What’s Going Around – Kidney Stones

Spring weather is warm enough to dehydrate you, yet cool enough to lull you into not drinking enough water. That’s a perfect setup for kidney stones, and one out of ten people will get one. A new study has shown that certain antibiotics may increase that risk. That may due to drinking less when you’re sick. To me, it all comes down to keeping the body hydrated and the kidneys “flushed”, so crystalline stones don’t have a chance to form.

Signs and Symptoms: Dull achy pain in the flank may come and go for days or weeks while the jagged little stone moves from kidney to bladder. The pain can be quite severe. Urine will often become dark.

What to do: Most stones pass naturally. Ultrasound waves can be used to break up larger stones, although surgery is sometimes necessary. Hydration is essential to prevention. Avoid salt, as it causes fluid retention. Limit high oxalate foods.

Thought for the day: If you ever get one, I know you’ll hate it. So avoid kidney stones by staying hydrated.

What’s Going Around is contributed by family practice doctor Kyle Scarborough, M.D. You can reach him at drscarborough@familylifemedical.com.

Author

Dr. Kyle Scarborough Dr. Kyle Scarborough is a family medicine physician at Family Life Medical in Conroe, Texas. Dr. Scarborough offers care for the entire family, including wellness exams, diabetes care, hypertension treatment, geriatric care, well woman exam, school physicals, and pre-ops and hospital follow ups.