Kidney stones are a moderately common problem in the United States, especially during the summer months. As temperatures rise, many aren’t replenishing their bodies with water they need. At the Nephrology Associates of Greater Cincinnati, we hope you never have to experience a kidney stone, but if you do, here are a few things you can expect.
Summer – time for firing up the grill, relaxing by the pool, and exploring our local parks. But warm weather can also bring an unwelcome visitor: kidney stones. Nephrologists often see an uptick in kidney stone related appointments during the hottest months of the year. Here are a few things to keep in mind to have an enjoyable, kidney-stone-free summer.
Maybe it began with a dull ache in your lower abdomen. Or severe pain below your ribs that comes and goes in waves. Regardless, thinking you might have a kidney stone is stressful! But, there a few things you can do to take stock of your symptoms and determine what proactive steps to take to minimize discomfort.
A kidney stone is a buildup of minerals that forms in the kidneys or urinary tract. Commonly consisting of calcium, oxalate, cysteine, or phosphate, kidney stones vary in size from nearly undetectable to as large as a golf ball.
No one wants to endure the pain and discomfort associated with kidney stones. It’s estimated that 1 in 10 people in the U.S. will have a kidney stone in their lifetime, according to the National Kidney Foundation.
But preventing kidney stones isn’t as difficult as you might think.
