Have you ever had a kidney stone? They can be debilitating, but they are preventable. Research shows that about 10 to 15 percent of people will develop a kidney stone in their lifetime. Kidney stones are small, hard mineral deposits that form in your kidneys and can be painful and difficult to pass.
White, middle-aged men are the most likely to have kidney stones, but anyone can get them. If you have kidney stones, you are also more likely to get them again if you don’t take steps to prevent them. Here are several warning signs you might have a kidney stone:
1. Sudden, severe pain
If you suddenly have severe abdominal and/or back pain, you might have kidney stones. Especially if the pain is on one side. The pain has been described as painful as labor. The pain can also move if the stone starts to move closer to the bladder. If you have any sudden, very severe stomach or back pain, you want to get to the emergency room ASAP.
2. Blood in your urine
If there is blood when you pee, you might have a kidney stone. Either way, if you see blood while you pee, you should get that checked out.
3. Nausea or Vomiting
If you start feeling sick or actually getting sick and you have that severe pain, it could be kidney stones. Additionally, if your stomach or back pain is so severe, it may cause you to feel nauseous or vomit.
4. Sweating
If you feel very sweaty, even if you are in a cool room, and you have some of the other symptoms above, chances are you might have a kidney stone. Additionally, you could turn very pale or even get a fever.
If you have any of these symptoms, head to the hospital right away. Kidney stones are diagnosed through X-ray, ultrasound or a CAT scan, along with knowing the symptoms. People generally pass kidney stones, which will relieve symptoms. Others require surgery to get the kidney stones out, especially if they are large. Doctors can prescribe medication to help with the pain.
So, how do you prevent getting kidney stones in the first place? The biggest prevention is drinking lots of water. You might also want to ease up on animal proteins and salt. Dehydration and too much protein are said to be the causes of kidney stones.
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