stone formation by 50%.  Lemonade not only hydrates but it adds citrate to the urine which helps keep calcium in solution.   People at high risk for recurrent kidney stone formation should have a complete metabolic evaluation, which would include blood chemistry, urine chemistry and stone analysis.

High-risk patients are:

• More than one stone at time of diagnosis
• Family history of stones
• Multiple kidney stone episodes.

Targeted therapy for specific metabolic or dietary causes of stones can reduce the risk of recurrent kidney stones by over 90%.

Control of the formation of kidney stones is the ultimate goal that will keep working age men and women confident and secure.  The average loss of personal income for each stone event is over $3,000.  It just makes good sense to have a complete metabolic evaluation.  See your urologist.