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Even though kidney stones are small, they can cause blood in the urine, nausea, vomiting and a lot of pain — sometimes worse than child labor pains. Fortunately, stones that are less than two centimeters, or about one inch, in diameter may be successfully treated using shock waves in a procedure called lithotripsy.

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is the most commonly used treatment to eliminate kidney stones. It works by targeting shock waves outside the body through skin and tissue at kidney stones, causing them to eventually break and crumble into tiny pieces that can pass in urine. The decision to have ESWL is based on the size, shape and location of the stone, as well as general and kidney health. Some people who may not be candidates for the procedure include pregnant women, and those who are obese or have bleeding disorders, infections or severe skeletal abnormalities.

Lithotripsy usually is performed using light sedation or some form of anesthesia. The patient is positioned on the exam table on top of a soft, water-filled cushion. High-energy shock waves, which may cause a light tapping sensation, are then directed at the kidney stones to break them up. The procedure usually takes about 45 minutes to an hour followed by an hour or two in the recovery room. Most patients go home the same day as their procedure and can return to normal activities in two to three days. They may experience blood in the urine and abdominal pain for several days. 

As with any procedure, talk with your doctor to find out if ESWL is right for you. To learn more about this non-invasive treatment option for kidney stones, visit the free, online health library on the Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake website at www.DoctorsHospitalDallas.com/Lithotripsy.

Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake

9400 Poppy Drive
Dallas, TX 75218

214-324-6100
www.doctorshospitaldallas.com

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Ah, spring. The weather’s getting warmer and the flowers and trees are blooming. You want to spend more time outside enjoying the great weather — and then it hits. Your sinuses clog up, your eyes are running and you are sneezing your head off.

Welcome to seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever or allergic rhinitis. For some people, spring brings the worst of the symptoms. Others can react more in summer and fall, when grasses and weeds are pollinating. Some people react to allergens like spores, dust mites, cockroaches and pet dander that cause symptoms throughout the year.

So what can you do? If your symptoms become severe, talk to your doctor. There are several prescription medications designed to treat these types of allergies. Over-the-counter allergy medications also are available to treat allergy symptoms. Other at-home treatment options may include using a sinus rinse or wash to gently clear mucus and allergens from nasal and sinus passages. Other ways to help avoid airborne allergens include:

  • Keeping doors and windows closed and using an air conditioner at home and in the car.
  • Not hanging laundry, especially bedding, outside.
  • Limiting outdoor activity early in the morning when pollen counts are higher.
  • Staying inside when it’s windy outside.
  • Replacing air conditioner filters monthly and using a high-efficiency particulate air filter.
  • Wearing a dust mask when outside, especially for activities like gardening.
  • If possible, avoid mowing the lawn or raking leaves, as these activities send more pollen into the air.
  • Using special cases to enclose pillows, mattresses and box springs to limit exposure to dust mites.

To learn more about allergies — and how to avoid seasonal triggers — visit the free, online health library on the Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake website at DoctorsHospitalDallas.com/SeasonalAllergies.

Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake

9400 Poppy Drive
Dallas, TX 75218

214 324-6100
www.doctorshospitaldallas.com

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There are many different kinds of warning signs posted along streets, roads and highways. No passing zone, railroad crossing, merging traffic, divided highway, school zone, animal crossing, construction ahead, narrow bridge — the list goes on.

Similar to these recognizable yellow and black traffic signs are warning signs for heart attacks. Becoming familiar with these signs could save your life, just like paying attention to warning signs when you are driving.

The key to surviving a heart attack is knowing the warning signs so you can get emergency medical treatment. If you think you are having a heart attack, call 9-1-1 immediately for an ambulance to take you to the hospital. Do not try to drive yourself.

Some of the early warning signs of a heart attack include:

  • Chest pain or discomfort that lasts longer than a few minutes or goes away and then comes back. This pain may be severe and feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing or fullness that is not relieved by changing positions or resting.
  • Pain that extends to other areas of the body, such as the shoulder, arm, back, neck, jaw or stomach.
  • Shortness of breath, as well as lightheadedness, sweating, fatigue, fainting, nausea or vomiting. 

It is important to remember that not all people who have heart attacks experience the same symptoms or to the same degree. The warning signs of a heart attack for women may be slightly different than those for men. While both commonly experience chest pain or discomfort, women may be more likely to have shortness of breath, nausea and vomiting, and back or jaw pain.

For tips about how to respond to a heart attack, visit the free, online health library on the Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake website at DoctorsHospitalDallas.com/HeartAttackResponse.

Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake

9400 Poppy Drive
Dallas, TX 75218

214-324-6100
www.doctorshospitaldallas.com