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kidney stones symptoms treatment
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Kidney & Urinary Health
Question #16402
2 days ago
18

kidney stones symptoms treatment - #16402

Sara

I am really confused and anxious about what I might be dealing with. Lately, I've had these sharp pains in my lower back and sometimes they radiate to my sides, and I keep wondering if they could be kidney stones symptoms. My friend had kidney stones and described her experience, but I didn’t think it would happen to me. I’ve also been feeling nauseous and had a few episodes where I couldn't sit still because of the discomfort. I've read some articles saying that kidney stones symptoms can include painful urination, which I’ve been facing too, but like, I’m not sure if that’s just a coincidence or if it's all connected. I haven’t seen a doctor yet because I kinda brushed it off until I couldn’t ignore it anymore! I'm worried about what kind of kidney stones treatment might be needed if that's what this is. Are there tests that can quickly confirm if it’s kidney stones, or should I just head straight to the ER? Any insight would be super helpful because I'm starting to freak out here.

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Doctors’ responses

Kidney stones can indeed cause the symptoms you’re describing, and it’s understandable to be concerned. The sharp, radiating pain in your lower back and sides, along with nausea and discomfort during urination, fits the profile for kidney stone symptoms. Typically, this pain can be intense and comes in waves, which lines up with the fact you couldn’t sit still. The pain is due to the stone moving through your urinary tract, causing blockage. What you’re feeling isn’t just a coincidence; these symptoms are often interconnected with kidney stones. It’s important to confirm your condition with diagnostic tests, as other issues could cause similar symptoms. A key first-line test for kidney stones is a renal ultrasound or a CT scan, which will help identify the presence of stones in the urinary tract. Blood and urine tests can also provide additional info about kidney function and any underlying conditions or complications. If the pain is severe or you’re experiencing fever, chills, or difficulty passing urine, it’s best to seek immediate medical attention because these could signal an infection or other serious issue requiring swift intervention. At the ER or a clinic, they can provide pain relief, possibly administer hydration, and guide you on the next steps. Treatment can vary: small stones might pass without intervention, sometimes aided by medications that relax the muscles in your urinary tract. For larger stones, non-invasive options like extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy might be recommended to break the stones into smaller pieces. Remember, self-medication or delaying medical consultation is not advisable in this scenario due to potential complications. Ensure you’re drinking plenty of fluids to help move any small stones, but beyond self-care, accurate diagnosis and medical management are vital for safety and effective treatment.

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