Understanding Kidney Stones
At The Emergency Center, we offer immediate and expert care for kidney stones. Kidney stones are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. They can cause severe pain and lead to complications if not treated promptly. The Emergency Center can provide prompt treatment and stabilization until you visit your specialist.
Symptoms of Kidney Stones
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Severe Pain: Often described as the worst pain experienced, usually in the side, back, and below the ribs.
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Pain that Spreads: Pain can move to the lower abdomen and groin as the stone travels through the urinary tract.
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Painful Urination: Discomfort or burning sensation during urination.
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Hematuria: Pink, red, or brown urine indicating blood.
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Nausea and Vomiting: Often accompanying the pain.
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Frequent Urination: An increased need to urinate, often in small amounts.
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Fever and Chills: If an infection is present.
When to Go to the ER Seek emergency care if you experience:
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Severe Pain: Intense, unrelenting pain that makes it hard to sit or find a comfortable position.
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High Fever: A fever above 101.5°F (38.6°C) indicating a possible infection.
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Nausea and Vomiting: Persistent nausea and vomiting that prevent you from keeping fluids down.
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Inability to Urinate: Difficulty passing urine, which can indicate a blockage.
Common Causes
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Kidney stones can form when urine contains more crystal-forming substances than the fluid can dilute, or when urine lacks substances that prevent crystals from sticking together.
Diagnostic Services We provide comprehensive diagnostic services, including:
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Imaging Tests: CT scans, X-rays, and ultrasounds to detect stones.
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Urine Tests: To check for crystals, blood, and signs of infection.
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Blood Tests: To identify high levels of minerals that can form stones.
Why Choose The Emergency Center?
Expert Medical Team
Our board-certified ER physicians and ER and ICU trained nurses have extensive experience in diagnosing and treating kidney stones, ensuring you receive the highest level of care.
Advanced Diagnostic Services
Our facility utilizes imaging and laboratory services to accurately diagnose kidney stones and determine the best course of treatment.
Immediate and Comprehensive Care
With 24/7 availability, we provide immediate attention to your condition, minimizing wait times and ensuring timely intervention to alleviate pain and treat the underlying cause.
FAQs About Kidney Stone
What causes kidney stones?
Kidney stones can form when minerals like calcium, oxalate, and uric acid build up in the kidneys. Some common causes are dehydration, which makes urine more concentrated, and eating too much salty food or foods high in oxalates. Oxalates are found in foods like spinach, beets, nuts, and chocolate. High-sodium foods, like processed meats, canned soups, and salty snacks, can also increase the risk. Other causes include obesity, certain health conditions, family history, and infections.
How long should I wait at home before deciding I need ER care for kidney stone pain?
If your pain is severe, worsening, or accompanied by symptoms such as persistent vomiting, fever, or inability to urinate, you should not wait and seek ER care immediately. If your symptoms are manageable but not improving after a few hours, it’s also wise to visit the ER.
What symptoms suggest my kidney stone might be causing an infection or blockage?
Signs of infection or blockage include fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, severe flank pain, blood in the urine, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, or the inability to urinate. These symptoms require immediate ER evaluation.
Will I get immediate treatment for kidney stones in the ER, or just pain management?
Typically, the ER provides immediate pain relief, initial imaging tests (like CT scans or ultrasounds), and stabilizes your condition. If needed, the ER team may coordinate rapid follow-up treatment with a urologist, especially for stones too large to pass naturally.
Can kidney stones lead to kidney damage if I delay going to the ER?
Yes, delaying treatment for severe kidney stones can lead to serious complications, including kidney damage or infection, especially if a stone completely blocks urine flow. Prompt evaluation in the ER reduces these risks significantly.
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What Our Patients are Saying About Us
My visit to the emergency center of San Antonio was amazing. I was seen right away for sciatica pain. Dr. Styskal was amazing. I was treated right away and sent home with my medication. I wish more facilities would practice this without you having to make an additional stop at a pharmacy for medication. I know five stars is the highest I can give but they deserve 100+ stars.
Lizette M. ★★★★★
I was skeptical about going to the Emergency room, because for me ER’s have a bad reputation. My experience here was one of the best experience I’ve ever had. Keith at the front desk was very nice and went above and beyond for me. I forget my insurance card and wanted to know how much my co pay would be. He looked me up with no issue, brought my a wheelchair to ease my pain, as well as started
Mecia T. ★★★★★
My first time coming here, was greeted immediately by Keith and Debbie and helped. When in the back, Nichole wasted no time getting my vitals, checking on how I was feeling, and was super friendly and comforting while doing so. Dr. Erdner was very nice, and informative. Johnny got my CT scan quickly and made the process easy, and fast. All together the staff made my visit a great experience.
Nicole D. ★★★★★