Kidney stones are a common condition that can cause pain and discomfort. If you suspect you may have a kidney stone, consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. But what type of doctor should you see?

• Primary Care Physician

If you are showing symptoms of kidney stones, your primary care physician should be your first point of contact. A primary care physician is a general practitioner qualified to identify and manage a variety of medical issues. 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.

If your kidney stones are small and asymptomatic, your primary care doctor may recommend waiting to see if they pass on their own. They may also suggest over-the-counter pain relievers to help with any discomfort.

If your kidney stones are larger or causing significant symptoms, your primary care doctor may refer you to a specialist for further evaluation and treatment.

• Urologist

A urologist is a physician specializing in the male reproductive system and urinary tract. They are skilled in diagnosing and managing various conditions, including kidney stones. If your primary care doctor refers you to a urologist, the urologist will perform a physical examination and order additional tests to confirm the diagnosis and select the most appropriate treatment method.

Treatment options may include medications to help dissolve the stones or surgical removal of kidney stones. Kidney stone removal techniques include:

1. Shock Wave Lithotripsy: This procedure breaks the stones into smaller pieces so they can be passed in the urine.
2. Ureteroscopy: This procedure involves inserting a small camera into the urinary tract to locate and remove the stones.
3. Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: A small incision is made in the back to remove the stones through a tube.

Depending on the size and location of the stones and your overall health, your urologist will discuss the best course of action with you.

• Nephrologist

A nephrologist is a medical specialist with expertise in the kidneys and urinary system. They have the necessary skills to diagnose and manage various kidney disorders, including kidney stones. Your primary care doctor or urologist may recommend seeing a nephrologist for additional tests and treatment if your kidney stones are the result of an underlying kidney condition such as kidney disease.

In addition to treating kidney stones, a nephrologist may recommend lifestyle changes and medications to manage any underlying kidney issues and reduce the risk of developing more kidney stones in the future.

In conclusion, if you are experiencing symptoms of kidney stones, your primary care physician should be your first point of contact. They will order diagnostic tests to confirm the diagnosis and determine the most appropriate course of action. If your kidney stones are larger or causing significant symptoms, you may be referred to a urologist or nephrologist for further evaluation and treatment.

If you think you may have a kidney stone, see a doctor immediately as it can be very painful and uncomfortable. If left untreated, kidney stones can lead to other serious health problems such as kidney infections and kidney damage.

Symptoms of kidney stones may include:

1. Pain in the side, back, or lower abdomen
2. Pain or discomfort while urinating
3. Blood in the urine
4. Frequent urge to urinate
5. Nausea and vomiting

If you experience any of these symptoms, consult a healthcare professional as soon as possible. Your primary care physician will perform a physical examination and order diagnostic tests such as a CT scan or ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis and determine the size and location of the stones.

Treatment options may include medications to help dissolve the stones or procedures to remove them, depending on the size and location of the stones. Shock wave lithotripsy, ureteroscopy, or percutaneous nephrolithotomy are procedures that can be used to remove kidney stones. The size and location of the stones, as well as your overall health, will be considered 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%20infection.