Kidney Stones

What Are Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones, also known as renal stones, are hard deposits of minerals and salts that form inside the kidneys. They can vary in size, from as small as a grain of sand to large ones that occupy part of the kidney or urinary tract.

Main Symptoms of Kidney Stones

The most common symptoms include:

• Severe pain in the lower back or side
• Pain that radiates toward the groin
• Blood in the urine (see causes of urinary bleeding)
• Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
• Frequent urge to urinate or burning sensation
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever if an infection is present

If you have fever and severe pain, you should seek medical attention immediately.

Why Do Kidney Stones Form?

They can develop due to several factors:

• Low water intake
• Diet high in salt, animal protein, or sugar
• Family history of kidney stones
• Metabolic diseases such as gout
• Recurrent urinary tract infections (see urinary tract infection treatment)

During the consultation, we analyze your case to understand why they formed and how to prevent them from coming back.

How Do I Diagnose Kidney Stones?

During the consultation, I will perform a physical exam and, depending on your symptoms, may order:

• General urine test
• Blood tests to evaluate kidney function
• Kidney and bladder ultrasound
• CT scan in necessary cases

This allows us to determine the size, location, and number of stones to decide on the best treatment.

Treatment for Kidney Stones

Treatment depends on the size and symptoms:

• Small stones: may pass on their own by drinking plenty of water and using pain medication.
• Medium stones: we can use medications that help make them easier to pass.
• Large or complicated stones: require procedures such as lithotripsy (breaking them with shock waves) or urological surgery to remove them.

In my consultation, I will explain each option in detail so you can make the best decision.

Prevention of Kidney Stones

To prevent them from forming again, I recommend:

• Drink at least 2 liters of water a day
• Reduce your intake of salt and red meat
• Avoid sugary drinks and sodas
• Stay physically active

In addition, if necessary, we can perform a metabolic study to analyze the type of stone and adjust your diet accordingly.