Compassionate Care for Painful Kidney Stones at Dignity Health - St. Rose Dominican

Kidney stones are small, hard pieces of crystallized material that form in the kidney. Your doctor may refer to kidney stones as renal lithiasis. Most kidney stones are passed in the urine without serious problems. On occasion, a kidney stone can get stuck in the tube connecting the kidney and bladder (ureter). This can result in serious, potentially life-threatening complications, such as kidney damage and kidney infection.

Use the Dignity Health - St. Rose Dominican online waiting service, InQuicker, to select your estimated arrival time at the emergency room for kidney stones in Las Vegas and Henderson, NV. 

 

What Causes Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones are usually made of calcium, but they can also contain amino acids or uric acid. Kidney stones can form in one or both kidneys. They begin as tiny specks and increase in size gradually.

Risk factors for kidney stones include:

Men are more likely to get kidney stones than women. 

 

Kidney Stone Symptoms

Small kidney stones or kidney stones that remain in the kidney may not have any symptoms. A small kidney stone may pass out of the body without causing any symptoms, including pain. 

The main symptom of a large kidney stone moving out of the kidney is stabbing, severe, or sharp pain in the flank area of the lower back. The pain may spread (radiate) to the groin or abdomen. Other symptoms include: 

  • Difficulty urinating
  • Blood in the urine
  • Profuse sweating
  • Nausea and vomiting

 

Passing Kidney Stones in Las Vegas, NV

To treat large kidney stones, doctors recommend drinking fluids. This dilutes the urine and helps to flush the stone. You may be given medications to help the stone pass by relaxing the ureters. Pain medications can help keep you comfortable.

If the stone doesn’t pass, a procedure may be necessary. This may include a catheter procedure or surgery to remove the stone or shock wave therapy to crush it. 
Small stones may pass on their own without any treatment. 

Dignity Health - St. Rose Dominican offers treatment for kidney stones in Las Vegas and Henderson, NV.