What are kidney stones?
Kidney stones, also known as renal calculi or nephrolithiasis, are solid, pebble-like masses that develop in the kidneys. They form when there's an imbalance in the levels of certain substances in urine, such as calcium, oxalate, and uric acid. These substances can crystallise and clump together, creating stones that vary in size from a grain of sand to a golf ball.
What do kidney stones look like?
Kidney stones can vary in appearance depending on their composition and size.[1] They may be smooth or jagged and can range in colour from yellow to brown. Some common appearances include:
- Calcium stones: Usually brown or yellow, with a smooth or jagged surface
- Uric acid stones: Often smooth, round, and yellow or reddish-brown
- Struvite stones: Typically large and horn-shaped
- Cystine stones: Usually yellow and crystalline in appearance
Types of Kidney Stones
There are several types of kidney stones, each with different compositions:
- Calcium stones: The most common type, accounting for about 80% of all kidney stones. These are primarily composed of calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate.
- Uric acid stones: Form when urine is consistently acidic and can occur in people with gout or those who consume a high-protein diet.
- Struvite stones: Often associated with urinary tract infections and can grow quite large quickly.
- Cystine stones: Rare and hereditary, resulting from a genetic disorder that causes cystine to leak into the urine.
What are the symptoms of a Kidney Stones
Kidney stone symptoms can vary depending on the stone's size and location. Common symptoms include:
- Severe pain in the side, back, lower abdomen, or groyne
- Pain that comes in waves and fluctuates in intensity
- Pain or burning sensation during urination
- Urgent and frequent need to urinate
- Blood in the urine (hematuria)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Cloudy or smelly urine
- Fever and chills (if an infection is present)
It's important to note that small kidney stones may pass through the urinary tract without causing noticeable symptom
What causes Kidney Stones
Several factors can contribute to the formation of kidney stones, or renal calculi:
- Insufficient fluid intake: Not drinking enough water can lead to concentrated urine, increasing the risk of stone formation.
- Diet: Consuming foods high in oxalates, sodium, and animal protein can increase the risk of certain types of stones.
- Medical conditions: Conditions such as gout, inflammatory bowel disease, and chronic diarrhoea can increase the riskof kidney stones.
- Genetics: Some people have a hereditary predisposition to developing kidney stones.
- Certain medications: Some medications, such as diuretics and calcium-based antacids, can increase the risk of stone formation.
- Obesity: Being overweight or obese is associated with an increased risk of kidney stones.
- Lack of physical activity: A sedentary lifestyle may contribute to stone formation.
How to prevent Kidney Stones
Preventing kidney stones involves making some dietary and lifestyle changes. Here are some of the most effective strategies:
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Aim for at least 8-10 glasses daily.
- Adjust your diet: Reduce sodium and animal protein intake. Eat calcium-rich foods but avoid calcium supplements unless prescribed by your doctor.
- Medical conditions: Conditions such as gout, inflammatory bowel disease, and chronic diarrhoea can increase the riskof kidney stones.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity increases the risk of kidney stones.
- Limit certain foods: Reduce consumption of oxalate-rich foods like spinach, chocolate, and nuts if you're prone to calcium oxalate stones.
- Consider lemon juice: Citrate in lemon juice may help prevent certain types of stones.
- Avoid excessive vitamin C supplements: High doses can increase oxalate levels in your urine. By incorporating these prevention strategies into your daily routine, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing kidney stones.
Kidney Stones Diagnosis and Tests
Ever wondered how doctors figure out if you have kidney stone, or renal calculi? Well, they use a few different methods:
- Physical exam: Your doctor will feel your belly and ask about your kidney stone symptoms.
- Urine tests: You might need to pee in a cup. This helps check for infections and see what's in your urine.
- Blood tests: A quick prick of the needle can tell a lot about what's going on inside.
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Imaging tests:
These are like taking pictures of your insides. You might have:
- An ultrasound (like the ones used for pregnant women)
- A CT scan (a special kind of X-ray that shows detailed images)
- Sometimes, a regular X-ray
- Limit certain foods: Reduce consumption of oxalate-rich foods like spinach, chocolate, and nuts if you're prone to calcium oxalate stones.
- Consider lemon juice: Citrate in lemon juice may help prevent certain types of stones.
- Avoid excessive vitamin C supplements: High doses can increase oxalate levels in your urine. By incorporating these prevention strategies into your daily routine, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing kidney stones.
These tests help your doctor see where the kidney stonekidney stone is and how big it is. This info helps them decide on the best kidney stone treatment for you.
Dr. Vishal Dutt Gour
MBBS , MS - General Surgery , MCh - Urology
- Pain Management Specialist
- 22+ Years Years Experience
Dr. Gautam Banga
MBBS, MS - General Surgery, MCh - Urology Urologist, Andrologist, Urological Surgeon
- Pain Management Specialist
- 13+ Years Years Experience
When to See a Doctor for Kidney Stones?
You might be wondering, "Do I really need to see a doctor?" Well, here are some signs that it's time to get checked out for kidney stones:
- If the kidney stone pain is so bad you can't sit still
- If you're feeling sick to your stomach and throwing up
- If you have a fever and chills (this could mean an infection)
- If you see blood in your pee
- If you're having trouble peeing
Don't try to tough it out! These symptoms could mean your kidney stone is causing problems, and you need help to avoid complications.
Kidney Stones Treatments
The treatment approach for kidney stones depends on the size, location, and type of stone. Here are some common treatment options:
- Passing stones naturally: For small stones (usually less than 4 mm), increasing fluid intake and taking pain medication may be sufficient. Drinking plenty of water helps flush out the urinary system and may allow the stone to pass on its own.
- Medications: Your doctor may prescribe certain medications to help manage pain or facilitate stone passage.[
- Alpha blockers can relax the muscles in the ureter, making it easier for stones to pass. Other medications may be used to manage pain or address underlying causes of stone formation.
- Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL): This non-invasive procedure uses sound waves to break larger stones into smaller pieces that can pass more easily through the urinary tract. It's often used for stones in the kidney or upper ureter.
- Ureteroscopy: For stones in the ureter or kidney, a thin tube with a camera is passed through the urethra and bladder to locate and remove the stone or break it into smaller pieces. This procedure is commonly used for stones that are too large to pass on their own but too small for shock wave lithotripsy.
- Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL): This surgical procedure is used for very large kidney stones or stones that can't be treated with other methods. A small incision is made in the back, and a nephroscope is used to locate and remove the stone.
- Laser lithotripsy: In this procedure, a laser is used to break up the stone into smaller fragments that can be passed more easily. This is often done in conjunction with ureteroscopy.For larger or more complex stones, your doctor may recommend a combination of these treatments to effectively remove the stone and prevent complications.
Kidney Stones Medications
Several medications can be used to manage kidney stones:
- Pain relievers: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or opioids for kidney stone pain management.
- Alpha-blockers: To relax the ureter and facilitate kidney stone passage.
- Thiazide diuretics: To prevent calcium stones from forming.
- Allopurinol To reduce uric acid levels and prevent uric acid stones.
- Antibiotics: If a urinary tract infection is present.
- Potassium citrate To help prevent certain types of stones by making urine less acidic.
Kidney Stones Treatment Cost
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Foods That Can Cause Kidney Stones
Certain foods may increase the risk of kidney stone formation, especially in susceptible individuals:
- High-oxalate foods: Spinach, rhubarb, nuts, chocolate, beets, and some berries
- High-sodium foods: Processed foods, canned soups, and salty snacks
- Animal proteins: Excessive consumption of meat, fish, and poultry
- Sugar and high-fructose corn syrup: Found in many processed foods and beverages
- Alcohol and caffeinated beverages: Can lead to dehydration if consumed in excess
- Potassium citrate To help prevent certain types of stones by making urine less acidic.
Foods to eat with Kidney Stones
A balanced diet can help prevent kidney stones Consider incorporating these foods:
- Water-rich fruits and vegetables: Watermelon, cucumber, celery
- Citrus fruits: Lemons, limes, oranges (rich in citrate, which may prevent stone formation)
- Low-fat dairy products Good source of calcium without excessive animal protein
- Whole grains: Rich in fibre and nutrients
- Plant-based proteins: Beans, lentils, and tofu as alternatives to animal protein
- Potassium-rich foods: Bananas, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens.
Outlook and Prognosis
The prognosis for kidney stones is generally good, with most people recovering fully. However, having one kidney stone increases the risk of developing another within 5-7 years. Adhering to prevention strategies and following your doctor's advice can significantly reduce the risk of recurrence.
FAQs for Kidney Stones
Early signs of kidney stones may include:
- Dull ache in the lower back or side
- Increased urge to urinate
- Discomfort or burning sensation during urination
- Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
Kidney stone pain is often described as one of the most severe types of pain. It typically:
- Starts suddenly and intensifies quickly
- Comes in waves
- Radiates from the side and back to the lower abdomen and groin
- May be accompanied by nausea and vomiting
The best treatment depends on the size and location of the stone. Small stones may pass naturally with pain management, while larger stones might require medical intervention like ESWL or ureteroscopy.
While it's not always possible to dissolve kidney stones quickly, some strategies may help:
- Drinking plenty of water Consuming lemon juice or other citrus fruits
- Taking prescribed medications to help break down certain types of stones
For small stones, self-care measures like drinking plenty of water and taking over-the-counter pain relievers may be sufficient. However, it's important to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and kidney stone treatment.
Methods to get rid of kidney stones include:
- Increasing fluid intake to help flush out small stones
- Taking prescribed medications to facilitate stone passage
- Undergoing medical procedures like ESWL or ureteroscopy for larger stones
Kidney stones are typically diagnosed through a combination of:
- Medical history and physical examination
- Imaging tests (CT scan, ultrasound, or X-ray)
- Urinalysis and blood tests
- Stone analysis (if a stone is passed)
By understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for kidney stones, you can take proactive steps to prevent their formation and seek timely medical care when needed. Remember, staying hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet are key factors in reducing your risk of developing kidney stones.
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Dr. Vishal Dutt Gour is the Consultant Urologist and Male Fertility Specialist at SCI International Hospital. After graduating as a doctor from Seth GS Medical College and KEM Hospital in Mumbai, Dr. Gour gained his General Surgery and Urology Specialist qualifications from B J Medical College and Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad. He was awarded the Shri Dhirajlal Desai Medal for first in M.Ch (Urology).
