Introduction
Kidney stones are hard, crystalline masses formed from substances like minerals and salts in your urine.
They can range from tiny, like a grain of sand, to as big as a golf ball.
Smaller stones often pass through your urinary tract independently, causing significant pain as they move. However, larger stones may become lodged in your ureter, leading to complications like blockages, which may require medical intervention to break up or remove the stones.
Symptoms and Causes
The primary symptom of kidney stones is intense pain in the lower back, belly, or side, often radiating towards the groin. This pain can be sharp and comes in waves, commonly called colicky pain.
Other symptoms include
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Painful urination
- Bloody or cloudy urine
- Frequent urge to urinate
Kidney stones form when the urine contains high concentrations of certain substances, such as
- Calcium
- Oxalate
- Uric acid
which crystallize and stick together.
Dehydration, High-sodium diets and certain medical conditions increase the risk of developing kidney stones.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Kidney stones are diagnosed using imaging tests like
- X rays
- Ultrasounds
- CT scans
along with urine and blood tests to identify stone-forming substances and assess kidney function.
The treatment varies and depends upon the stone
- Size
- Location
Smaller stones may pass naturally with increased fluid intake and pain management.
Larger stones that cause blockage or do not pass on their own may require
- Shockwave lithotripsy
- Ureteroscopy
- Percutaneous nephrolithotomy
to break up or remove the stone.
Prevention
Preventing kidney stones involves dietary and lifestyle changes, such as
- Drinking plenty of water to dilute the substances in your urine
- Reducing intake of animal proteins, sodium, and foods high in oxalates
- Maintaining a healthy weight
In some cases, medications may be prescribed to prevent the development of specific types of stones. It is essential to consult with your doctor or dietitian to develop a personalized plan to reduce your risk of kidney stones.
Living with Kidney Stones
While kidney stones can be excruciating, they are usually not life-threatening and often resolve with treatment.
After experiencing a kidney stone, you are at a higher risk of developing more in the future.
Following your doctor's advice on lifestyle changes and preventive measures is essential to reduce this risk.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of kidney stones, don’t wait—consult your doctor today to discuss diagnosis and treatment options. Make sure to follow up with recommended lifestyle changes to prevent future stones.
