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Kidney stones impact one out of 10 Americans and prompt roughly half a million emergency room visits each year. Since cases continue to rise, here’s a helpful guide to prevention so you can minimize the risk of contracting kidney stones.

What Are Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones are hard mineral and salt deposits that can form in your kidneys. These tiny objects can impact any area of your urinary tract, from your kidneys to your bladder, and are generally caused by highly concentrated urine that allows certain minerals to crystallize within your system. 

Symptoms of kidney stones include a burning sensation when you urinate, troubling urinating, and waves of sharp pain in your lower abdomen, groin, and lower back. In severe cases, kidney stones can also cause fever, chills, vomiting, nausea, cloudy urine, or a change in urine color to pink, brown, or red.

While other bladder issues like a urinary tract infection can be helped with antibiotics, kidney stones generally need to be flushed or passed from your system naturally. Should a stone get lodged in your urinary tract, surgery may be necessary. 

How Can You Prevent Them?

kidney stonesThe best way to prevent kidney stones is to stay hydrated. Drink at least eight glasses of water every day so your urine is unable to get overly concentrated. If you exercise, drink extra water, as sweating profusely often reduces urination. 

In addition to hydration, maintain a healthy and balanced diet that includes calcium-rich foods like milk, yogurt, or cheese. Focus on maintaining a healthy weight and reducing sodium intake, as these factors can increase your general risk of kidney stones. Before taking new medications or supplements, talk to a urology specialist about the impact they can have on your urinary tract health. 

 

If you’re looking for personalized, one-on-one care for kidney stones, Medical Center Urology is the practice for you. Since opening in 1990, this urology specialist has treated patients throughout Guilford County, NC, with precision and compassion. To schedule your appointment, call (336) 882-0220. Visit their website for more information on their specialties, including the treatment of urinary tract infections and incontinence. 

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