Nephrology Associates treats recurrent kidney stones in patients on the Baldwin County Eastern Shore.
Are you suffering with recurring problems with kidney stones? People who have had kidney stones even once are at an increased risk of developing the issue again, and anyone who's had them knows that kidney stones can be terribly painful. Worse than the pain, recurrent kidney stones may be a sign that your renal health isn't what it should be. If you're developing kidney stones repeatedly, it might even mean you're at a greater risk of having chronic kidney disease (CKD). These are all reasons to see a kidney expert who can help you monitor your condition and begin treatment, if necessary.
If you live in Daphne, Alabama, or elsewhere on the Eastern Shore, and you've had kidney stones multiple times, the kidney care experts at Nephrology Associates can treat and monitor your kidney health.
Call our Fairhope office at 251-990-3533 to schedule an appointment.
Treating Recurring Kidney Stones in Daphne, Alabama
What Causes Recurrent Kidney Stones?
Put simply, kidney stones are the result of excess minerals in our blood. Filtering waste and excess water and minerals from the blood is an important part of kidney function. This natural system of filtration keeps everything at the proper balance for our continued health. However, sometimes an excess of minerals like calcium, oxalate, uric acid, and salt can crystallize into small, hard deposits in our kidneys. These crystals are known as kidney stones, and they can eventually cause a blockage.
Symptoms of kidney stones include the following:
- pain, which can be intense, but may come and go
- nausea
- vomiting
- fever
- difficulty or discomfort during urination
- blood in the urine
Frequently, kidney stones will pass on their own without requiring medical treatment. However, they can be extremely painful, and medical intervention is sometimes necessary. It's a good idea to contact your physician if you suspect you have a kidney stone so they can monitor the situation and help you access assistance, if the problem doesn't clear up on its own.
How Can We Prevent Kidney Stones?
Most patients can prevent kidney stones—or at least greatly reduce their chances of developing kidney stones again—by making a few lifestyle changes. Making simple dietary changes and getting more exercise can usually make a big difference in our kidney function.
Following these tips can reduce your likelihood of suffering from kidney stones:
- Maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise.
- Consistently drink plenty of water.
- Consume less animal protein—particularly red meat.
- Increase your daily intake of fruits and vegetables.
- Limit the amount of sodium in your diet.
Why Do Some People Have Recurrent Kidney Stones?
Unfortunately, some people may be more prone than others to developing kidney stones. Genetic factors or hereditary conditions can cause some patients to have recurring problems with kidney stone formation. For example, cystic fibrosis and primary hyperoxaluria increase a person's levels of oxalate, and excess oxalate can lead to kidney stones. A person with cystinuaria will have a higher level of cystine in their urine, which is also linked to kidney stones. There are a variety of gastrointestinal conditions that can cause chronic diarrhea, which also increases a patient's likelihood of having recurring issues with kidney stones. This means that Crohn's disease, diabetes, gastric bypass, gout, hyperparathyroidism, inflammatory bowel disease, and obesity can all give someone a higher than usual chance of developing kidney stones repeatedly.
It's important to note that evidence suggests a link between recurrent kidney stones and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Avoiding recurrent kidney stones may protect or prolong healthy kidney function. If you're suffering from any kidney-related issues, including repeated problems with kidney stones, it's wise to see a doctor. A nephrologist, or kidney specialist, can easily assess and monitor your kidney function to help you keep your kidneys as healthy as possible for a longer, happier life.
Help with Recurrent Kidney Stones on the Baldwin County Eastern Shore
If you've been suffering repeatedly with recurrent kidney stones, it's time to get the help you need! The dedicated team of kidney care experts at Nephrology Associates of Mobile are committed to serving the renal health needs of our Alabama Gulf Coast community. We understand the pain and difficulties caused by kidney stones, and we will do everything possible to help you find a brighter future with fewer problems from recurrent kidney stones.
Nephrology Associates has an office located in Fairhope—as well as multiple other locations in Baldwin and Mobile counties—so our patients in Daphne can conveniently access state-of-the-art treatment when and where they need it. Schedule an appointment today by calling our Fairhope office, or visit our contact page to leave a message online or find contact information for one of our other locations.