Kidney Stones in Los Angeles: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
By Dr. Leonard W. Liang, MD | Urology | Downtown Los Angeles
Kidney stones are one of the most painful conditions in urology. They are also one of the most common. In fact, kidney stones treatment in Los Angeles is among the top reasons patients visit a urologist. If you have had a kidney stone, you know how sudden and severe the pain can be. If you have never had one, this guide will help you understand what they are, how to recognize them, and what your treatment options look like.
Moreover, kidney stones are becoming more common every year. Therefore, knowing the warning signs and when to see a doctor can make a significant difference in your recovery.
What Are Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones are hard mineral deposits that form inside the kidneys. They develop when urine contains high levels of certain substances, such as calcium, oxalate, or uric acid. As a result, these substances crystallize and clump together over time.
Stones vary in size. Some are as small as a grain of sand. Others can grow to the size of a marble or larger. Smaller stones often pass on their own. However, larger stones may require medical treatment to remove them safely.
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, about 1 in 10 people will develop a kidney stone at some point in their life. Furthermore, men are more likely to develop them than women. The risk also increases with age.
What Are the Most Common Types of Kidney Stones?
There are four main types of kidney stones. Understanding the type you have is important. It helps your doctor recommend the right treatment and prevention plan.
Calcium oxalate stones are the most common type. They form when calcium combines with oxalate in the urine. Foods high in oxalate, such as spinach, nuts, and chocolate, can contribute to their formation.
Uric acid stones develop when urine is too acidic. They are more common in men. In addition, people with gout or diabetes are at higher risk.
Struvite stones are usually caused by a urinary tract infection. They can grow quickly and become quite large. Therefore, they often require medical treatment rather than passing on their own.
Cystine stones are rare. They occur in people who have a genetic disorder called cystinuria. As a result, the kidneys produce too much of a certain amino acid.
What Are the Symptoms of Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones do not always cause symptoms right away. In fact, small stones can move through the urinary tract without you noticing. However, when a stone gets stuck or starts to move, the symptoms can be intense.
The most common symptom is sharp pain in the side and back, just below the ribs. This pain often comes in waves. It may also radiate to the lower abdomen and groin. In addition, you may feel a burning sensation when urinating.
Other symptoms include:
- Pink, red, or brown urine — this indicates blood in the urine, which is called hematuria.
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine — this may suggest an associated infection.
- Nausea and vomiting — these often accompany the pain.
- Frequent urge to urinate — especially if the stone is near the bladder.
- Fever and chills — these are signs of infection and require immediate medical attention.
If you experience fever alongside kidney stone pain, seek medical care right away. Furthermore, pain that is unmanageable at home is also a reason to visit a urologist or emergency room.
How Are Kidney Stones Diagnosed?
A urologist diagnoses kidney stones using a combination of tests. First, your doctor will review your symptoms and medical history. After that, imaging tests confirm the presence, size, and location of the stone.
A CT scan is the most accurate imaging option for kidney stones. It gives a clear picture of the stone and the surrounding structures. In addition, an ultrasound may be used, especially for patients who need to avoid radiation. A urine test and blood test are also helpful. They reveal whether an infection is present and what minerals are elevated.
What Are the Kidney Stone Treatment Options?
Treatment depends on the size and location of the stone, as well as your symptoms. There are several effective options available.
Watchful waiting is appropriate for small stones, usually under 5mm. Most of these pass on their own within a few weeks. During this time, drinking plenty of water helps flush the stone through. Pain medication manages discomfort in the meantime.
Medical expulsive therapy involves taking medication to relax the muscles of the ureter. This makes it easier for the stone to pass. Therefore, it is often used alongside watchful waiting for stones between 5 and 10mm.
Shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) uses sound waves to break the stone into smaller fragments. The fragments then pass through the urine. This is a non-invasive procedure and does not require surgery. Moreover, it is effective for many types of kidney stones.
Ureteroscopy involves passing a thin scope through the urethra and bladder to reach the stone. The surgeon then breaks the stone with a laser and removes the fragments. This is a minimally invasive procedure with a high success rate.
Percutaneous nephrolithotomy is used for very large stones. It involves making a small incision in the back to access and remove the stone directly. As a result, it is the most invasive option but is reserved for cases where other methods are not sufficient.
How Can You Prevent Kidney Stones From Coming Back?
Kidney stones have a high recurrence rate. In fact, about 50 percent of people who have one stone will develop another within five to seven years. The good news is that prevention is very effective when you follow the right steps.
First and most importantly, drink plenty of water. Aim for at least 2.5 to 3 liters per day. Staying well hydrated dilutes the urine and reduces the concentration of stone-forming minerals. Therefore, this is the single most effective prevention strategy.
In addition, your diet plays a major role. Reduce high-oxalate foods if you have calcium oxalate stones. Limit sodium, because high sodium intake raises calcium levels in the urine. Furthermore, moderate your protein intake. Too much animal protein raises uric acid and reduces citrate in the urine, both of which promote stone formation.
Your urologist may also recommend medication based on the type of stone you have. For example, thiazide diuretics reduce calcium in the urine. Allopurinol lowers uric acid levels. Potassium citrate raises citrate levels in the urine, which helps prevent stone formation.
When Should You See a Urologist for Kidney Stones?
You should see a urologist if you have had one or more kidney stones. A urologist can identify the type of stone, find out why it formed, and build a prevention plan tailored to you. This is especially important if stones keep coming back.
Moreover, a urologist is the right specialist if your stone is too large to pass on its own, if you have a blockage, or if you have an associated infection. In these cases, prompt treatment is critical.
Dr. Leonard W. Liang is a board-certified urologist in Downtown Los Angeles with extensive experience in kidney stones treatment. He evaluates each patient individually and recommends the least invasive treatment that will be effective. Learn more about Dr. Liang here.
Why Choose Dr. Liang for Kidney Stones Treatment in Los Angeles?
Dr. Leonard W. Liang earned his medical degree from the University of Michigan and completed his urology training at Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles, where he served as chief resident during his final year. He subsequently completed a two-year fellowship in kidney transplantation at UCLA.
Dr. Liang serves on the urology faculty at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, where he has been involved in kidney transplantation and resident education. He has also maintained affiliations with several Los Angeles-area hospitals, including California Hospital Medical Center, Good Samaritan Hospital, and Pacific Alliance Medical Center.
His practice emphasizes thorough, unhurried consultations, with the doctor giving patients time to ask questions and understand their care. Patient reviews also describe him as attentive and thorough when explaining procedures and treatment.
Dr. Liang speaks Spanish, and his practice provides care and explanations in Spanish, which may be particularly helpful for Spanish-speaking patients in the Los Angeles area.
His practice website also identifies him as a 2020 “Top 3 Urologists in Los Angeles” and as a 2020 “Top Doctors” honoree selected by peers and listed in Los Angeles Magazine.
Book a Kidney Stones Consultation in Los Angeles
You do not have to manage kidney stone pain alone. Effective kidney stones treatment in Los Angeles is available at Dr. Liang’s practice in Downtown LA.
The office is located at 1513 S Grand Ave, Suite 300, Downtown Los Angeles, CA 90015. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM. Call (213) 749-0662 or book online at leonardliang.com/contact-us.
