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Frequently Asked Questions About Kidney StonesWhat causes kidney stones? What are the symptoms of kidney stones? What is a ureteral stent and what can I expect if I need one? How can I find a doctor who treats urinary stones? How are kidney stones or ureteral stones diagnosed? How are kidney stones or ureteral stones treated? How can I prevent kidney or ureteral stones? What causes kidney stones? Doctors do not always know what causes a stone to form. It seems that some people are just susceptible to having stones—and those who are might increase their risk by eating certain foods, or by not drinking enough water. A person with a family history of kidney stones may be more likely to develop stones. Urinary tract infections, kidney disorders such as cystic kidney diseases, and metabolic disorders such as hyperparathyroidism are also linked to stone formation. Certain intestinal disorders can increase the risk, as can taking certain medications, like protease inhibitors. Even taking diuretics or calcium-based antacids can increase the risk of forming stones. National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse:
Return to the top of the page What are the symptoms of kidney stones? Sometimes, urinary stones cause no symptoms at all. But often, urinary stones can cause pain—possibly severe— as well as blood in the urine, nausea or vomiting, the need to urinate more often, or burning during urination. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, you should contact your doctor for evaluation. And if fever and chills accompany any of these symptoms, contact a doctor immediately, as you may have an infection. National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse:
Return to the top of the page What is a ureteral stent and what can I expect if I need one? A ureteral stent helps keeps the passage from kidney to bladder open so urine can flow unobstructed out of the body. If there is an obstruction, and urine is allowed to build up, serious kidney complications could result. The stent itself is a thin, hollow tube with two coiled ends; one end sits in the kidney and one end sits in the bladder, and the tube itself lies throughout the length of the ureter. Ureteral stents are placed surgically, and are necessary if there’s a chance of obstruction from either a stone or a stone fragment, a narrowing (stricture) of the ureter due to scarring, or a swelling of the ureter following surgery. If you do need a stent, you can expect to be able to carry on your usual daily activities, including work and sports. Occasionally, there are side effects to having stents in place. These could include back pain, blood in the urine, and an increased risk of urinary tract infections. The length of time you will have your stent in will be determined by your physician, but typically is only for a couple of days. Your doctor can give you more information about ureteral stents, their benefits and their possible side effects. And for more information, click here to access a complete patient guide to ureteral stents. References:
Return to the top of the page How can I find a doctor who treats urinary stones? Your primary care physician can refer you to a urologist who can help treat your urinary stones. Return to the top of the page How are kidney stones or ureteral stones diagnosed? Occasionally, "silent" stones—those that do not cause symptoms—are found on x-rays taken during a general health exam. More often, symptoms of urinary stones will cause your doctor to scan your urinary system using a special x-ray test called an IVP (intravenous pyelogram) or a CAT scan. Blood and urine tests help detect any bleeding as well as any abnormal substances that might promote stone formation. The results of all these tests help determine the proper treatment. American Urological Association: Return to the top of the page How are kidney stones or ureteral stones treated? Fortunately, surgery is not usually necessary. In fact, 80% of all urinary stones can pass through the urinary system with plenty of water to help move the stone along. Often, you can stay home during this process, drinking fluids and taking pain medication as needed. If medical intervention is necessary, however, several treatment options offer excellent outcomes. WebMD: Return to the top of the page How can I prevent kidney or ureteral stones? Drinking more liquids—preferably water—can help prevent stones, as can avoiding certain types of foods, depending on the type of stone you may have. For some people, certain medications may be necessary to help prevent more stones from forming. Your doctor may prescribe certain dietary changes, drinking more water, or becoming more physically active. If you've had more than one kidney stone, you are likely to form another; so prevention is very important. Your doctor will order laboratory tests, including urine and blood tests, and analysis of the stone itself—all of which will help him or her determine the cause of your stones and how you can prevent them. National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse:
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