Signs Of A Kidney Infection
What does a kidney infection feel like? According to the NIDDK, the most common kidney infections symptoms are:
Nausea
Vomiting
But depending on a persons age, they may not experience all of these kidney infection symptoms. Children younger than two may only experience high fever as a sign of kidney infections, the NIDDK says, and people older than 65 might only present with cognitive issues, like confusion, hallucinations, and disorganized speech.
What Are The Side Effects Of The Treatment For Ureteral Obstruction
The side effects of alpha-blockers include dizziness, headaches and fainting. Side effects of finasteride , the medication used to shrink the prostate, include decreased sexual desire and increased hair growth.
Surgery to remove the obstruction or place a stent can have side effects such as discomfort and increased risk of infection.
What If Kidney Stones Are Left Untreated
The main function of the kidneys is the removal of wastes and excess fluids from the body in the form of urine. Sometimes, when there are too much waste material and not enough fluids, these waste products can crystallize and get collected inside the kidneys. Over time, these crystals can transform into hard stone-like lumps, known as kidney stones.
Kidney stones are very common. It is estimated that 1 in every 20 people around the world develops kidney stones at some point in time in their life. Although people of any age can have kidney stones, kidney stones are more common in the age group of 30-60 years.
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Cloudy Pinkish Or Foul
Normal, healthy urine is clear or transparent. If your urine is cloudy or smells foul, its usually an indication of a urinary tract infection. Sometimes, patients with kidney stones will have infections at the same time. One study found infections occur in about 8 percent of people who have kidney stones. The bad odor may be caused by an increase of germs in your urine, or it may simply occur because your urine is backed up and more concentrated than normal. Cloudiness is usually caused by pus that forms as a result of an infection. If your urine is pinkish or brownish, its probably an indication of blood. As the stone moves through your system, the sharp edges can scratch the lining of the ureter, causing minor bleeding. Blood in the urine is a relatively common symptom of kidney stones.
Signs Of A Kidney Infection To Know And When To Go To The Hospital
Youre probably not constantly on the lookout for signs of a kidney infection. But getting a urinary tract infection can open you up to also getting an infection in one or both kidneys, which means this is an illness that should be on your radar. Yep, it’s an unfortunate truth: A urinary tract infection can lead to a kidney infection, which is medically known as pyelonephritis and can be incredibly serious. So if youre experiencing symptoms of a UTI and thinking, Eh, I can wait a few more days to get those antibiotics, think again. Heres what you need to know about the signs of a kidney infection, its underlying causes, why its so important to get treatment as soon as you can, and more.
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How Do I Know If I Have A Kidney Stone
It is not always possible to self-diagnose a kidney stone, though certain signs and symptoms may point to the likelihood that you have a stone. Keep in mind, kidney stones may cause virtually no symptoms early on. In fact, many patients are unaware that they have kidney stones until the stones begin to pass. Some of the most common signs and symptoms associated with passing a kidney stone include:
- Pain in the back or flank, typically on one side only
- Lower abdominal pain
- Fever, chills, or sweating
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, you may be attempting to pass a kidney stone. The only way to determine with certainty whether or not you have a stone, where in the urinary tract the stone currently is, and whether it has a high probability of passing on its own is to obtain a diagnosis from a medical professional using imaging studies and other diagnostic tools.
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Lets Now Understand Why You Should Not Leave Kidney Stones Untreated:
- Kidney stones can cause severe pain: When large kidney stones pass into the ureters, there is a possibility that they may get stuck there. This can cause blockage of the ureters and you may experience severe pain.
- Kidney stones increase the risk of UTIs: Kidney stones can block the ureters. They can also cause the narrowing of the ureters. In such a case, urine may build-up thereby increasing the strain on the kidneys. This also increases the risk of infections.
- Kidney stones can lead to infections in the kidney: In some cases, the kidney stones can get infected. The most common symptom of such an infection is fever with chills. This is an emergency situation and can even be life-threatening.
- Kidney stones can even lead to kidney failure: If you have a very large kidney stone and you leave it untreated, it may cause permanent damage to the kidney and even lead to kidney failure. The worst part is that this damage can occur even without any specific symptoms, which is why it is important to consult a specialist doctor.
Another trouble associated with kidney stones is that they have a tendency to reappear. If you have kidney stones, the chances of their recurrence in the next 5-7 years increases by 50 percent. This, in turn, increases the risk of recurrence of urinary tract infections and other problems.
Can Kidney Stones Cause Other Health Problems
Though painful, a kidney stone typically does not cause damage. However, kidney stones can be a sign of other health issues. Most people don’t know they have a kidney stone until they begin to feel severe pain in the side or abdomen, nausea, or if their urine is pink or red, said Dr. Mohan.
Also asked, what would happen if a kidney stone are left untreated?
Left untreated, kidney stones can block the ureters or make them narrower. This increases the risk of infection, or urine may build up and put added strain on the kidneys. Signs of an infection of the upper urinary tract include fever, chills, side and low back pain, and nausea or vomiting.
Likewise, how long can a stone stay in your kidney? Size of the stone is a major factor in whether it can pass naturally. Stones smaller than 4 millimeters pass on their own 80 percent of the time. They take an average of 31 days to pass. Stones that are 46 mm are more likely to require some sort of treatment, but around 60 percent pass naturally.
In respect to this, can kidney stones lead to other problems?
Receiving proper treatment for kidney stones is important, as kidney stones not only cause pain, they can also damage kidneys by blocking the flow of urine and causing bleeding and infection. Smaller stones can block the flow of urine through the ureters and urethra, causing urinary tract infection and other damage.
Is there a connection between kidney stones and heart disease?
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Why Do Doctors Examine The Contents Of The Stone
There are four types of stones. Studying the stone can help understand why you have it and how to reduce the risk of further stones. The most common type of stone contains calcium. Calcium is a normal part of a healthy diet. The kidney usually removes extra calcium that the body doesn’t need. Often people with stones keep too much calcium. This calcium combines with waste products like oxalate to form a stone. The most common combination is called calcium oxalate.
Less common types of stones are: Infection-related stones, containing magnesium and ammonia called struvite stones and stones formed from monosodium urate crystals, called uric acid stones, which might be related to obesity and dietary factors. The rarest type of stone is a cvstine stone that tends to run in families.
Pressure Or Pain In The Lower Back
In some cases, a stone may become stuck in the ureter. The ureter is the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder. A blockage here causes urine to back up in the kidney, resulting in pressure and pain sensations in the lower back. These symptoms may occur on the left or right side, depending on which kidney is affected.
According to the University of Chicago, pain or pressure are usually the first signs of a kidney stone. In some cases, the symptoms may be very subtle and build up slowly. In other cases, they may come on suddenly, with no early warning signs. This pain can be severe and may lead to nausea or vomiting, or both. People often experience sharp, stabbing pain, and common measures such as rest or lying down do not relieve it.
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If You Think You Have A Kidney Stone
If you have been diagnosed with a kidney stone, please call 362-8200 to schedule an appointment for evaluation and treatment we will do our best to make sure you are seen promptly. You may be directed to the emergency department if you are experiencing intractable nausea, vomiting, pain or fever so that urgent treatment can be given.
We have a very limited number of same-day appointments therefore, it is likely that you will be directed to the emergency department for rapid evaluation. There, they will obtain scans and labs that will help confirm the diagnosis of kidney stones. From that information, we can make an informed decision about your treatment.
If you have recently passed a stone, you should have close follow-up with a urologist. Our team of stone experts can accommodate you at any of our clinic locations.
Large Kidney Stones Require More Extensive Treatment
Large kidney stones are stones that measure approximately 5 mm or larger. Based on their size, they may have trouble moving through the urinary tract out of the body. In fact, they are prone to become lodged causing severe pain and other symptoms.
Large kidney stones require intervention for removal, typically, a surgical procedure. Reasons that initiate surgical treatment include:
- A stone that becomes lodged and wont pass on its own.
- Severe pain that makes it difficult to wait for the stone to pass on its own.
- Having an infection.
- Having a stone that is blocking the flow of urine from the kidney.
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Bladder Stones: Why Treat Them What Happens If Left Untreated
If you have any questions, to schedule a consultation or if you need a second opinion, pleasecontact us or call:
Dr. Alex Shteynshlyuger is a board-certified urologist in NYC who specializes in treating men and women with urinary problems including frequent urination, difficulty emptying the bladder, urinary urgency and incontinence.
When Should A Kidney Stone Be Treated
When a kidney stone causes pain to the extent that the pain cannot be controlled with oral pain medication, the stone should be treated. Similarly, stones that are associated with severe nausea or vomiting should be treated. Some stones are associated with infection or fever such situations can be life threatening and demand prompt attention. Stones that are associated with a solitary kidney, poor overall kidney function or complete blockage of urine flow should also all be treated.
Sometimes, when a stone is associated with bothersome symptoms, it may be appropriate to wait and see if the stone will pass on its own. If the stone is small, this is a very reasonable course of action. However, stones larger in size than 5 mm are unlikely to pass on their own and should be considered for treatment.
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What Are The Symptoms Of Ureteral Obstruction
Signs of ureteral obstruction reveal themselves in different ways. Patients who have stones may have severe pain. When the blockage is gradual and slow, it usually come on slowly and builds over time. In some cases symptoms may be mild at first, but can quickly get worse. Symptoms of a blocked ureter or urinary tract obstruction include:
- Pain in your abdomen, lower back or sides below your ribs .
- Fever, nausea or vomiting.
- Gastrointestinal issues such as Crohns disease, diverticulitis or swollen appendix.
- Ureteral stones, which are kidney stones that move to the ureter.
- Genetic disorders that cause narrowing of the ureter or other abnormalities of the urinary tract. One disorder is ureteropelvic junction obstruction, which is a blockage of the ureter at its connection to the kidney.
There Are A Number Of Reasons To Treat A Kidney Stone Even If It Is Not Causing Any Painful Symptoms
Recurring urinary tract infections
Some kidney stones may be infected, and in many cases, despite proper antibiotic treatment, the infection cannot be cleared from the stone. In such cases, the only way to remove the infection completely is to remove the stone.
Staghorn stones
These are extremely large stones that grow to fill the inside of the kidney. There are serious health risks associated with these stones, and left untreated they are associated with an increased risk of kidney failure.
Occupational requirements
For example, the Federal Aviation Administration will not allow a pilot to fly until all stones have been cleared from his or her kidney. Other occupations also do not allow for the unplanned passage of a kidney stone.
Extensive travel
The patient who, whether for business or otherwise, travels to locales where medical care is not reliable may wish to consider preventive treatment.
Patient preference
After thorough consideration of all options available to them, many patients elect to remove their stones at a time when it is convenient for them.
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What Are The Symptoms Of Hydronephrosis
Normally, urine flows through the urinary tract with minimal pressure. Pressure can build up if theres an obstruction in the urinary tract. After urine builds up for an extended period, your kidney can enlarge.
Your kidney may become so engorged with urine that it starts to press on nearby organs. If its left untreated for too long, this pressure can cause your kidneys to lose function permanently.
Mild symptoms of hydronephrosis include urinating more frequently and an increased urge to urinate. Other potentially severe symptoms you may experience are:
- pain in the abdomen or flank
- a fever
- chills
If you see signs of hydronephrosis, schedule an appointment with your doctor to talk about your symptoms. Untreated UTIs may lead to more serious conditions such as pyelonephritis, an infection of the kidney, and , an infection in the bloodstream or blood poisoning.
What Is The Prognosis For Patients Who Have Ureteral Obstruction
The outlook for ureteral obstruction depends on whether the kidneys were damaged while urine was unable to drain. If doctors fix the blockage before serious kidney damage occurs, ureteral obstruction doesnt usually have serious long-term effects. In severe cases, kidney failure and death can result from a ureteral obstruction if it is left untreated.
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How Long Does It Take For A Small Stone To Pass
With medical expulsive therapy, most small stones will typically pass within a few days to a few weeks. Provided you are in good health, you can try for up to 6 weeks to pass a stone, although most patients elect for earlier intervention.
It essentially says that it could take 4 to 6 weeks to pass everything for some people. Unless you are in extreme pain, I wouldnt worry too much. The purpose of the ESWL procedure is to pulverize kidney stones into small sand-like particles that may be passed spontaneously through the urinary tract.
Types Of Kidney Stones
There are four major types of kidney stones, including:
- stones formed from calcium not used by the bones and muscles, combined with oxalate or phosphate these are the most common kidney stones
- stones containing magnesium and the waste product ammonia these are called struvite stones and form after urine infections
- uric acid stones these are often caused by eating very large amounts of protein foods
- cystine stones these are rare and hereditary.
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Going A Small Amount At A Time
Large kidney stones sometimes get stuck in a ureter. This blockage can slow or stop the flow of urine.
If you have a blockage, you may only urinate a little bit each time you go. Urine flow that stops entirely is a medical emergency.
Its common for people with a kidney stone to have nausea and vomiting .
These symptoms happen because of shared nerve connections between the kidneys and GI tract . Stones in the kidneys can trigger nerves in the GI tract, setting off an upset stomach.
The nausea and vomiting can also be your bodys way of responding to intense pain .
Prevention Of Future Stones
Once your health care provider finds out why you are forming stones, he or she will give you tips on how to prevent them. This may include changing your diet and taking certain medications. There is no “one-size-fits-all” diet for preventing kidney stones. Everyone is different. Your diet may not be causing your stones to form. But there are dietary changes that you can make to stop stones from continuing to form.
Diet Changes
Drink enough fluids each day.
If you are not producing enough urine, your health care provider will recommend you drink at least 3 liters of liquid each day. This equals about 3 quarts . This is a great way to lower your risk of forming new stones. Remember to drink more to replace fluids lost when you sweat from exercise or in hot weather. All fluids count toward your fluid intake. But it’s best to drink mostly no-calorie or low-calorie drinks. This may mean limiting sugar-sweetened or alcoholic drinks.
Knowing how much you drink during the day can help you understand how much you need to drink to produce 2.5 liters of urine. Use a household measuring cup to measure how much liquid you drink for a day or two. Drink from bottles or cans with the fluid ounces listed on the label. Keep a log, and add up the ounces at the end of the day or 24-hour period. Use this total to be sure you are reaching your daily target urine amount of at least 85 ounces of urine daily.
Reduce the amount of salt in your diet.
Eat the recommended amount of calcium.
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