Symptoms of Kidney Stones in Seniors:
Kidney stones can occur in people of all ages. However, they are more common in senior citizens, those who are middle-aged or older. If you are a senior citizen, you should watch for these symptoms of kidney stones:
- Sharp pains in the back, side, lower abdomen and groin.
- Pink, red or brown blood in urine.
- Frequent urination.
- Pain while urinating.
- Difficulty urinating.
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
- Nausea and weakness.
- Vomiting and upset stomach.
- Fever and chills.
Kidney stones are a painful illness and need to be treated promptly as soon as symptoms appear.
Treatments of Kidney Stones in Seniors:
Doctors normally tailor the treatment plan according to the size of the stone.
Smaller stones are easier to treat than larger ones. For these stones, doctors may recommend that you pass it on your own by drinking lots of water. Once you pass the kidney stone, the doctor may request you to bring it back to him or her for inspection. This analysis will be done to determine if there are any other conditions related to kidney stones.
For larger kidney stones, passing the stone may not be a feasible option. Consequently, you may need to undergo kidney stone laser surgery by a urologist. He or she will perform a procedure called shockwave lithotripsy. This procedure will cause the break-up of the larger stone into smaller pieces so that they can be passed individually.
Another procedure that the urologist may perform is called percutaneous nephrolithotomy. This is a more invasive procedure because it involves the doctor surgically entering the kidney itself to remove the kidney stone. The doctor makes a cut through the back to get into the kidney.
In some cases, you may be provided medication in order to prevent the further development of kidney stones.
The Dangers of Kidney Stones:
Kidney stones can be very damaging. They can cause repeated or serious infections or a blockage in the kidney itself. In extreme cases, if some stones are left untreated, they can cause the kidney to stop working.
Since they are very dangerous, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible. Senior citizens in particular must inform a doctor at the earliest opportunity. At the Kidney Stone Clinic you will find many healthcare professionals who treat kidney stones. If you are a senior citizen who suffers from this condition, you can expect a safe and efficient treatment from us.
