At Core Medicine of Idaho, we frequently see patients experiencing the intense pain of kidney stones. These small but mighty formations affect approximately 1 in 10 people during their lifetime, and their prevalence appears to be increasing. Today, we're sharing essential information about kidney stones to help our Caldwell community better understand, prevent, and seek appropriate treatment for this common condition.
What Are Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones (renal calculi) are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. They develop when your urine contains more crystal-forming substances—such as calcium, oxalate, and uric acid—than the fluid in your urine can dilute. At the same time, your urine may lack substances that prevent crystals from sticking together, creating an ideal environment for kidney stones to form.
These stones can vary in size from as small as a grain of sand to as large as a golf ball. Some stones stay in the kidney, while others travel through the urinary tract, potentially causing severe pain and complications.
Types of Kidney Stones
There are several types of kidney stones, each formed by different substances:
- Calcium stones: The most common type, usually in the form of calcium oxalate. Dietary factors, high doses of vitamin D, intestinal bypass surgery, and several metabolic disorders can increase the concentration of calcium or oxalate in urine.
- Struvite stones: Often associated with urinary tract infections, these stones can grow quickly and become quite large.
- Uric acid stones: More common in men than women, these stones form in people who don't drink enough fluids, have a high-protein diet, or have gout.
- Cystine stones: These rare stones form in people with a hereditary disorder called cystinuria.
Risk Factors for Kidney Stones
Several factors can increase your risk of developing kidney stones:
- Family history: If someone in your family has had kidney stones, you're more likely to develop them.
- Dehydration: Not drinking enough water, especially in Idaho's hot summer months, reduces the volume of urine that passes through your kidneys.
- Dietary choices: Diets high in sodium, sugar, and animal protein can increase risk.
- Obesity: High body mass index, large waist size, and weight gain have been linked to increased risk.
- Medical conditions: Certain conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, chronic diarrhea, and recurrent urinary tract infections can affect absorption of water and various minerals.
- Medications: Some medications such as certain diuretics, calcium-based antacids, and some medications used to treat migraines or depression can increase your risk.
Recognizing Kidney Stone Symptoms
Kidney stones often don't cause symptoms until they move into the ureter—the tube connecting the kidney and bladder. At that point, you may experience:
- Severe pain in the side and back, below the ribs
- Pain that radiates to the lower abdomen and groin
- Pain that comes in waves and fluctuates in intensity
- Pink, red, or brown urine due to blood
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
- Nausea and vomiting
- Persistent need to urinate
- Urinating more often than usual
- Fever and chills if an infection is present
- Urinating small amounts of urine
It's important to note that pain caused by kidney stones is often described as one of the most severe pains one can experience. If you're experiencing these symptoms, especially severe pain, seek medical attention promptly.
When to Visit Core Medicine of Idaho
You should schedule an appointment at our Caldwell clinic if you experience:
- Pain so severe that you can't sit still or find a comfortable position
- Pain accompanied by nausea and vomiting
- Pain with fever and chills
- Blood in your urine
- Difficulty passing urine
Our urgent care facility is equipped to handle kidney stone emergencies, and our experienced healthcare providers can quickly assess your condition and recommend appropriate treatment.
Diagnosis of Kidney Stones
At Core Medicine of Idaho, we use several methods to diagnose kidney stones:
- Urine tests to check for infections and examine the levels of stone-forming minerals
- Blood tests to assess kidney function and look for abnormally high levels of certain minerals
- Imaging tests such as CT scans, X-rays, or ultrasounds to visualize stones in your urinary tract
- Stone analysis if you pass a stone, collecting and analyzing it can help determine its type and guide prevention strategies
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the size, type, and location of the kidney stone, as well as the severity of symptoms:
Small Stones with Minimal Symptoms
For smaller stones (less than 5mm), we typically recommend:
- Drinking water: Aim for 2-3 quarts (about 2-3 liters) of water daily to help flush the urinary system.
- Pain relievers: Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or prescribed medications for more severe pain.
- Medical expulsive therapy: Certain medications can help relax the muscles in your ureter, helping you pass the stone more quickly and with less pain.
Larger Stones and Severe Symptoms
For larger stones or those causing significant problems, more intensive treatments may be necessary:
- Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL): Uses sound waves to break stones into smaller pieces that can pass more easily.
- Ureteroscopy: A thin tube with a camera is passed through the urethra and bladder to the ureter, where small tools can grab or break up the stone.
- Percutaneous nephrolithotomy: For very large stones, this surgical procedure removes stones directly from the kidney through a small incision in your back.
Preventing Kidney Stones
If you've had kidney stones, there's about a 50% chance of developing another within 5-10 years without preventive measures. Our team at Core Medicine of Idaho can help you develop a personalized prevention plan, which may include:
Dietary Changes
- Stay hydrated: Aim for at least 2-3 quarts of water daily—more during hot weather or physical activity.
- Reduce sodium: Limit processed foods and don't add salt to meals.
- Limit animal protein: Reduce consumption of meat, eggs, and seafood if you have certain types of stones.
- Get enough calcium: Despite common misconceptions, adequate calcium from food (not supplements) can actually help prevent stones in many people.
- Limit oxalate-rich foods: For those with calcium oxalate stones, moderating intake of foods like spinach, rhubarb, chocolate, and nuts may help.
- Add citrus: Lemons and limes contain citrate, which helps prevent stone formation.
Medications
Depending on your stone type, medications might be prescribed to:
- Control levels of acid or alkaline in your urine
- Reduce the amount of certain minerals in your urine
- Help prevent specific types of stones from forming
Idaho's Climate and Kidney Stones
Living in Caldwell, Idaho, our patients should be especially vigilant about kidney stone prevention during summer months. Idaho's dry climate and hot summers can lead to increased dehydration, creating perfect conditions for kidney stone formation. We typically see a rise in kidney stone cases during July and August, when temperatures are at their highest.
Our Approach at Core Medicine of Idaho
At Core Medicine of Idaho, we take a comprehensive approach to kidney stone management. Our family medicine providers focus not just on treating current stones but also on identifying underlying causes and developing personalized prevention strategies.
For patients with recurrent stones, we offer detailed metabolic evaluations to understand why stones are forming and tailor prevention plans accordingly. Our urgent care facility is also equipped to handle acute kidney stone episodes, providing prompt pain relief and assessment.
Take Action for Your Kidney Health
If you suspect you have kidney stones or have a history of stones and want to prevent recurrence, schedule an appointment with us. Our experienced healthcare team in Caldwell is committed to providing compassionate, effective care for all your urological concerns.
Remember, while kidney stones can be extremely painful, most stones will pass without causing permanent damage. With proper care, dietary changes, and preventive measures, you can significantly reduce your risk of experiencing them again.