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Mara Holton, MD
Understanding Kidney Stones: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
AA Urology
. https://aaurology.com/

Understanding Kidney Stones: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Understanding Kidney Stones: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Kidney stones are a common and painful condition that affect millions of people worldwide. They occur when certain substances in urine—such as calcium, oxalate, and uric acid—crystallize and stick together, forming hard deposits. These stones can range in size from a grain of sand to a golf ball, and depending on their size, they may pass on their own or require medical or surgical treatment.

What Are Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones are solid pieces of material that form in the kidneys when the concentration of certain minerals in your urine becomes too high. The stones may stay in the kidney or travel through the urinary tract, which includes the ureters (the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder), the bladder, and the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body).

Types of Kidney Stones

There are several types of kidney stones, classified based on their composition:

  1. Calcium stones: The most common type, typically made of calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate. Oxalate is a naturally occurring substance found in some foods.
  2. Uric acid stones: More common in people who don’t drink enough fluids, have a high-protein diet, or have gout.
  3. Struvite stones: These can form after a urinary tract infection and grow quickly.
  4. Cystine stones: Rare, occurring in people with a hereditary disorder called cystinuria.

Causes of Kidney Stones

Kidney stones form when your urine contains more crystal-forming substances than the fluid in your urine can dilute. Risk factors for developing kidney stones include:

  • Dehydration: Not drinking enough water can lead to concentrated urine, making it easier for stones to form.
  • Diet: A diet high in salt, protein, and sugar can increase your risk. Foods high in oxalates, such as spinach, nuts, and chocolate, can also contribute.
  • Family or personal history: If someone in your family has had kidney stones, you’re more likely to develop them.
  • Medical conditions: Conditions like gout, hyperparathyroidism, and urinary tract infections can increase your risk.
  • Medications: Certain medications, such as diuretics, antacids, or medications for seizures, may increase the likelihood of stone formation.

Symptoms of Kidney Stones

Symptoms of kidney stones may not be noticeable until the stone begins to move within the kidney or into the ureter. When this happens, symptoms can include:

  • Severe pain: Often in the back or side, below the ribs. The pain may spread to the lower abdomen and groin.
  • Painful urination: You may feel discomfort or a burning sensation when urinating.
  • Blood in the urine: Your urine may appear pink, red, or brown.
  • Cloudy or foul-smelling urine: This could indicate an infection.
  • Nausea and vomiting: These symptoms often accompany the pain.
  • Frequent urination: You may feel an urgent need to urinate more often than usual.
  • Fevers & Infection: In some cases, stones can be associated with bladder, kidney or even systemic infections such as sepsis.

If the stone is small, it may pass on its own with minimal symptoms. However, any stone can cause significant pain and require medical or surgical intervention.

Diagnosis

If you suspect you have kidney stones, your healthcare provider may perform tests including:

  • Urine tests: To check for crystals, bacteria, or blood in your urine.
  • Blood tests: To evaluate kidney function and detect high levels of minerals like calcium or uric acid.
  • Imaging tests: CT scans or ultrasounds can locate the stone and assess its size and position.
  • Stone analysis: If you pass a stone, your doctor may analyze it to determine its composition and prevent future stones.

Treatment Options

Treatment for kidney stones depends on the size and type of stone, as well as the severity of your symptoms. Common treatment approaches include:

  1. Drink plenty of water: If the stone is small, drinking water can help flush it out naturally.
  2. Medications: Pain relievers and medications to relax your ureter (allowing the stone to pass more easily) are often prescribed.
  3. Shock wave lithotripsy (SWL): This non-invasive procedure uses sound waves to break the stone into smaller pieces, making it easier to pass.
  4. Ureteroscopy: A thin, flexible scope is passed through the urethra and bladder to retrieve or break up the stone.
  5. Percutaneous nephrolithotomy: This is a surgical option for very large stones that cannot be treated with other methods.

Prevention Tips

To lower your risk of developing kidney stones, consider the following preventive measures:

  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially if you live in a hot climate or are physically active.
  • Limit certain foods: Reduce your intake of foods high in oxalates (such as spinach and nuts), salt, and animal protein.
  • Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity is a risk factor for kidney stones, so a balanced diet and regular exercise can help reduce your risk.
  • Medications: If you are prone to developing stones, your doctor may prescribe medications to control the levels of stone-forming substances in your urine.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If you experience severe pain, fever, or difficulty passing urine, seek medical care right away. These could be signs of more serious conditions, such as an infection or kidney blockage, which may require urgent treatment.

Conclusion

Kidney stones can be painful, but with proper care and prevention, many people can avoid recurrent episodes. Staying well-hydrated, eating a balanced diet, and seeking medical attention for persistent symptoms are key steps in managing kidney stones. If you suspect you have a kidney stone or are at risk, talk to your healthcare provider for guidance tailored to your specific needs.

For more information or to make an appointment, please call 410-266-8049 or visit our website at www.aaurology.com

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