Kidney stones also referred to as renal calculi, nephrolithiasis, or urolithiasis, are solid masses or crystals composed of minerals and salts that form within the kidneys. These stones can vary in size, from tiny grains of sand to large spheres resembling golf balls. Kidney stones may affect any part of the urinary tract — from the kidneys to your bladder. Usually, the concentration of urine causes stones, allowing minerals to crystallize and stick together. Passing kidney stones is quite painful, but if they are detected timely, the stones usually cause no permanent damage.
Depending on your circumstances, you may only require pain medication and increased water intake to pass a kidney stone. In some cases – for example, surgery is required to remove large stones that get trapped in the urinary tract. They are associated with a urinary infection, may cause complications.
Your doctor might suggest preventive treatment to diminish your risk of recurrent kidney stones in case you’re at increased risk of developing them again..
Mostly, kidney stones do not show any symptoms until they move around within your kidney or pass into your ureters. If it becomes stuck in the ureters, it may block the flow of urine and, which can cause the kidney to swell and the ureter to spasm, and it might be very painful. At this point, you may experience these signs and symptoms:
Other indication and symptoms may include:
Level of pain caused due to a kidney stone may change. For example, moving or if it shifts to a different location. The pain intensity may also increase as the stone moves through your urinary tract.
There is no single cause of getting kidney stones. Several factors may increase your risk. Calcium, uric acid and oxalate are crystal forming substances. This creates an ideal environment for kidney stones to form. The stone-forming substances are:
The above-mentioned substances are also types of commonly found kidney stones.
While white men in their 30s and 40s are more commonly affected by kidney stones. Factors that heighten the risk of kidney stone formation include:
Family or personal history. A family history of kidney stones can add up to the chances for you to get them as well. If you have previously experienced one or more kidney stones, you are at an elevated risk of developing another.
Dehydration. Staying dehydrated and not drinking enough water everyday can increase your risk of kidney stones. People who live in warm and dry weather and sweat a lot may be at higher risk than others.
Certain diets. Eating food that has high amounts of protein, high sodium(salt), and sugar can increase your risk of some types of kidney stones. Excessive salt intake in your diet can escalate the amount of calcium that your kidneys need to filter, substantially heightening your risk of developing kidney stones.
Obesity. Elevated body mass index (BMI), larger waist circumference, and weight gain have all been associated with a heightened risk of kidney stones.
Certain supplements and medications: Substances such as vitamin C, dietary supplements, excessive use of laxatives, calcium-based antacids, and certain medications commonly used for treating migraines or depression can heighten your risk of developing kidney stones.
Kidney stones can cause symptoms such as pain, vomiting blood in the urine, and other severe medical complications. These include:
Severe infections, including septicemia (blood poisoning) can be life-threatening.
If your doctor suspects that you have a kidney stone, you may have diagnostic tests and procedures, such as:
Upon diagnosis, your healthcare provider will initially assess whether treatment is necessary. In some cases, smaller kidney stones may pass naturally during urination, which can be accompanied by considerable pain. If your provider determines that treatment is warranted, options may include medications or surgical interventions.
Medications. Medications may be prescribed to:
Before taking ibuprofen, it’s essential to consult your healthcare provider. This medication can heighten the risk of kidney failure, particularly during an acute kidney stone attack. This risk is amplified in individuals with a history of kidney disease, as well as related conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity.
Surgery. There are four types of surgeries utilized for treating kidney stones. The initial three are minimally invasive, indicating that the surgeon accesses your body through a natural opening, such as the urethra, or by making a small incision.
Percutaneous nephrolithotomy:
When kidney stones cannot be effectively treated using other procedures, such as when there are numerous stones, they are too large or heavy, or they are located in challenging areas, percutaneous nephrolithotomy is considered. During this procedure, a tube is directly inserted into your kidney through a small incision made in your back. The stones are then disintegrated using an ultrasound probe and suctioned out, eliminating the need for you to pass any stone fragments. Following the procedure, a urethral stent is placed temporarily (an internal tube extending from the kidney to the bladder), which is typically removed one week later. Patients are usually kept overnight for observation.
There are several ways to decrease your risk of kidney stones, including:
The prognosis for kidney stones is generally favorable, although there is a chance of recurrence, meaning the stones may reappear. Many kidney stones can naturally pass over time without requiring intervention. Medications and surgical procedures to remove larger stones are typically highly effective and require minimal recovery periods.
Recurring kidney stones are possible throughout one’s lifetime. If you experience repeated occurrences, your healthcare provider may collaborate with you to investigate the underlying reasons for their formation. Upon identifying the cause, dietary adjustments may be recommended to mitigate the risk of future stone formation.
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This site is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
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