Kidney Stones

Our Approach

Kidney stones are tiny, hard mineral deposits that form in a person's kidneys. The stones develop when chemicals in the urine become too concentrated and make solid crystals. Stones usually begin small, but they may grow and get stuck in the urinary tract. This type of blockage can cause pain or an infection.

If you think you may have kidney stones, it's time to get an evaluation. The nephrologists, or kidney specialists, at Franciscan Health have extensive experience diagnosing and treating kidney stones and other kidney disorders.

Kidney stone treatment

Most people can pass kidney stones in their urine. Drinking up to three quarts of water a day can help flush out your urinary system. Also, taking pain-relieving medications can help pass the stone naturally, with less pain.

If you can't pass the stone on your own, your doctor may recommend medical treatments to remove or crush the stones. A procedure called shock wave lithotripsy can break apart the stone, making it easier to pass through the urinary tract.

Kidney stone diagnosis

If your doctor thinks you have kidney stones, he or she may order an X-ray or ultrasound. A blood test can detect too much uric acid, and a urine test over 24 hours can show if there are stone-related minerals in your urine.

Kidney stone causes

Although there is no single cause of kidney stones, the following factors can increase a person's risk for kidney stones:

• Diet high in protein, sodium and sugar
• Digestive diseases
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Obesity
• Personal or family history of the condition

Kidney stone symptoms

Kidney stones may not cause symptoms unless they move to a more sensitive spot such as the ureter, which is the tube between the kidney and bladder. If a kidney stone grows too large, it can block the flow of urine. Passing a kidney stone can be extremely painful, but this usually has no lasting effect.

Kidney stone symptoms can include:

• Blood in the urine
• Discolored, cloudy or pungent-smelling urine
• Fever and chills
• Frequent need to urinate
• Intense pain in the back and side
• Nausea and vomiting
• Pain that spreads to the lower abdomen and groin
• Painful urination
• Passing small amounts of urine