Kidney stones and ureteral stones are both a type of stone disease. Stone diseases are one of the most common conditions treated by a urologist. It has been found that more than 1 million cases are treated each year in America. Experts say that up to 10% of Americans will deal with kidney or ureteral stones in their lifetime.
As urologists in Dayton, Ohio we are extremely familiar with diagnosing and treating stones. Most commonly we see the kidney and ureteral stones.
What Kidney and Ureteral Stones Have in Common
Both Kidney and Ureteral stones are formed from dissolved substances in the urine. The two most common types of stones are calcium stones and uric acid stones.
Calcium stones- Stones made of calcium compounds, including calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate. High levels of calcium and oxalate in the body increase the risk of developing calcium stones. There are some medical conditions that can lead to high levels of calcium, including hyperparathyroidism.
Uric acid stones- Uric acid is a waste product that is normally passed out of the body in the urine. Some people have a buildup of uric acid, which can lead to uric acid kidney stones. There are some factors that can increase the risk for this type of kidney stone, including:
- Low urine output
- Health conditions like gout and Crohn’s disease
- Increased alcohol intake
- A diet high in animal protein, such as meat, eggs, and fish
The Difference Between Kidney and Ureteral Stones
The only difference between these two types of stones is the location.
Kidney stones are a buildup of substances in the urine. The substances that make up the stones vary between types of stones, and can even vary within the same type.
Most ureteral stones are kidney stones that have moved out of the kidney into the ureter. The makeup and the type of stone don’t change, only the location changes. In general, stones in the kidney don’t cause symptoms, but when the stones start to move into the ureter and obstruct the flow of urine, symptoms begin.
Stone Treatment by a Urologist
Most kidney stones can be passed without medical intervention by drinking lots of water and taking medication to help you manage the pain. However, some people will require treatment to remove their stones. If you are unable to pass kidney stones on your own, you may need to have surgery or a procedure to dissolve the stones
If you believe you are experiencing kidney or ureteral stone pain, don’t hesitate to contact a urologist in Dayton, Ohio to help manage the pain and ensure you pass the stone safely.