Urinary Stone Disease
Urinary stone disease, commonly known as kidney stones, is a condition where hard deposits form in the urinary tract. These deposits can vary in size and can be made up of different minerals and salts found in urine.
Symptoms
Symptoms of urinary stone disease can vary depending on the size and location of the stones. Some people may experience:
- Severe pain in the back, side, or lower abdomen
- Blood in the urine
- Frequent urination
- Urgency to urinate
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
When to Contact Us
You should seek treatment if you have any of the above symptoms.
Treatment
Treatment for urinary stone disease depends on the size and location of the stones. Small stones may pass on their own through urine with the help of pain medications and increased fluid intake. In cases where the stones are larger or causing severe symptoms, medical intervention may be necessary.
Augusta Urology Associates offers comprehensive surgical and medical management of urinary stone disease. Treatment is based on stone size, position, and chemical composition. Some stones can be treated with ultrasonic soundwaves delivered from outside the body (extracorporal shockwave lithotripsy or ESWL), while others may need endoscopic laser fragmentation (ureteroscopy) or percutaneous fragmentation and removal (percutaneous nephrolithotomy).
Risk Factors
Risk factors for urinary stones include people with nerve damage, such as from a spinal cord injury; those who have had a specific type of bladder surgery; or those with kidney stones. Men over 50 are at highest risk for urinary stones, especially men with enlarged prostates.
Prevention
Prevention of stones can be achieved in some patients. Diet modifications and medications can help change the chemical composition of the urine.