Kidney Stones

Kidney Stones are abnormal mineral and salt deposits that form inside the kidneys. It might include severe pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, chills and blood in your urine.

Kidney Stones are abnormal mineral and salt deposits that form inside the kidneys. The stones may form when the urine becomes concentrated, causing the minerals to crystallize and form deposits that can affect the urinary tract. Usually, the deposits are small as sand grains, but they can grow much larger, as the size of a pea, a marble, or even larger. The stones get trapped in the urinary tract, causing a blockage of urine and significant discomfort.

Causes and Risk Factors of Kidney Stones

There’s not a single cause for Kidney Stones to form, but several factors may increase your risk of developing them:

If someone in your family has developed them
Dehydration
Diets high in protein and sodium
Obesity
Digestive diseases and surgery
Gout

Symptoms of Kidney Stones

Extreme pain in the side and back and below the ribs
Burning sensation and pain when urinating
Abnormal urine color (pink, red, or brown)
Persistent urge to urinate
Nausea and vomiting

Diagnosis of Kidney Stones

Physical Examination
Blood work - Laboratory
Urine testing - Laboratory
Imaging tests
Analysis of stones

Treatment of Kidney Stones

In most cases, Kidney Stones don’t need invasive treatment. However, when the stones are abnormally larger, they will require a more extensive procedure that may include:

Sound waves to break up stones (Lithotripsy)
Surgery
Using a scope to remove them

Living with Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are common and highly treatable. Depending on its size, the Urologist will determine the appropriate treatment type and whether an invasive procedure is necessary.

While waiting for kidney stone removal, either with an invasive procedure or naturally, you can take specific actions to take care of yourself, mitigate pain, and make the whole process easier. The Urologist may prescribe over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen, to control pain. Applying heat can also help.

Drinking plenty of fluids will aid in the elimination process and prevent new stones from forming. Reducing the consumption of animal protein and salt and increasing citrates in the diet (present in foods such as oranges and grapefruits) will also help new stone formation.

When should I visit the doctor?

If you have any of the symptoms above, you should see your Urologist , confirm the presence of kidney stones, and determine the most appropriate treatment according to their size.

When consulting the urologist, recording all the symptoms and how long they have manifested themselves is essential. If you are taking any medication, you should also mention it to the doctor. Learning more about kidney stones is the first step in controlling them.

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