Have you had kidney stones multiple times? Unfortunately, if you're have kidney stones even once, you're at an increased risk of having them again. Recurrent kidney stones can be incredibly painful, but even worse, they may be a sign of other problems or put you at a higher risk of chronic kidney disease. If you're in the Mobile area, or elsewhere along the Alabama Gulf Coast, Nephrology Associates of Mobile can help treat and monitor your condition.
What Causes Recurrent Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones form when minerals in our bodies (such as calcium, uric acid, salt, and oxalate) crystallize into hard deposits in the kidneys. The kidney stone eventually creates a blockage, causing a variety of symptoms, such as pain, nausea, vomiting, difficulty or discomfort during urination, blood in the urine, and fever. Kidney stones will often pass on their own without treatment, but they can be very painful and sometimes do require medical intervention.
For most patients, kidney stones can be prevented by improving lifestyle choices, such as diet and exercise.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Eat less animal protein (especially red meat).
- Eat more fruits and vegetables.
- Limit sodium consumption.
All of the above can help reduce the likelihood of minerals crystallizing and forming kidney stones.
However, some people have genetic or hereditary conditions that can cause recurrent kidney stones. Cystic fibrosis and primary hyperoxaluria can increase levels of oxalate, which contributes to stone formation. Similarly, cystinuria causes higher levels of cystine in the urine, which also forms stones. A variety of GI conditions that cause chronic diarrhea-- including diabetes, gastric bypass, Crohn's disease, hyperparathyroidism, gout, inflammatory bowel disease, and obesity-- can all increase the risk that a person will suffer recurring problems with kidney stones.
There is evidence that recurrent kidney stones are linked to chronic kidney disease, and avoiding recurrent kidney stones may help preserve the health of your kidneys. As such, it's important to see a doctor if you have kidney stones, especially if you have them repeatedly.
Recurrent Kidney Stone Care in Mobile, AL
If you're suffering from recurrent kidney stones, Nephrology Associates of Mobile can help implement a treatment plan. We know how difficult kidney stones can make your life, and our kidney experts will do everything possible to reduce your chances of suffering with kidney stones in the future.
We provide specialist kidney care to the people of Mobile, Alabama, and surrounding areas of the Gulf Coast. Nephrology Associates offers state-of-the-art treatment for renal problems, with the utmost care for our patients' health and quality of life. Schedule your visit today by calling any of our five convenient locations in Mobile and Baldwin County!