Kidney stones, also called renal calculus, form when the kidney fails to break down excess chemicals in the blood. The chemicals crystallize and form small stones. The stones pass through the urinary tract, sometimes unnoticed. Large stones may require medication or surgery.
The team at Urology Specialist of Georgia can answer your questions about kidney stones. Call us today at 478-745-6576 for relief.
These stones can occur in men and women at any age. However, stones occur most often in adults between the ages of 20 and 40.
Kidney Stone Symptoms
You may never realize you have a kidney stone due to its small size. Small kidney stones are more likely to pass through the urinary tract without pain. However, large kidney stones may produce pain. Other symptoms include urine infections, blood in the urine, or renal colic (severe pain in your lower back or sides).
Types of Kidney Stones
Kidney stones form due to various reasons such as dehydration, adverse effects of medication, unhealthy diet and lifestyle, urinary tract problems, and more. There are four major types of kidney stones:
- Calcium stones are the most common type of kidney stone. They are created when calcium in the urine combine with other chemicals to form crystals.
- Uric acid stones occur when there is an excess of uric acid in the urine. This acid can create stones without combining with other substances.
- Struvite stones are large stones that are created by the struvite mineral.
- Cystine stones form when there is too much amino acid in the urine. This is a rare type of kidney stone.
Kidney Stone Treatments
Small stones often pass through the urinary tract without pain. However, if you have a large kidney stone, you may need surgery or medication. The Urology Specialists of Georgia provide kidney stone treatment such as lithotripsy, stents, or ureteroscopy.
Our specialists will meet with you and decide which treatment is best for you. Don’t wait any longer to find relief from your kidney stones.