Urinary issues are the worst, and kidney stones can be included in this conversation. They’re a fairly common issue, too, as around 10% of Americans will deal with one at least once in their lives. Furthermore, if you get a kidney stone, you’re 50% more likely to get another one in the next five years if you choose not to make any changes to your lifestyle.

Even though kidney stones are rough to experience, they can be treated. Keep reading to learn more from our AFC Urgent Care Powdersville team!

What Is a Kidney Stone?

A kidney stone is a solid mass or crystal that commonly forms in the ureter and can range in size from a grain of rice to a golf ball. They’re made up of urine chemicals that haven’t been filtered out and have fused together.

The substances that combine to form stones should ordinarily travel through your urinary system, but when they don’t, it’s because there isn’t enough urine volume, causing substances like calcium and uric acid to crystalize. The most frequent kidney stone symptoms are mentioned below.

Common Kidney Stone Symptoms

• Severe pain on either side of your lower back
• More vague pain or stomach ache that doesn’t go away
• Blood in the urine
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fever and chills
• Urine that smells bad or looks cloudy

What Is the Most Effective Way to Remove a Kidney Stone?

It really depends on the size of the stone. If your kidney stone is relatively small, you will probably be able to pass it through your urinary system without any medical care. However, if a kidney stone is substantial in size, medical attention is usually required.

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is one of the most often-used medical techniques for removing kidney stones. Shock waves are used by ESWL to break up the stones into small bits that can be passed in your urine. However, as previously said, this is only essential when a kidney stone is large.

Common Kidney Stone Treatments

• Drinking water. Most kidney stones are small and will eventually pass through your urinary system, so drinking lots of water is the best way to flush them out sooner than later. Drinking fluids will dilute urine and give you the best chance at passing a kidney stone in a timely manner.
• Pain relievers. Passing kidney stones doesn’t feel good. To relieve pain, OTC pain relievers or anti-inflammatories can be helpful.
• Medical therapy. In some cases, your doctor may give you a medication called an alpha blocker to help pass your kidney stone. This type of medication relaxes the muscles in your ureter, which will help you pass the kidney stone more quickly and with less pain.

When you’re feeling less than your best, our AFC team is here to help! Visit us today.