Health & Diseases

Kidney stones are small, hard deposits that form inside your kidneys. These stones first start out as a tiny crystal in the kidney where it can get flushed out with your urine or it could remain in the kidney where it will become larger overtime. Ask anyone who has ever had one and they will tell you that the larger the stone, the worse pain they bring. If you are experiencing pain and suspect a kidney stone, get to a Chicagoland hospital as soon as possible.

While most leave your kidneys while they are still relatively small and therefore rather painless, there are the others that can get stuck due their larger size and can cause severe pain. The pain first starts out in your side or back and moves towards your lower abdomen over time. The pain will be migrating as the kidney stones makes their way through your body. Nausea and vomiting, fever and chills and painful urination can all be symptoms. You should seek medical attention at one of the hospitals in the Chicago area if you experience pain so intense you can’t sit still or get comfortable, are vomiting or have a fever or chills.

Since most of us have heard horror stories about the pain incurred at the hands of a kidney stone, we all want to know how to prevent this from happening to us. While this might seem like a great plan, there is no known single cause. However, there are some factors that can cause some people to be more susceptible. Not drinking enough water throughout the day can increase your risk of developing one. While they can occur in people of any age, they are more prevalent in those who are 40 and older. If you eat a diet that is high-protein, high-sodium and high-sugar can also increase your risk. One factor that you cannot change is your genetics. If you are related to someone who has had kidney stones, you are more likely to develop them as well.

If your Momence, Illinois healthcare provider determines that you have a larger stone that needs treatment, there are several different options. One of the most interesting procedures involves using sound waves to break up the stones. These strong vibrations come from an extremely loud noise that could make you uncomfortable. A more radical approach is through a surgery that requires an incision in your back. There are some other treatments available, so make sure to consult your doctor for their medical advice.