Kidney Stone - Symptoms, Causes, Prevention & Treatment

Are you experiencing sharp pain in your lower back or sides? You might be dealing with kidney stones, a condition that affects around 12% of the Indian population, according to a study by Singh et al., 2023. These crystallised structures in the kidneys can cause significant discomfort.

Kidney stone symptoms can significantly disrupt your daily life, prompting you to seek quick medical attention. Early recognition of these signs is crucial for effective management and relief. Read on to learn more about the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of the condition.

Kidney stones are hard deposits of minerals and salts within the kidneys. They can develop when there is less fluid and more minerals in the urine. As a result, these particles crystallise and stick together. 

These stones can impact any part of the urinary tract, like the kidneys and bladder. While small stones may pass easily, larger stones can cause extreme pain and obstruct urine flow.

Kidney stone sizes are classified into:

• Small stones (<4 mm)
• Medium-Sized Stones (4 to 6 mm)
• Large Stones (>6 mm)

There are various types of kidney stones, each with different composition and causes. The primary ones are as follows:

1. Calcium stones are the most common renal calculi resulting from too much oxalate (a naturally occurring substance found in food) in the urine. Some fruits, vegetables, nuts, and chocolate are high in oxalate.
2. Uric acid stones develop in individuals who consume high amounts of protein, have diabetes, or suffer conditions leading to chronic dehydration.
3. Struvite stones grow with minimal symptoms and are usually related to urinary tract infections.
4. Cystine stones are caused by a genetic condition known as cystinuria. These hard deposits form due to the overproduction of cystine amino acids by the kidney.

Kidney stones may not cause symptoms until they move within the kidney or pass into the ureter (tube connecting the kidney and bladder).

At this point, the following signs of kidney stones may occur:

1. Back or Abdomen Pain: Severe kidney stone pain on one side of these parts. It may radiate to the groyne in men.
2. Blood in the Urine: The pee looks pink, red, or brown.
3. Foul-Smelling Urine: An infection in the urinary system can cause urine to become cloudy or have a strong odour.
4. Frequent Urination: It can occur when the stone is in the lower portion of the urinary tract.
5. Fever and Chills: These may develop if an infection is present.

Additionally Read: What are the First Signs of Kidney Stones

Urine consists of acids, minerals, calcium, oxalate, and uric acid. When considering the primary causes of kidney stones, they can be associated with higher crystal-forming substances than the fluid in the urine. In other words, if the fluid in the urine dilutes, such minerals start to stick together, leading to the formation of crystals or stones.

Risk Factors of Kidney Stones

Multiple factors can increase the risk of kidney stones. Understanding the following aspects can help develop prevention strategies and manage underlying health conditions:

Non-Modifiable Risk Factors:

These kidney stones can be challenging to prevent as they cannot be altered. The elements include:

• Family History: Individuals with a close relative with renal calculi will likely to develop stones.
• Personal History: Once someone has had kidney stones, their risk of developing them again increases.
• Certain Medical Conditions: Diseases like cystinuria and hyperparathyroidism can increase the risk of the disease.

Modifiable Risk Factors:

These can be modified to prevent kidney stones. They include the following:

• Dehydration: Insufficient water intake increases the risk of stone formation.
• Diet: High protein, sodium, and sugar consumption can increase the likelihood of renal calculi.
• Body Weight: Obesity and high body mass index (BMI) are linked to an aggravated risk of developing kidney stones.
• Medications: Excessive use of vitamin C, dietary supplements, and calcium-based antacids can elevate the risk.

Kidney stone prevention involves a combination of lifestyle and dietary changes to reduce the likelihood of their formation significantly. Here are key strategies to alleviate the risk:

1. Drink 3 litres of water daily as this helps dilute the stone-forming substances in urine.
2. Modify the diet to limit salt and sugar intake. Individuals should also avoid animal protein (red meat, poultry) and oxalate-rich foods (spinach, nuts).
3. Eat calcium-rich foods to prevent kidney stones. Aim for a balanced intake of calcium through food rather than supplements.
4. Manage weight through regular physical activity and a healthy diet to help reduce kidney stone risk.
5. Sometimes, doctors may prescribe medications to prevent certain types of stones. For example, thiazide diuretics to decrease calcium in the urine or allopurinol to control uric acid levels.

The urologist diagnoses kidney stones by asking about the patient's symptoms, diet, and family history. They also identify the kidney pain location using a physical exam. If a stone is suspected based on these examinations, they may recommend the following tests:

1. Urinalysis: It helps detect crystals, bacteria (in the case of infection), or blood in the urine, all of which can indicate the presence of kidney stones.
2. Blood Tests: These assess kidney function and check for high calcium levels, uric acid, or other substances that can form stones.
3. Imaging Tests: Kidney stone sonography, X-ray, and CT scans help detect the size, location, shape, and number of the stones.

How to prepare for a doctor consultation?

Doctor consultation preparation involves several steps to ensure patients get the most comprehensive care and precise diagnosis. Here are some valuable tips on how to prepare for the visit:

• Document the symptoms, including their onset, duration, intensity, and triggers.
• Prepare medical history, including any past conditions or a family history of kidney stones.
• Write down all current medications, including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and supplements.
• Make a list of questions for the doctor.

Questions to Ask the Urologist

When consulting a urologist about kidney stones, gathering as much information as possible to understand the available treatment options is essential. Mentioned below are some key questions patients might consider asking during their appointment:

1. What type of kidney stone do I have?
2. What is the kidney stone size and location?
3. Do I need treatment, or will these stones pass on their own?
4. What type of procedure will I have to remove the stone?
5. What are the potential side effects or complications of the suggested treatments?

The treatment of kidney stone depends largely on the size of the stone, its location, and the symptoms it is causing. The following is a summary of the available treatment options:

Non-Surgical Treatment

Small stones often pass naturally within one to two days without surgery. Doctors may recommend the kidney stone treatment without surgery to help ease the process:

1. Alpha-Blockers: These are primarily used to treat ureteral stones (kidney stones in one of the ureters). By relaxing the muscles in the ureter, these medicines help widen the passageway so that the stone passes more easily and with less pain. Examples include tamsulosin and nifedipine.
2. Homoeopathic Medication: Patients should take these best medicine for kidney stone after consulting a qualified practitioner to ensure safety and efficacy. Options include:
• Berberis Vulgaris: Known for alleviating sharp, shooting pain associated with left-sided kidney stones.
• Lycopodium: Used for right-sided kidney stones, especially when accompanied by urinary problems.
• Cantharis: Helps reduce burning pain during urination and treat bloody urine.
3. Ayurveda Treatment: Remedies in Ayurveda for this condition are as follows:
• Punarnava (Boerhavia Diffusa): Increases urine production and aids in removing kidney stones.
• Gokshura (Tribulus Terrestris): Flushes out toxins and reduces inflammation.
• Varunadi Kwath: Breaks down the stones and eases associated symptoms.

Read Also: Home Remedies for Kidney Stones

Surgical Treatment

Large stones that cannot pass naturally are removed surgically. Kidney stone surgery options include the following:

1. Shock Wave Lithotripsy (SWL): This treatment uses ultrasound shock waves to break a large stone into smaller pieces to be passed into the urine.
2. Ureteroscopy: For stones in the ureter or kidney, a ureteroscope (a long, tube-like instrument) is passed through the urethra and bladder into the ureter. The surgeon may remove the stone using a cage-like device or break it up using laser energy.
3. Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL): It is a surgical procedure for removing large kidney stones when other treatments do not work. The stones are extracted through a small incision in the back.

Note: The treatment approach is selected based on the patient’s condition and the doctor’s opinion.

So far, I've seen a high incidence of kidney stones, primarily due to dehydration, a diet rich in oxalate-containing foods like spinach, and a high sodium intake. To prevent kidney stones, my go-to advice to patients is to stay well-hydrated, reduce salt intake, and limit foods high in oxalates. It's important to maintain a balanced diet and regular fluid intake, especially for people living in hotter regions where the risk is higher.

-Dr Deepak Sharma

Urologist

Estimated Kidney Stone Treatment Cost

The cost of kidney stone treatment in India differs widely based on the type of treatment required, the hospital, and the city. Patients must know these cost variables to plan their medical care effectively.

Here’s an overview of the potential expenses:

Note: Patients are advised to consult the professionals at HexaHealth for accurate cost details.

Delaying treatment for kidney stones can lead to several risks and complications, some of which can become quite severe. The following are the key risks associated with postponing treatment:

1. Hydronephrosis: This condition involves kidney swelling due to a build-up of urine. It occurs when a stone blocks the urine flow out of the kidney.
2. Infection: Stones can obstruct the flow of urine, increasing the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) or, more severely, kidney infections (pyelonephritis).
3. Kidney Damage or Failure: Prolonged obstruction from a stone can impair kidney function. It may cause kidney failure if not treated appropriately.

When to call an urologist?

It is important to know when to seek medical attention for kidney stones, as they can lead to severe complications if left untreated. The following are the signs that an individual should call a urologist:

1. Persistent, severe pain in the back or side
2. A feeling of burning while urinating
3. Blood in urine
4. Nausea and vomiting
5. Fever and chills

Diet has an important role in preventing and managing kidney stones. Dietary guidelines to help minimise the risk of developing these stones are as follows:

See Also:

• Foods that Cause Kidney Stones
• Best Indian Diet for Kidney Stone Patients

Kidney stones are a common yet manageable condition that affects many people worldwide. They form when minerals and salts in the urine crystallise, leading to pain and discomfort. Prompt treatment and lifestyle adjustments can reduce the risk of recurrent stones and alleviate the symptoms. 

HexaHealth provides expert guidance for those experiencing kidney stone pain, connecting you with top doctors who specialise in this field. We ensure personalised care plans that effectively manage the condition. Contact us today to get assistance throughout your treatment, from diagnosis to recovery.

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