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Dr. Kate Heritage Kraft, MD is a pediatric urologist in Lansing, MI specializing in pediatric urology. She graduated from Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons in 2004 and has 22 years of experience. Dr. Kate Heritage Kraft, MD is affiliated with The Regents of the University of Michigan, UT Southwestern Medical Center, University of Michigan Health-Sparrow and University of Michigan Health.
University of Michigan Health-Sparrow
UT Southwestern Medical Center
Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are hard deposits that form in the kidneys, made up of minerals that are normally present in urine. They can vary in size, from as small as a grain of sand to as large as a nickel, occasionally even larger. Sometimes they lodge in the kidney, and sometimes they break free and make their way out through the urinary tract, which can be extremely painful.
Kidney stones can be smooth or jagged and are yellow to brown in color. They are mostly comprised of the minerals calcium, oxalate, and phosphorus. Examining the stones to see what they are made of can show what caused the stone to be formed in the first place. For example, a stone made of mostly calcium, which is the most common type, can happen any time the urine becomes too concentrated due to dehydration or a blockage in the kidney. A uric acid stone forms when acid levels in the urine get too high, usually due to excessive consumption of animal protein such as meat and fish. A struvite stone is a sign of certain infections, and a cystine stone can be due to a genetic disorder that raises the risk of kidney stones.
The most common symptom of kidney stones is pain, either in the back or lower abdomen, or severe pain when urinating. There may also be blood in the urine. Treatment for kidney stones depends on how large the stone is. Very small stones can pass out of the body on their own, and they do not require treatment other than drinking adequate water and taking pain killers. Larger stones need to be broken apart and removed. The main treatment options are:
People who have had one kidney stone are at risk of developing another. To reduce this risk, patients are given instructions specific to the type of stone they developed. Generally the instructions will include drinking more water to dilute the urine, but it may also involve lowering sodium intake or eating less meat.
Dr. Kate Heritage Kraft, MD graduated from Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons in 2004. She completed residency at Emory University Affiliated Hospitals. She is certified by the Board Certification: Pediatric Urology and has a state license in Georgia.
Medical School: Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons (2004)
Residency: Emory University Affiliated Hospitals (2009)
Board Certification: Board Certification: Pediatric Urology
Licensed In: Georgia
Dr. Kate Heritage Kraft, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
Dr. Kate Heritage Kraft, MD has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars based on 58 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Kate Heritage Kraft, MD from all over the web to help you find the right in Lansing, MI.
Dr. Kate Kraft is a physician who specializes in pediatric urology. She is rated highly by her patients. Areas of expertise for Dr. Kraft include varicocele, vesicoureteral reflux, and endourologic procedures. Dr. Kraft is affiliated with the University of Michigan Health-Sparrow, the University of Michigan Health, and UT Southwestern Medical Center. Dr. Kraft attended Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons for medical school and subsequently trained at a hospital affiliated with Emory University for residency. She has received professional recognition including the following: Teaching Award and Golden Apple.
