What are kidney stones - it's causes, symptoms and treatment

Kidney Stones Introduction

Kidney stones, also known as renal calculi, are solid crystalline masses that can develop in any part of the urinary tract, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. They can range in size from a grain of sand to as large as a golf ball and can cause severe pain and other symptoms. Factors that increase the risk of developing kidney stones include not drinking enough fluids, a diet high in salt, sugar, oxalates, and phosphates, a family history of renal calculi, certain medical conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and urinary tract infections, as well as certain medications and gastric bypass surgery. Kidney stones are formed when substances present in the urine, such as oxalates, calcium, uric acid, phosphate, cystine, and xanthine, become concentrated and crystallize due to various factors like less fluid intake, blockages, or specific health conditions.

The Types of Kidney Stones

Kidney stones have various types with distinct causes. Some examples include Calcium Stones, which are commonly made of calcium oxalate and can be caused by factors such as low fluid intake or lack of dietary calcium. Uric Acid stones, on the other hand, are often caused by consuming purine-rich foods and are more likely to develop in individuals with a family history of uric acid stones or gout, as well as those receiving chemotherapy. Struvite Stones, which tend to be larger and more commonly found in females, form as a result of urinary tract infections. Lastly, Cystine Stones, which are formed due to a rare genetic condition called Cystinuria and tend to run in families.

 Symptoms of Kidney Stones

Renal calculi can often remain asymptomatic for an extended period of time. However, when symptoms do arise, the most common and recognizable one is kidney stone pain, which typically occurs when a stone moves out of the kidney or obstructs a ureter. This pain can be severe and may require a trip to the emergency room. Other symptoms may include cloudy or foul-smelling urine, red or pink urine due to blood, urinary urgency, nausea and vomiting, fever and chills, and passing only small amounts of urine.

 Diagnosis and evaluation

See your doctor if you have these symptoms to avoid worsening of symptoms or spread of infection to the kidneys.

You will be prescribed:

?     Blood tests- To check the levels of calcium, uric acid, blood sugar levels, and kidney function tests. Based on your health status, other tests may also be advised.

?     Urine testing- This helps the doctor check if you have any infection, if you are passing too many stone forming substances in the urine, your urine pH levels, etc

?     Imaging- This can include X-Rays, Ultrasound, and in some cases CT scan

?     Stone analysis- Your doctor will ask you to urinate in a container or through a strainer to collect the stone or debris if you pass any. Lab analysis will tell about the type of stones. This helps with treatment and dietary changes to prevent stone formation.

At O-Lab, we have advanced testing facilities for different blood tests, urine testing, and other tests you may need for kidney stones.

Treatment and Management 

For smaller stones

1. Diluting the urine by consuming adequate amounts of water can aid in flushing out existing kidney stones and also prevent the formation of new ones.

2. Medical professionals might recommend the usage of painkillers and alpha blockers to treat kidney stones. Alpha blockers can ease the tension in the ureter muscles, making it easier for smaller stones to pass through.