Kidney Stones
Comprehensive care for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of kidney stones
What are they?
Kidney stones are hard objects formed by chemicals in urine. When there is an excess of certain minerals and insufficient water, they crystallize and form stones that can cause intense pain when moving through the urinary tract.
Very Common
1 in 10 people will develop kidney stones in their lifetime
Prevention Possible
With diet changes and hydration, risk can be reduced by up to 60%
Types of Stones
Identifying the type helps prevent future episodes
Calcium Oxalate
The most common, representing 4 out of 5 kidney stones
Uric Acid
Represents 1 in 10 stones, related to high-protein diet
Struvite
Uncommon, generally caused by urinary infections
Cystine
Rare, caused by hereditary genetic condition
Symptoms
Recognize warning signs to act quickly
Intense Pain
In lower back, side, or abdomen that comes in waves
Blood in Urine
Pink, red, or brown urine
Nausea and Vomiting
Stomach discomfort accompanying the pain
Frequent Urination
Urgent and frequent need to urinate
Cloudy Urine
Cloudy appearance or bad smell
Fever and Chills
If there is associated infection, requires immediate attention
Note: Small stones may pass without symptoms. Pain usually worsens in waves when the stone moves through the urinary tract.
Causes and Risk Factors
Knowing the factors helps with effective prevention
Dehydration
Drinking less than 8-12 glasses of water daily increases mineral concentration
High Sodium and Animal Protein Diet
Excess salt, meat, chicken, and fish increases risk by up to 60%
Family History
Family history of kidney stones increases predisposition
Medical Conditions
Diabetes, hyperparathyroidism, and certain digestive diseases
Treatment Options
From conservative management to advanced procedures
Conservative Management
- Abundant hydration
- Pain relievers
- Wait for natural passage
- For small stones (<5mm)
Medical Treatment
- Tamsulosin to relax ureter
- Stone-dissolving medications
- Nausea control
- Close follow-up
Lithotripsy (Shock Waves)
- Breaks stones with sound waves
- Non-invasive procedure
- For medium-sized stones
- Fragments pass naturally
Ureteroscopy
- Endoscope through urethra
- Direct extraction or fragmentation
- For stones in ureter
- Minimally invasive
Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy
- For large or complex stones
- Direct kidney access
- Surgical procedure
- High success rate
Preventive Follow-up
- Analysis of passed stone
- Metabolic studies
- Personalized prevention plan
- Long-term monitoring
Effective Prevention
Simple changes that reduce risk by up to 60%
Adequate Hydration
- Drink 8-12 glasses of water daily (2-3 liters)
- Pale yellow urine indicates good hydration
- Add lemon to water (citrate prevents stones)
- Avoid sodas and sweetened iced tea
Balanced Diet
- Increase fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- Adequate calcium intake (1,000-1,200mg/day)
- Limit sodium to 2,300mg daily
- Moderate animal protein (meat, chicken, fish)
Healthy Lifestyle
- Maintain healthy weight
- Regular physical activity
- Follow DASH or Mediterranean diet
- Control medical conditions (diabetes, hypertension)
Why Choose Dr. Pamela Vázquez?
Certified Experience
Over 7 years of specialized experience in nephrology
Precise Diagnosis
Complete evaluation to identify stone type and cause
Personalized Attention
Plan adapted according to size, location, and type of stone
Long-Term Prevention
Metabolic studies to prevent future recurrences
Continuous Follow-up
Regular monitoring and adjustment of prevention plan
Humanized Medicine
Care with warmth, empathy, and professionalism
Schedule Your Appointment
Receive specialized care for the treatment and prevention of kidney stones