Kidney stones are prevalent across the United States because many Americans make less-than-ideal lifestyle choices. However, kidney stones are particularly commonplace in Georgia due to the climate; warm summer weather often leads to dehydration, which can contribute to the formation of kidney stones.
For some, kidney stones are a one-and-done affair. While individuals may develop kidney stones in the future if they do not change their dietary and hydration habits, some of us never experience this painful condition again. On the other hand, some people develop kidney stones regularly, and it’s essential to understand why.
The Causes of Recurrent Kidney Stones
As mentioned above, lifestyle factors significantly affect kidney stone formation. Staying well hydrated allows calcium deposits and oxalates to move through the kidneys and urinary tract more quickly – before they’ve had time to coagulate and turn into a stone.
Many online sources will tell you that stopping spinach, for example, reduces your oxalate intake, thus eliminating kidney stone formation. Others suggest adding lemon to your water, which will help flush them out. While, in theory, both are true, in practice, we’re not looking for minor fixes; instead, we want you to make a real push toward improving your hydration and eating habits. Cutting out spinach is more likely to deny your body great nutrition than stopping a kidney stone.
Believe it or not, the type of procedure you have performed for kidney stone removal makes a big difference in whether you experience a recurrence. Many patients opt for ESWL, or extra-corporeal shockwave lithotripsy. ESWL is non-invasive and offers some promising results. However, it is the least likely to render you stone-free – particles can accumulate on the remaining kidney stone fragments, creating a snowball effect. Even ureteroscopy, whether with laser lithotripsy or mechanical methods, may leave kidney stone fragments behind. The only definitive kidney stone removal procedure is PCNL, or percutaneous nephrolithotomy, where we can visualize the stone, break it up, and ensure it is entirely removed.
Genetics is also a contributing factor for developing kidney stones – because of heredity, some people may have high oxalate or uric acid predispositions. It’s worth asking close family members, including your parents, if they have experienced kidney stones. This might explain why your kidney stones are recurring and can help us develop an effective treatment plan.
Why It’s Important to Treat Recurrent Kidney Stones
At some point, recurrent kidney stones become a significant problem. Even if you’ve become “used” to your recurrent kidney stones, you must treat them for several reasons:
First, you reduce the risk of having the horrific pain that you almost certainly experienced the last time you had kidney stones.
Second, kidney stones can block the outflow of urine, causing a buildup of pressure in the kidneys. Left untreated, that blockage can injure the kidney or even cause longer-term kidney damage and failure. Addressing kidney stones when they are smaller ensures fewer complications down the road.
Last, but certainly not least, kidney stones can allow bacteria to build up behind and around them, causing serious urinary tract infections. Unfortunately, antibiotics often can’t reach behind the kidney stone and may not be effective. Furthermore, continuous antibiotic therapy can lead to antibiotic resistance and other complications.
Reach Out to Us Today
Fortunately, we can treat virtually every case of kidney stones.
Visiting us at the earliest signs of a kidney stone can help prevent significant pain and possible injury to the kidney and other urinary tract structures. Don’t wait or try to tough it out. Schedule a consultation with one of our Georgia Urology physicians.
