Are you wondering how kidney stones are treated?

Anyone who has ever had to deal with kidney stones knows pain. These hard minerals deposits that form inside the kidneys can be extremely painful when passed. It’s important to seek prompt medical treatment from our team of nephrologists here in Des Moines, IA, if you are experiencing these signs and symptoms of kidney stones,

• Sharp pain in the back or side near the ribs
• Pain that comes and goes
• Burning or pain with urination
• Cloudy urine
• Pink or red urine
• Urgency to urinate
• Nausea and vomiting
  
  

As the stones continue to move through the urinary tract you may also notice a change in where your pain is located, as well as the intensity. This is another sign that you could be dealing with kidney stones. If you are experiencing any kind of sharp pain in the back or sides, or if you’re experiencing any of the symptoms above along with pain, it’s a good idea to see our Des Moines, IA, nephrologists right away for an evaluation. Through blood, urine, and imaging tests we can quickly and easily diagnose kidney stones.

How are kidney stones treated? 

If the kidney stones are small then you will most likely be able to pass the stones without needing medical intervention; however, our nephrologists may recommend over-the-counter or a prescription medication that can help make it easier for the patient to pass the stone.

Of course, if you are experiencing any symptoms of a kidney stone chances are fairly good that they are too large for you to be able to pass and you’ll need to turn to us for medical intervention. Here at Iowa Kidney Physicians, our doctors can easily break up the stone through a procedure known as extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL). These strong sound waves can break up the stones so that they can be passed.

In some cases, surgery may be necessary to go inside and remove the kidney stone. This will be performed under general anesthesia and is typically only recommended if shockwave therapy hasn’t been successful.

You must turn to our Des Moines, IA, nephrologists as soon as possible if you think you might be dealing with kidney stones. Here at Iowa Kidney Physicians, we can perform the imaging tested needed to make a quick diagnosis so you can get the treatment you need. To schedule an evaluation, call us at (515) 336-6557 or (515) 243-3161.