Kidney Stones / Renal Calculi / Nephrolithiasis
Kidney Stone Care in La Mesa, CA
Evaluation and treatment planning for kidney stones, renal calculi, nephrolithiasis, severe flank pain, blood in the urine, painful urination, nausea, vomiting, urinary obstruction, stone prevention, shock wave lithotripsy, ureteroscopy, and surgical stone removal.
A kidney stone, also known as renal calculi or nephrolithiasis, is a hardened mass of mineral and acid salts that separates from the urine and travels through the urinary tract. The urine normally dilutes and dissolves these substances, but when the composition of urine is unbalanced, crystallized stones can form. Kidney stones are a common but painful urinary tract disorder and men are more likely than women to experience them. Kidney stones can cause severe pain, however they usually do not cause any permanent damage to the urinary tract or body.
Kidney stone evaluation near San Diego.
Alvarado La Mesa Urology provides kidney stone evaluation and treatment planning for patients in La Mesa and surrounding San Diego communities.
Causes of Kidney Stones
Kidney stones can form when substances in the urine such as calcium, oxalate, and phosphorus, become highly concentrated. While the exact cause of kidney stones is not always known, certain people may have an increased risk of kidney stones. This may include those with:
- Family history of kidney stones
- Gout
- Chronic diarrhea
- Crohn's disease
- Obesity
- A high level of calcium in the urine
People who do not drink enough fluids may have a higher risk for developing kidney stones, as their urine is more concentrated. Certain medications may also increase the risk of kidney stones.
Stones can form when calcium, oxalate, phosphorus, and other substances become highly concentrated in the urine.
Family history, gout, chronic diarrhea, Crohn's disease, obesity, and high urine calcium may increase risk.
Not drinking enough fluids and certain medications may make stone formation more likely.
Symptoms of Kidney Stones
Most kidney stones cause terrible pain as they move through the urinary tract and into the ureter. Common symptoms include:
- Severe pain in the lower side and back
- Pain radiating to the abdomen and groin
- Bloody or cloudy urine
- Frequent and painful urination
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
Pain caused by a kidney stone may increase in intensity as the stone moves through the urinary tract.
Pain may start in the lower side or back and radiate toward the abdomen or groin.
Bloody or cloudy urine, frequent urination, and painful urination may occur.
Nausea, vomiting, or fever may occur and may require prompt medical attention.
Seek urgent medical care for fever, chills, vomiting that prevents fluids, severe uncontrolled pain, inability to urinate, or symptoms of infection with a possible stone.
Diagnosis of Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are diagnosed through a physical examination and a review of symptoms. Diagnostic tests may include:
- Blood tests
- Urine tests
- Intravenous pyelogram (IVP)
- CT scan
Kidney stones can often be identified on X-rays, sometimes before they cause any symptoms. The X-rays can show the location of stones in the kidney or urinary tract.
Blood and urine testing may help evaluate minerals, infection signs, kidney function, or other stone-related findings.
Imaging may help identify the stone location, size, and whether there is blockage.
Some stones can be seen on X-rays, which may show stone location in the kidney or urinary tract.
Treatment of Kidney Stones
Treatment is not usually necessary for small kidney stones as most stones typically pass on their own after drinking plenty of water. Pain medication may be prescribed to relieve symptoms.
Larger stones that cannot pass on their own or that block the urinary tract, may require more aggressive treatment methods to locate the stone and break it up into tiny pieces so it can pass through the urine. This may be performed through a procedure known as a shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) or a ureteroscopy. In severe cases, more-invasive surgery may be necessary to remove very large stones.
Small stones may pass on their own with hydration and symptom management when appropriate.
Shock wave lithotripsy may break stones into tiny pieces so they can pass through the urine.
Ureteroscopy or more-invasive surgery may be needed for larger stones, blocked stones, or very large stones.
Treatment Planning Factors
Treatment selection depends on stone size, stone location, pain severity, infection risk, kidney function, obstruction, prior stone history, imaging findings, and whether the stone is likely to pass on its own.
Prevention of Kidney Stones
While all kidney stones cannot be avoided, certain lifestyle changes may help reduce the risk of developing kidney stones. These may include:
- Drinking plenty of fluids
- Reducing fat intake
- Eating a low-salt diet
Medication may be prescribed to help control the amount of minerals and acid in the urine of people who may be prone to developing kidney stones. People who have had previous kidney stones are more likely to have a recurrence, but implementing these changes may help to reduce future risk.
Drinking plenty of fluids may help dilute urine and reduce stone-forming concentration.
Reducing fat intake and eating a low-salt diet may help lower risk for some patients.
Medication may help control minerals and acid in the urine for patients prone to stones.
Prevention should be personalized. Your urologist may consider stone type, urine test results, diet, fluid intake, medical history, medications, and prior stone recurrence.
Common questions about kidney stones.
These answers are general educational information and are not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment. A urologist can evaluate stone symptoms, imaging findings, treatment options, and prevention planning.
What is a kidney stone?
A kidney stone, also known as renal calculi or nephrolithiasis, is a hardened mass of mineral and acid salts that separates from the urine and travels through the urinary tract.
Why do kidney stones form?
Kidney stones can form when substances in the urine such as calcium, oxalate, and phosphorus become highly concentrated and crystallize.
Who has a higher risk of kidney stones?
Risk may be higher for people with a family history of stones, gout, chronic diarrhea, Crohn's disease, obesity, high calcium in the urine, low fluid intake, or certain medication use.
What symptoms can kidney stones cause?
Symptoms may include severe pain in the lower side and back, pain radiating to the abdomen and groin, bloody or cloudy urine, frequent and painful urination, nausea, vomiting, and fever.
Can kidney stone pain get worse as the stone moves?
Yes. Pain caused by a kidney stone may increase in intensity as the stone moves through the urinary tract.
How are kidney stones diagnosed?
Kidney stones may be diagnosed through physical examination, symptom review, blood tests, urine tests, intravenous pyelogram, CT scan, or X-ray imaging.
Do small kidney stones always need treatment?
Treatment is not usually necessary for small kidney stones, as many pass on their own after drinking plenty of water. Pain medication may be prescribed to relieve symptoms when appropriate.
What procedures are used for larger kidney stones?
Larger stones that cannot pass on their own or that block the urinary tract may require shock wave lithotripsy, ureteroscopy, or more-invasive surgery for very large stones.
Can kidney stones come back?
Yes. People who have had previous kidney stones are more likely to have a recurrence. Hydration, diet changes, and sometimes medication may help reduce future risk.
Where can I get kidney stone care near San Diego?
Alvarado La Mesa Urology provides kidney stone evaluation and treatment planning in La Mesa, CA, serving patients from San Diego, El Cajon, Spring Valley, Lemon Grove, and nearby communities.
Credible educational references.
The educational information on this page is supported by reputable urology and kidney health organizations. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
Schedule a kidney stone consultation in La Mesa.
If severe side or back pain, blood in the urine, painful urination, nausea, vomiting, fever, or a known kidney stone is affecting your daily life, Alvarado La Mesa Urology can evaluate your symptoms and discuss treatment options.