As you probably know, your kidneys are responsible for filtering out wastes and excess water from your blood. This creates urine which is then sent to the bladder. Sometimes, however, wastes begin to build up and form hard mineral deposits.
These are called kidney stones.
No one wants kidney stones. Unfortunately, they’re fairly common. Kidney stones currently affect around 1 in 11 people, and they’re one of the most common diagnoses people receive in the emergency room.
The good news is there are actions you can take to greatly reduce your chances of ever developing kidney stones. Eating healthy, watching your sodium intake, and drinking plenty of water is a great start. Foods that can increase your chances of developing kidney stones are beets, chocolate, spinach, nuts, cola drinks, and meat.
That doesn’t mean you can’t have any of those things. You simply need to moderate how much you consume.
Warning Signs of Kidney Stones
Even under a healthy dietary regimen, kidney stones could form. Sometimes, they appear suddenly with little to no warning. Other times, they’re proceeded by certain symptoms. It’s best to catch kidney stones sooner rather than later. This way, they can often be broken up using shockwaves.
Once they get too big and/or too close to your bladder, they’ll likely have to be surgically removed, or you will let to have them pass. Though it’s rare that kidney stones cause any serious or permanent damage, they can cause significant discomfort and pain.
Common early warnings for kidney stones include:
- Back and/or side pain below the ribs
- Pain during urination
- Pink, red, or brown urine
- Cloudy, pungent urine
- Unexplainable nausea and vomiting
- Constant urination
- Troubles with urine flow
Pain stemming from kidney stones isn’t always constant and may come in waves as they move from your body.
What to Do If You Think You Have Kidney Stones
If you think you have any of the symptoms listed above, it’s important to see a doctor right away. As we said before, it’s best to catch kidney stones sooner rather than later. Additionally, these same symptoms could be related to number of other urinary or kidney conditions.
A urologist will be able to properly diagnose your situation and provide a number of treatment options. If you’re in need of a urologist in the Dayton area, Urology Specialists of Ohio is here for you. Contact us today and find the relief you’re looking for.