Stone Diseases

Kidney stones can range from a minor inconvenience to a sudden, severe pain that sends you looking for answers fast. Premier Urology diagnoses and treats stone disease with options suited to the size and location of your stone.

Symptoms

Sudden, severe pain in the back or side

Blood in the urine

Nausea or vomiting

Causes

Dehydration, diet, genetics, and certain underlying medical conditions can all contribute to stone formation.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis typically includes imaging and a urinalysis to confirm the presence, size, and location of a stone.

Treatment Options

Smaller stones may pass with hydration and medication, while larger stones may require shock wave lithotripsy or laser lithotripsy.

Internal link opportunity: link “shock wave lithotripsy” and “laser lithotripsy” to their respective procedure pages.

Why Kidney Stones Form

Kidney stones develop when minerals and salts in the urine become concentrated and form crystals. Low fluid intake is a common contributor, but diet, family history, certain medications, recurrent infections, digestive conditions, and metabolic factors can also increase risk. Understanding the stone type and contributing factors can help reduce the chance of future stones.

When Stone Symptoms Are Urgent

A stone moving through the urinary tract can cause intense pain in the side or back that travels toward the lower abdomen or groin. Blood in the urine, nausea, urinary urgency, and painful urination may also occur. Fever, chills, uncontrolled pain, persistent vomiting, or difficulty urinating can signal a blockage or infection and should be evaluated promptly.

How Stones Are Diagnosed

Imaging helps determine the stone’s size, location, and whether it is blocking urine flow. A urine test can look for blood or infection, and bloodwork may assess kidney function. Your urologist will consider your symptoms, prior stone history, and test results when deciding whether the stone is likely to pass or needs treatment.

Choosing the Right Treatment

Small stones may pass with hydration, pain control, and medication that helps relax the urinary tract. Larger, obstructing, or persistent stones may require shock wave lithotripsy or laser lithotripsy. The best option depends on stone size, location, density, anatomy, infection risk, and your overall health. Your physician will explain what the procedure involves and how fragments are expected to pass.

Preventing Future Stones

After treatment, some patients benefit from stone analysis, urine testing, or bloodwork to identify preventable risk factors. Drinking enough water is often central to prevention, but dietary recommendations vary by stone type. Premier Urology can provide individualized guidance rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all stone diet.

Schedule an Appointment

If you’re experiencing these symptoms, don’t wait to get answers. Schedule an appointment with Premier Urology to meet with one of our board-certified urologists.

Comprehensive Care at Premier Urology

Premier Urology’s approach to stone diseases reflects the practice’s broader commitment to comprehensive, compassionate urologic care. The team includes two board-certified urologists with surgical privileges at HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood. Patients receive explanations in plain language, opportunities to ask questions, and recommendations based on their health history and goals. Because urologic symptoms can be personal, the practice emphasizes privacy, professionalism, and trust from the first call through follow-up. Adult men and women throughout the greater Houston area are encouraged to seek evaluation when symptoms are persistent, worsening, or affecting everyday life. Early attention can help identify the cause, rule out more serious concerns, and provide a clearer range of treatment choices. The care team also coordinates testing, procedures, surgical planning, and recovery guidance when those services are needed.

At every stage, the patient remains part of the decision-making process. Your urologist will discuss what is known, what additional information may be needed, and the benefits and limitations of available options. Instructions are provided for preparation, medication use, recovery, and follow-up as appropriate. Patients should contact the office with questions and seek urgent care for severe or rapidly worsening symptoms. This practical, individualized approach supports both informed choices and a more comfortable healthcare experience.

Premier Urology also encourages patients to bring a current medication list, relevant records, and questions to the appointment. These details help the physician understand the full picture and use visit time effectively. Recommendations may change as new test results become available, and follow-up instructions should be followed closely.