To start with, it’s important to understand what your kidney’s jobs are. Kidneys are vital to your health and well-being, filtering out waste, extra water, and minerals from your bloodstream. The filtered waste your body doesn’t need is turned into urine which passes through two thin tubes (ureters) into your bladder which you’ll later discard when using the restroom.
WHAT CAUSES KIDNEY STONES
Individuals with kidney issues may not properly filter minerals, which causes renal calculi (kidney stones) to form in a variety of shapes and sizes. This occurs due to minerals such as calcium and oxalate oversaturating your urine and creating crystallization in your urine.
Kidney stones can occur due to a wide range of circumstances. Different types of kidney stones include calcium stones, uric acid stones, struvite stones, and cystine stones. While the most common is caused by an abundance of calcium oxalate left in your urine, others can occur due to having high levels of uric acid, a urinary tract infection, or a genetic build-up of amino acid cystine.
While some kidney stone disorders can be genetic, others can be caused by poor diet and exercise, dehydration, and other medications that affect your kidney’s filtration. Staying hydrated and reducing your salt intake can help you reduce the likelihood of a kidney stone.
While not all kidney stones are painful or even noticeable; if you’re experiencing pain, nausea, or notice blood in your urine you should contact your physician. Together, we’ll determine the best course of action to reduce your pain and help you prevent possible future issues.
MIDWEST NEPHROLOGY IS HERE TO HELP
At Midwest Nephrology, our dedicated team of providers and certified staff are ready to assist you in diagnosing and treating your kidney concerns. Contact Midwest Nephrology if you have any questions or are looking for a consultation today.