What Are Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones are solid formations made of crystals formed from minerals, acids, and salts in your kidneys.
They can vary in size from as small as a grain of sand to more significant than a golf ball.
Renal calculi or nephrolithiasis, kidney stones can be asymptomatic or cause considerable discomfort, especially when trapped in the ureter—the tube draining urine from the kidney to the bladder
What Are the Symptoms and Causes?
Symptoms: The primary symptom of kidney stones is severe flank pain that may radiate to the lower back, belly, or groin.
Other symptoms include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Bloody urine
- Painful urination
- Frequent urge to urinate
- Fever or chills
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
Causes: Kidney stones form when calcium, sodium, oxalate, and uric acid become overly concentrated in the urine, forming crystals.
Factors contributing to this condition include
- Dehydration
- Excessive animal protein intake, and certain medical conditions.
What Are the Risk Factors and Complications?
- Insufficient fluid intake
- High-protein diets
- High sodium and sugar intake
- Family history of kidney stones
- Certain medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, gout, obesity)
Complications: Kidney stones can lead to serious health issues, including:
- Hydronephrosis (swelling due to urine backup)
- Kidney infections
- Acute kidney injury
- Frequent urinary tract infections
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
How Are Kidney Stones Diagnosed and Treated?
Diagnosis: Doctors diagnose kidney stones using urine tests, imaging (X-rays, CT scans, ultrasound), and blood tests.
Treatment:
Small Stones: If a stone is likely to pass independently, doctors may recommend monitoring symptoms and providing pain relief medications.
Larger Stones: Treatment may include:
- Shockwave Lithotripsy: Uses shockwaves to break stones from outside the body.
- Ureteroscopy: A scope is inserted to remove or break up the stone.
- Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: A tube is inserted through the back to remove larger stones.
- Laparoscopic Surgery: A minimally invasive approach for stone removal.
How Can Kidney Stones Be Prevented?
To decrease the risk of developing kidney stones, consider:
- Drinking plenty of water
- Limiting animal proteins and high sugar/sodium foods
- Eating foods rich in calcium (from dietary sources, not supplements)
- Maintaining a healthy weight
You are consulting your doctor for personalized dietary recommendations and potential medications.
If you suspect you have kidney stones or want to learn more about your kidney health, contact Om Supatham Hospital today. Our experienced team is you through diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies for optimal kidney health!
