Rapid Treatment for Kidney Stones in Southern California

Kidney stones, or renal lithiasis, develop when small, calcium-rich particles form into crystallized materials in one or both of your kidneys. They can be a painful, and sometimes life-threatening, condition. Our emergency services specialists at Dignity Health Southern California are experts at diagnosing and treating kidney stone symptoms with personalized care.

Find a Doctor if you suspect kidney stones in Southern California. In an emergency, use InQuicker, our online waiting tool, to select an expected arrival time to seek treatment for kidney stones at our emergency room.

When to Seek Emergency Services at Dignity Health Southern California

It’s important to know the signs and symptoms of kidney stones. If a stone gets stuck in a ureter, the tube that connects the kidney and bladder, life-threatening kidney damage and infections can occur.

Recognizing Signs & Symptoms of Kidney Stones

Kidney stones that remain in the kidney without movement generally do not cause symptoms. Small stones can pass through the body without causing pain. However, a large stone that’s passing out of the kidney can cause severe pain to the lower side of the back.

Other signs of kidney stones are: 

  • Difficulty urinating
  • Blood in the urine
  • Profuse sweating
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting

These symptoms require immediate medical attention. Call 911 or visit your nearest Dignity Health Southern California emergency room.

What Causes Kidney Stones?

Certain conditions and characteristics can increase the chances of developing kidney stones.

Common risk factors are:

  • Prolonged exposure to a hot climate or high altitude
  • Dehydration
  • Obesity
  • Gout
  • High-protein diet
  • Urinary tract infection
  • Personal or family history of kidney stones
  • Prolonged inactivity such as being bedridden

Treating Kidney Stones

Although drinking fluids can flush the stone out of your body, we can also prescribe medication to rid your body of kidney stones. For large, hard-to-remove stones, our doctors at Dignity Health Southern California can perform a wide-range of procedures to crush the stones, including surgery, catheter insertion, and shock wave therapy.

Let our doctors in Long Beach, Northridge, Downtown LA, Glendale, and Inland Empire cities San Bernardino, Fontana, and Highland find the cause and treat your kidney pain with personal care. 

Dignity Health Southern California can help you live pain-free by treating kidney stones with humankindness.