If left unattended, kidney stones can become much worse.The main symptom of a stone is pain, so it can be hard to know if you have one.If you take your symptoms and risk factors into account, you may have an easier time determining whether or not you have kidney stones.Make sure you see your doctor as soon as possible if you suspect you have stones.
Step 1: Determine if you have any pain that is related to stones.
One of the most common symptoms of kidney stones is pain, so you may notice it before anything else.Pain from a stone can be very severe and can even be fatal.You might feel pain in different places.If you have a stone, you may feel pain near your groin and lower abdomen, but it will get worse over time.
Step 2: Check your urine's color or smell.
Changes in your urine can be a sign that you have stones.If you see urine that is brown, red, or pink, you should know if you have stones.
Step 3: Do you know if there are any changes in urination habits?
Changes in how often you need to urinate can be a sign that you have stones.It's normal for you to go to the bathroom more often if you have kidney stones.
Step 4: Pay attention to the nausea.
Sometimes a stone can cause you to feel unwell or even vomit.If you have been nauseated or vomiting, this could be a sign of having a stone.
Step 5: There are severe symptoms that you should watch for.
If you notice any serious symptoms, you should go to the emergency room as soon as possible.Severe pain that makes it impossible to get comfortable, nausea and vomiting, and a hard time urinating are some of the symptoms to watch for.
Step 6: Take your medical history into account.
A history of kidney stones is the strongest risk factor.If you have had a stone, you are more likely to have it again.Measures should be taken to reduce other risk factors.
Step 7: Discuss their medical history with family members.
If someone in your family has had stones, you are more likely to have stones of your own.As you think about whether or not you have stones, consider the experiences of your family member.
Step 8: Drink more water.
Not drinking enough water is a risk factor.Water can help to remove minerals from your body.The less water you drink, the less minerals will cling to each other and form stones.
Step 9: You should follow a healthy diet.
Eating a bad diet can increase your risk of stones.If you eat a lot of salty and sweet food, you are more likely to have stones.If this is one of your risk factors, think about what you eat in a day.Recent recommendations are to avoid sodas containing phosphoric, such as colas, as they increase the risk of stones.
Step 10: If you are overweight, you should lose weight.
Being obese is a risk factor for stones.If you have a body mass index of 30 or higher, you are considered obese.Check your weight and body mass index to see if it's a risk factor for stones.If you have recently gained weight, you may be at risk of developing kidney stones, even if you are not obese.
Step 11: List any medical conditions or surgeries that could put you at risk.
Medical conditions and surgeries can increase your risk of developing stones.If any medical conditions or surgeries have increased your risk for stone formation, consider your recent medical history.There are some conditions and surgeries that can increase your risk of stones.
Step 12: Your doctor can give you a diagnosis.
If stones are not treated, they can become more severe.You should see a doctor if you think you may have stones.Depending on your symptoms, a blood or urine test can be used to diagnose your stones.It is the most accurate way to determine if you have stones.The results of the kidney stones can be used by your doctor to figure out where the stones are and how big they are.
Step 13: Follow the instructions of your doctor.
Your doctor will recommend the best course of treatment if you are diagnosed with a stone.In order to pass the stones, you may need to drink a lot of water or take special medications.Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy or ESWL can be used if you have large kidneys.The procedure breaks large stones into smaller ones.A scope can be used by your doctor to break up a stone that is stuck in your urethra.It's important to know that surgery may be required for severe cases of kidney stones that don't respond to other forms of treatment.
Step 14: If you have pain, take over-the-counter pain killers.
If your pain is severe, your doctor may prescribe a prescription pain-killer.In less severe cases of stones, an over-the-counter pain killer will help to numb the pain.Depending on your medical needs and personal preferences, you can take either aspirin or ibuprofen.If you don't know what to take, ask your doctor for a recommendation.Follow the product instructions for any medicine you take.