Before a doctor can tell you whether or not you have a kidney stone, he will usually conduct a urine test to determine the amount of calcium, oxalate, and uric acid in your urine. These three substances are found in certain types of stones. In the event that you have one, your doctor will recommend taking extra water and increasing your fluid intake to prevent further stone formation. If you have more calcium than your body needs, this can result in a stone.
Imaging tests can also be used to detect the presence of a kidney stone. A CT scan (Computer Tomography) uses more advanced technology to produce a three-dimensional image of your body. The CT scan uses computer software to combine pictures taken from several different angles. This type of scan is used in emergency situations as plain X-rays cannot detect kidney stones in every situation. Ultrasound is another procedure that uses sound waves to produce pictures of the inside of your body. This method is very useful in diagnosing a kidney stone because it can tell you its size and location.
Other symptoms include sudden, intense pain in the back or belly, blood in the urine, and fever and chills. If these symptoms occur at the same time, you should visit your doctor right away. This way, you can get a quick diagnosis and begin treatment right away. You may need surgery or a kidney stone medication, and you should not miss this treatment option. However, if you are already experiencing severe symptoms, you should visit the emergency room or urgent care.
A 24-hour urine test can help detect if you have a stone. Calcium oxalate stones form when calcium and oxalate combine in the urine. Often, these stones are caused by a lack of calcium or fluid intake. Uric acid stones are more common and are caused by uric acid. Uric acid is a by-product of animal proteins and can build up in the urine.
A stone can be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball. The size of your stone will determine how likely you are to notice symptoms if you have a stone in your kidney. While it may not be painful if it’s small, a kidney stone can cause intense pain and can require a minimally invasive procedure to remove it. There are certain dietary habits and medications that increase your risk for developing kidney stones, and a family history of kidney stones can also be a factor.
As the size of the stone increases, you will notice that the pain will increase and you will be unable to pee. Your doctor may recommend that you visit a physician for a checkup. Moreover, you will want to keep track of your vitamins and medications if they make you feel ill. Identifying what triggers kidney stones can help you avoid them in the future. If you notice any of the above symptoms, visit your doctor immediately and get them checked.