Kidney Stones: Causes, Symptoms, Preventions and Treatment

 

Kidney stones are tiny, hard deposits that form in your kidneys, the bean-shaped organs that filter waste from your blood. These tiny mineral deposits wreak havoc inside your kidneys, causing some of the most agonizing discomfort a person can experience. While they can be quite painful, the good news is that kidney stones are treatable and often preventable. 

In today’s blog we are here to be your guide. We'll delve into the causes, symptoms, and most importantly the treatment of kidney stones. So, grab a glass of water (hydration is key!), and let's understand kidney stones. 

 



 

Kidney Stones Causes

Kidney stones form when there's an imbalance of substances in your urine. Normally, your urine contains just enough waste dissolved in water to pass smoothly. But sometimes, these substances can clump together and crystallize, forming a stone.

Some of the causes of kidney stones are as follows:

 

Dehydration

When you're dehydrated, the amount of water in your urine decreases. This reduction in fluid volume increases the concentration of dissolved minerals and waste products in your urine.  At higher concentrations, these elements are more likely to interact with each other and come out of solution, forming crystals. Over time, these crystals can clump together into solid structures – the unwelcome kidney stones. 

 

Diet

Certain foods, such as those high in oxalate, sodium, and animal protein, can contribute to kidney stones. High-oxalate foods such as spinach, rhubarb, beets, and even some nuts are rich in oxalate, which can bind with calcium to form stones. A diet heavy in animal protein increases the acid load in your urine, creating an environment conducive to stone formation, particularly uric acid stones. Salty foods can increase calcium excretion in the urine, tipping the scales towards stone formation. 

 

Medical conditions

Certain medical conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease and recurrent urinary tract infections, can increase your risk.

 

Family history

If kidney stones seem to be a recurring theme in your family tree, you might be predisposed. Inherited factors can influence how your body processes certain minerals, increasing your risk. 

 



 

Kidney Stones Symptoms

Symptoms of kidney stones might not occur until the stone moves within your kidney or passes into your ureter. When this happens, you may experience:

• Severe Pain. Typically felt in the side and back, below the ribs.


• Pain that Radiates. Extending to the lower abdomen and groin.


• Pain on Urination. A sharp, burning sensation while urinating.


• Pink, Red, or Brown Urine. Indicates the presence of blood in the urine.


• Cloudy or Foul-Smelling Urine. Could be a sign of an infection.


• Nausea and Vomiting. Often due to the intense pain.


• Persistent Need to Urinate. A frequent urge to urinate.


• Urinating Small Amounts. Frequent urination with less volume.


• Fever and Chills. May occur if an infection is present.

 

These symptoms can vary in intensity and should prompt you to seek medical attention. Proper diagnosis may lead to better treatment choices and timely recovery. 

 

Kidney Stones Preventions

The good news is that there are steps you can take to prevent kidney stones. Some of the preventions of kidney stones are as follows:

• Drink plenty of fluids. Aim for eight to ten glasses of water per day. This will help dilute your urine and prevent stones from forming.


• Eat a healthy diet. Limit your intake of animal protein, sodium, and oxalate-rich foods like spinach, rhubarb, and beets.

• Maintain a healthy weight. Obesity is a risk factor for kidney stones.


• Don't ignore UTIs. Let your doctor know if you experience a urinary tract infection, as these can increase your risk of kidney stones.

 



 

Kidney Stones Treatment

Kidney stones may be small, but the pain they cause can be anything but. If you've been unfortunate enough to experience this discomfort, you're probably wondering how to get them out of there. Luckily, modern medicine offers a variety of treatment options to address kidney stones, depending on their size and location. 

 

Shockwave lithotripsy

This uses shockwaves to break the stone into smaller pieces that can then pass through your urine.

 

Ureteroscopy

A thin tube with a camera is inserted through your urethra and bladder to locate and break up the stone with lasers.

 

Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PNL)

For large or complex stones, a small incision is made in your back to access the kidney and remove the stone. 

 

Conclusion

Kidney stones can be a painful experience, but they are treatable and often preventable. By following the tips above, you can help reduce your risk of developing kidney stones. If you experience any symptoms of kidney stones, it's important to see your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. 

 

FAQs

1. How are kidney stones diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves a physical exam, medical history, and imaging tests such as ultrasound, X-ray, CT scan, or intravenous pyelogram (IVP). Urine and blood tests may also be conducted to identify the cause of the stones.

 

2. Can kidney stones recur?

Yes, individuals who have had kidney stones are at a higher risk of developing them again. Preventive measures and lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk of recurrence.

 

3 .Is it possible to pass kidney stones without treatment?

Small stones may pass on their own without treatment, but larger stones may require medical intervention. Drinking plenty of water can help small stones pass more easily.

 

4. Are there different types of kidney stones?

Yes, there are several types of kidney stones, including calcium oxalate, calcium phosphate, uric acid, struvite, and cystine stones. Each type has different causes and treatment approaches.

 

5. When should I seek medical attention for kidney stones?

Seek medical attention if you experience severe pain, blood in the urine, difficulty urinating, persistent nausea and vomiting, fever and chills, or if you suspect you have a kidney stone. Prompt medical care can prevent complications and help manage pain effectively.

 

6. What should I do if I suspect I have a kidney stone?

If you suspect you have a kidney stone, drink plenty of water and seek medical advice. Your doctor can provide an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan to manage the condition and alleviate symptoms.