Kidney stones are a common condition that can cause pain and discomfort. If you think you may have kidney stones, see a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. But what kind of doctor should you see?
first aid doctor
If you are experiencing symptoms of kidney stones, your primary care physician should be your first port of call. Your primary care physician is a general practitioner who is qualified to identify and address a variety of medical problems. They may order diagnostic tests, such as a CT scan or ultrasound, to confirm the presence of kidney stones and determine their size and location.
Your primary care doctor may recommend that if your kidney stones are small and cause no symptoms, you wait to see if they pass on their own. Additionally, they may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers to help with any discomfort.
Your primary care doctor may refer you to a specialist for additional evaluation and treatment if your kidney stones are larger or cause significant symptoms.
Urologist
A physician with expertise in the male reproductive system and urinary tract is known as a urologist. They are proficient in identifying and managing a variety of diseases, including kidney stones. If your primary care physician refers you to a urologist, he or she will perform a physical examination and order additional tests to confirm the diagnosis and choose the most appropriate course of treatment.
Medications to help dissolve the stones or surgical removal of kidney stones may be used as treatment options. Kidney stone removal techniques include:
Shock wave lithotripsy: During this procedure, stones can be broken into smaller pieces and excreted with urine.
Ureteroscopy: To find and remove stones, this procedure involves inserting a small camera into the urethra.
Percutaneous nephrolithotomy: A small incision must be made in the back to remove the stones through the tube.
Depending on the size and location of the stones and your overall health, your urologist will talk with you about your best course of action.
Nephrology Specialist
A medical professional with expertise in the kidneys and urinary system is called a nephrologist. They have the skills necessary to identify and manage a variety of kidney conditions, including kidney stones. Your primary care physician or urologist may recommend that you see a nephrologist for additional tests and treatment if your kidney stones are the result of an underlying kidney condition, such as kidney disease.
To manage any underlying kidney problems and reduce the risk of developing additional kidney stones in the future, a nephrologist may also recommend lifestyle changes and medications in addition to treating kidney stones.
As a result, your primary care physician should be your first port of call if you are showing symptoms of kidney stones. They will order diagnostic tests to confirm the diagnosis and choose the most appropriate course of action. If your kidney stones are larger or cause significant symptoms, you may be referred to a urologist or nephrologist for additional evaluation and treatment.
If you think you may have kidney stones, you should see a doctor immediately as they can be very painful and uncomfortable. Other serious health problems, such as kidney infections and kidney damage, can result from kidney stones if left untreated.
Kidney stone symptoms may include:
Side, back or lower abdominal pain
Pain or discomfort when urinating
blood in urine
frequent urge to urinate
Nausea and vomiting
If you feel any of these symptoms, consult a healthcare professional as soon as possible. To confirm the diagnosis and determine the size and location of the stones, your primary care physician will perform a physical examination and prescribe diagnostic tests such as a CT scan or ultrasound.
Treatment options may include medications to help dissolve the stones or procedures to remove the stones, depending on the size and location of the stones. Shock wave lithotripsy, ureteroscopy, or percutaneous nephrolithotomy are procedures that may be used to remove kidney stones. The size and location of the stones and your overall health will be taken into consideration by your medical team when choosing the best course of action for you.
References: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/kidney-stones/diagnosis#:~:text=You%20will%20collect%20a%20urine,have%20a%20urinary%20tract 20%infection.
Prof. Dr. Gökhan Koç graduated from Gazi University Faculty of Medicine in 2000. After his graduation, he worked as a research assistant in the urology clinic at Tepecik Training and Research Hospital for 5 years and became a specialist doctor in 2007. He currently provides services in urological surgery in İzmir.