Kidney Stone Specialist Brisbane Northside
At Ubuntu Medical Brisbane, we are noticing more and more patients, some even under the age of 40 who are suffering from kidney problems and kidney stone problems specifically. If you think this is you, we recommend that you call your GP to get a check up as soon as possible.
What are Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones are a consequence of dissolved minerals that accumulated in the inner lining of the kidneys. Stones are made up of calcium oxalate, uric acid, salts, and other compounds and can grow into as large as a size of a golf ball in crystal-like form. Kidney stones can affect any part of the urinary track – from the kidneys to the urinary bladder. The stones are formed when the urine becomes concentrated, which results to the formation and crystallization of minerals.
What are the Symptoms of Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones are usually asymptomatic. The presence of stones in the kidney only becomes apparent when it moves within your kidney and passes through the ureter, the tube that joins the kidney and the bladder. At this point, the following indications may be experienced:
- Pain at the groin area or its sides
- Blood or pus in urine
- Vomiting and nausea
- Difficulty passing urine or persistent urination
- Reduced urine excretion
- Fever or chills
- Abdominal pain
If the kidney stones are not addressed right away, they can cause complications such as ureter blockage and increased risk for chronic kidney disease.
What Causes Kidney Stones?
Many factors contribute to the formation of kidney stones. One of the main reasons is lack of water in the body, which results to high amounts of oxalate and uric acid. The body cannot dilute these substances, making the urine acidic and the kidney an ideal environment for stone formation. It is highly recommended that individuals drink 8 to10 glasses of water to reduce the risk of having kidney stones.
There are also medical conditions that contribute to the occurrence of kidney stones such as Crohn’s disease, urinary tract infection, Dent’s disease, hyperparathyroidism, and medullary sponge kidney.
Who is at Risk?
Kidney stones frequently encountered by men than women who are between ages 30-50 years. Having a family history of kidney stones can also put individuals at a higher risk. An occurrence of kidney stone also increases the recurrence of stones in the future, especially if not given medical attention right away.
Frequent users of medications with topiramate, a drug to address seizures and migraine, also increases the risk for having kidney stones. Vitamin D and calcium supplements, if used for a long period of time also contribute to having kidney stones.
Poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, high blood pressure, and high calcium absorption also increase an individual’s risk for kidney stones.
What are the Available Treatments?
It is recommended that lifestyle and diet change are done by individuals who have history of kidney stones to reduce the reoccurrence. Vitamin B6 supplements and pyroxidine supplements can also be incorporated in the diet to reduce the risks of kidney stones. Increased water intake is also highly recommended.
If in the event the person needs treatment at one of Brisbane’s many Hospitals, he or she can undergo the following:
- Drug treatments for inflammation and stone passing
- Lithotripsy (shockwave therapy)
- Surgery
At Ubuntu Medical Brisbane North, we also do Men’s Health. We also offer other services. For a full list, click HERE.