Urovita Hospital, jamshedpur

Kidney stones are solid formations made up of minerals and salts that accumulate in the kidneys. These stones form when your urine contains more crystal-forming substances, like calcium, oxalate, and uric acid, than the fluid in your urine can dilute. They can vary in size, from as small as a grain of sand to as large as a golf ball. While smaller stones may pass through the urinary system without causing much discomfort, larger stones can lead to severe pain and complications if they block the flow of urine.

Symptoms often depend on the size and location of the stone. Common signs include:

• Intense pain in the back, side, or lower abdomen, which may shift as the stone moves.
• Blood in the urine, which may appear pink, red, or brown.
• Frequent and urgent need to urinate.
• Pain or burning during urination.
• Nausea and vomiting, especially if the stone causes a blockage.
• Cloudy or foul-smelling urine.

If you experience severe pain, fever, or difficulty passing urine, seek immediate medical attention.

Treatment depends on the size, type, and location of the stone:

• Small stones: These often pass on their own with adequate hydration and pain management. Medications may help relax the urinary tract to ease passage.
• Large stones: If a stone is too big to pass naturally, procedures like shock wave lithotripsy (breaking stones with sound waves), ureteroscopy (using a thin scope to remove or break the stone), or surgery may be required.
• Medications: Depending on the stone type, specific drugs can prevent new stones from forming or dissolve existing ones.

Most kidney stones do not cause long-term harm when treated promptly. However, untreated stones can lead to complications like kidney infections, damage to kidney tissue, or chronic kidney disease. If a stone blocks urine flow for an extended period, it can cause serious damage. Regular follow-ups and treatment are essential to avoid complications.

Yes, medications can help prevent kidney stones, especially if you are prone to recurrent ones. The type of medication depends on the type of stone you have:

• Calcium stones: Thiazide diuretics or potassium citrate can reduce calcium levels in urine and prevent stone formation.
• Uric acid stones: Allopurinol lowers uric acid levels in the blood and urine, while potassium citrate can make the urine less acidic.
• Cystine stones: Medications such as tiopronin or penicillamine reduce the concentration of cystine in urine.

It’s essential to consult your doctor to determine the right medication based on your condition and stone type.

Kidney stones can form due to a combination of factors. These include:

• Dehydration: Not drinking enough water leads to concentrated urine, which makes it easier for stones to form.
• Diet: Consuming foods high in salt, sugar, or oxalates (like spinach, beets, and chocolate) increases the risk.
• Medical conditions: Conditions such as gout, hyperparathyroidism, or urinary tract infections can contribute to stone formation.
• Genetics: A family history of kidney stones can make you more susceptible.
• Medications and supplements: Certain drugs or excessive intake of supplements, like vitamin D or calcium, may promote stone formation.

Your doctor may use several tests to diagnose kidney stones, such as:

• Urine tests: These check for high levels of minerals and substances that can cause stones.
• Blood tests: These measure calcium or uric acid levels to identify contributing factors.
• Imaging tests: CT scans, X-rays, or ultrasounds help locate the stone and determine its size.
• Stone analysis: If you pass a stone, your doctor may analyze it to understand its composition and tailor prevention strategies.

Preventing kidney stones involves lifestyle and dietary changes, including:

• Drinking plenty of water to keep urine diluted.
• Reducing sodium intake to lower calcium excretion in urine.
• Limiting foods high in oxalates, such as spinach and almonds.
• Consuming calcium-rich foods to bind oxalates during digestion.
• Managing medical conditions like gout or diabetes with your doctor’s help.
• Avoiding excessive use of vitamin supplements without medical advice.

Yes, kidney stones can recur if preventive measures are not taken. Around 50% of people who have had a kidney stone will develop another within five years. Adopting healthy hydration and dietary habits significantly reduces this risk.

You should see a doctor if you experience symptoms like:

• Severe, persistent pain in your back, side, or lower abdomen.
• Difficulty passing urine or blood in the urine.
• Fever, chills, or nausea, which may indicate an infection.

Early medical attention can help prevent complications and make treatment more effective. If a stone causes a complete blockage or infection, it’s considered a medical emergency, and immediate care is necessary.