Things to know about kidney stone
Kidney stones or renal calculi refer to the formation of a hard, crystalline mineral material within the kidney or urinary tract. Depending upon the location of the stones, the condition is further termed as:
Based on the chemical composition, these are the types of kidney stones:
What are the types of kidney stones?
While kidney stones can develop in anyone, some groups of people are more prone to develop kidney stones. These include:
Kidney stones are formed when stone forming substances (salts) are excreted in the urine. Change in composition of urine or reduction in the urine volume promotes formation of kidney stones. Some of the common factors causing such a situation include:
Certain dietary habits like high intake of proteins, excessive salt or sugar, prolonged intake of vitamin D supplements, and high intake of oxalate-containing foods like spinach
Some kidney stones are known as “silent” stones as they don’t cause any symptoms. Sometimes, people with kidney stones report colicky pain or renal colic, which is a sudden, unbearable pain in the low back or groin region, which may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting. The pain in such cases does not get relieved by changing the body posture. In both men and women, some additional symptoms may be present, which include:
Signs and Symptoms of Kidney Stones
See a nephrologist, for bothering signs and symptoms – severe pain accompanied with fever and nausea; blood in urine; or difficulty passing urine.
For relief from kidney stone, drink enough water, take over-the-counter painkillers, enjoy green tea or cranberry juice.
If you experience any sign or symptom of kidney stone, consult a nephrologist immediately. Your doctor/nephrologist would generally diagnose the condition on the basis of:
1. Medical history
2. Thorough examination
3. Tests:
What is the treatment for kidney stones?
Once a kidney stone is diagnosed, your nephrologist may advice a suitable treatment depending on the size of the stones, accompanying symptoms and underlying medical problems, if any. Sometimes, adequate intake of fluids helps the stones, if small (about 5mm or less), to pass through urinary tract on their own within a day or two. Your doctor may also give you medications to help relieve the pain and also aid to pass the stones through the urine.
For larger stones that are not likely to pass on their own, the nephrologist may advice kidney stone removal procedures and surgeries.
Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL):Ultrasound shock waves are used to crush the larger stones which can then be easily eliminated through the urine.
Alternative procedures include:
Open surgery or operation is rarely used to remove kidney stones anymore. Doctor may advise open surgery only when stones are stuck, blocking urine flow, causing extreme pain and bleeding.
One of the best ways to prevent formation of stones is keeping yourself adequately hydrated, especially during periods of rigorous exercise, cold weather, etc. This helps to keep the urine diluted and prevent buildup of calcifying agents.
Uric acid stones in obese individuals can be controlled with weight loss.
Diet for kidney stones:
Based on the types of kidney stones, you may need to modify the food intake to reduce stone formation, reduce size of stones and prevent further kidney stones after remission. Talk to a dietitian who specializes in prevention of kidney stones.
Some basic diet tips for kidney stones include:
If you have any queries about kidney stones, or want to inquire about the treatment option, request a call back and our kidney stone specialist will get back to you at the earliest.
“The content of this publication has been developed by a third party content providerwho are clinicians and/or medical writers and/or experts. The information contained herein is for educational purpose only and we request you to please consult a Registered Medical Practitioner or Doctor before deciding the appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan.”