ConditionandTreatments

Overview

Kidney stones are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside the kidneys. They can affect any part of the urinary tract, from the kidneys to the bladder. The stones form when the urine becomes concentrated, allowing minerals to crystallize and stick together. Passing kidney stones can be quite painful, but they usually cause no permanent damage if they are recognized in a timely manner.

Symptoms and Causes

What are the symptoms of kidney stones?

The most common symptom of kidney stones is pain in the lower back, belly, or side (flank pain). This pain may extend from the groin to the side and can be either dull or sharp and severe. It's sometimes referred to as colicky pain because it can intensify in waves.

Other symptoms of kidney stones include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Blood in the urine
• Painful urination
• Difficulty urinating
• Frequent urge to urinate
• Fever or chills
• Cloudy or foul-smelling urine

Smaller kidney stones may not cause pain or other noticeable symptoms.

What causes kidney stones?

Kidney stones form when your urine contains high levels of certain minerals and substances such as calcium, sodium, oxalate, and uric acid. When these particles accumulate and there is insufficient liquid to dilute them, they can crystallize and form stones. Kidney stones can develop over the course of months or even years.

Types of Kidney Stones

There are several types of kidney stones, each with different causes:

• Calcium Stones: The most common type, usually in the form of calcium oxalate. Oxalate is a naturally occurring substance found in food and is also produced by the liver. Calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate are the two main types.
• Struvite Stones: These can form in response to an infection, such as a urinary tract infection. These stones can grow quickly and become quite large.
• Uric Acid Stones: These can form in people who lose too much fluid due to chronic diarrhea or malabsorption, those who eat a high-protein diet, and those with diabetes or metabolic syndrome.
• Cystine Stones: These form in people with a hereditary disorder that causes the kidneys to excrete too much of certain amino acids (cystinuria).

What are the complications of kidney stones?

Kidney stones can lead to several complications, including:

• Hydronephrosis: A blockage that causes urine to back up into the kidney, leading to swelling.
• Kidney infection (pyelonephritis).
• Acute kidney injury: A type of kidney failure that can be reversible.
• Frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs).
• Chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Diagnosis and Tests

How are kidney stones diagnosed?

Healthcare providers use a combination of imaging, blood, and urine tests to diagnose kidney stones. If your provider suspects you have a kidney stone based on your symptoms and physical examination, you may need one or more of the following tests:

• Urine Test: To check for blood, stone-forming crystals, and signs of infection in your urine.
• Imaging: X-rays, CT scans (computed tomography scans), and ultrasounds help visualize the size, shape, location, and number of stones.
• Blood Tests: To assess kidney function, detect infections, and check for high levels of calcium or other conditions that could lead to stone formation.
• Analysis of Passed Stones: If you pass a stone, having it analyzed in the lab can help determine its cause and develop a targeted prevention plan.

Treatment

Treatment for kidney stones varies depending on the type of stone and the cause. Treatment options include:

Medication

• Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers or prescription medications.
• Medication to Pass Stones: Alpha blockers, which relax the muscles in the ureter and help you pass the stone more quickly and with less pain.
• Preventive Medications: For stones caused by chronic conditions, such as thiazide diuretics for calcium stones or allopurinol for uric acid stones.

Surgery

• Ureteroscopy: A provider inserts a scope through your urethra and bladder into your ureter. Instruments passed through the scope can break up and remove the stone, allowing the smaller pieces to move through your urinary tract and out of your body more easily.
• Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: This procedure is recommended when other treatments are ineffective. Your provider inserts a tube directly into your kidney through a tiny incision in your back. An ultrasound probe breaks apart and removes the stones.
• Laparoscopic Surgery: In this procedure, your provider makes a small incision to remove the stone. In some rare cases, open surgery (with a larger incision) may be necessary instead of laparoscopy.

Kidney Stones Prevention

Preventing kidney stones depends on the type of stone and the severity of symptoms. Here’s a comprehensive approach to reducing the risk of kidney stones:

Hydration

• Fluid Intake: The best way to prevent kidney stones is to drink 6–8 glasses of water daily to produce a large amount of urine.
• Variety of Fluids: While water is best, incorporating fluids like lemonade and other citrus beverages can help due to their natural citrate content.

Dietary Adjustments

• Calcium Intake: Consume the right amount of dietary calcium. Calcium supplements should be discussed with a healthcare provider, as they can increase the risk of stone formation in some people.
• Reduce Oxalates: Limit foods high in oxalates, such as spinach, rhubarb, nuts, and wheat bran if you are prone to calcium oxalate stones.
• Limit Salt: High sodium intake can trigger kidney stones because it increases the amount of calcium in the urine.
• Protein Consumption: Reduce the amount of animal protein you eat, as too much can raise the risk of kidney stones.
• Fruits and Vegetables: A diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help prevent stones by making the urine less acidic.
• Balanced Diet: Avoid crash diets for weight loss, as they can increase the risk of stone formation.

FAQs

• What causes kidney stones? Kidney stones form when the urine contains more crystal-forming substances — such as calcium, oxalate, and uric acid — than the fluid in your urine can dilute.
• Can kidney stones be prevented? Yes, drinking plenty of water, eating a balanced diet, and taking prescribed medications can help prevent stones.
• Are there any complications associated with kidney stones? Complications can include urinary tract infections and, in severe cases, kidney damage.
• How painful is passing a kidney stone? Passing a kidney stone can be very painful and is often compared to childbirth.
• When should I see a doctor for kidney stones? You should see a doctor if you experience severe pain, blood in your urine, difficulty urinating, or symptoms of infection such as fever and chills.

Conclusion

Kidney stones are a common yet painful condition. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent complications. At Yatharth Hospital, our team of experienced urologists is equipped with advanced diagnostic tools and treatment options to provide comprehensive care for kidney stones. If you experience any symptoms or have concerns about kidney stones, do not hesitate to consult with our specialists.