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Kidney stones are hard deposits of minerals and salts that form in the kidneys, often causing severe pain and discomfort. Common symptoms include painful urination, blood in the urine, and intense pain in the back or side. At East Texas Kidney Specialists, we offer preventive treatment for kidney stones. Early diagnosis and care help prevent complications and provide fast, lasting relief for patients in Longview and throughout East Texas.

What Are Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones develop when minerals and salts in the urine crystallize inside the kidneys. These hard deposits can vary in size and type — including calcium, uric acid, struvite, and cystine stones. Each type requires accurate diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan to ensure the best possible outcome.

Signs and Symptoms of Kidney Stones

Kidney stones most often cause:

Severe back or side pain
Pain or burning sensation with urination
Nausea and vomiting
Blood in the urine (hematuria)

If symptoms worsen or are accompanied by fever or chills, promptly contact East Texas Kidney Specialists or visit the nearest emergency room immediately

What Are the Causes and Risk Factors of Kidney Stones?

Common causes include:

Dehydration, especially common in Texas’s warm weather.
High salt intake or low fluid consumption
Genetic predisposition or family history of stones
Obesity or certain digestive disorders
Specific medications that affect mineral balance
Other medical conditions, such as chronic kidney disease or gout

Early diagnosis and preventive care are key to lowering the risk of recurrence and protecting long-term kidney health.

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How Are Kidney Stones Diagnosed and Tested?

High-resolution imaging: Ultrasounds, abdominal X-rays (KUB), and CT scans for precise measurement of stone size, number and location.
Laboratory tests: Blood tests and 24 hour urine analysis to check for underlying issues and stone composition analysis.

What Are the Kidney Stone Treatment Options?

Non-Surgical Treatments

Many kidney stones can be managed without surgery through increased hydration, dietary changes, and medications that help pass or prevent stones.

Minimally Invasive Procedures

Shock Wave Lithotripsy (SWL): Uses targeted sound waves to break stones into smaller pieces that pass naturally through urine.
Ureteroscopy: A thin scope is passed through the urinary tract to locate and remove or break up stones.

Surgical Interventions

For larger or more complex stones, Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) may be recommended to remove them through a small incision in the back.

Personalized Care Plans

At East Texas Kidney Specialists, our nephrologists and dietitians work together to create individualized treatment and prevention plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs.

How Can Kidney Stones Be Prevented?

Preventing kidney stones often requires a combination of healthy lifestyle choices and medical guidance. Steps to reduce your risk of stone recurrence include:

Stay well-hydrated: Drink enough water to produce at least 2–2.5 liters of urine per day. Staying hydrated helps dilute minerals and salts that form stones.
Limit sodium (salt) intake: Too much sodium increases calcium in the urine, raising stone risk. Aim for less than 2,300 mg of sodium per day.
Moderate oxalate-rich foods: Reduce foods like spinach, beets, nuts, chocolate, and tea if you form calcium oxalate stones. Pairing these foods with calcium-rich foods (like yogurt or milk) during meals can help.
Get enough dietary calcium: Don’t cut out calcium unless advised by your doctor. Proper calcium intake helps prevent oxalate absorption.
Limit animal protein: High intake of red meat, poultry, or eggs can increase uric acid levels, contributing to stone formation.
Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity and metabolic syndrome are linked to higher risk of kidney stones.
Manage medical conditions: Controlling high blood pressure, diabetes, and gout supports overall kidney health and lowers stone risk.
Avoid excessive vitamin C supplements: High doses can increase oxalate production.
Follow up regularly with your nephrologist: Routine checkups at East Texas Kidney Specialists can help monitor urine composition, adjust diet, and tailor preventive treatment to your specific stone type.

Why Choose East Texas Kidney Specialists?

Experienced, Board -Certified Nephrologists

Our board-certified nephrologists have years of expertise treating all types of kidney stones. With deep roots in East Texas, we understand the local lifestyle, diet, and risk factors unique to our community.

Advanced Diagnostics & Treatment

We closely collaborate with local radiologists and urologists to ensure each patient receives comprehensive, coordinated care using state-of the-art imaging and minimally invasive treatment options.

Compassionate, Personalized Care

At East Texas Kidney Specialists, every patient receives individualized care focused on comfort, education, and long-term kidney health. Our goal is to deliver lasting relief and excellent outcomes.

FAQs For Kidney Stone Treatment in East Texas

What are the initial signs of kidney stones?

Early symptoms may include severe pain in the back, side, or groin, pain or burning during urination, and blood in the urine. If left untreated, stones can sometimes lead to urinary or bladder infections

How do you treat kidney stones without surgery?

Treatment begins with identifying the specific type of kidney stone, often through a 24-hour urine test performed in a specialized lab. Based on the results, treatment may include hydration, dietary adjustments, and medications to dissolve stones and prevent new ones from forming. If a stone blocks urine flow, we coordinate timely referrals to trusted local urologists for advanced procedures when needed.

Kidney Stones