Symptoms, Causes and Remedies for Kidney Stones

The problem of kidney stones and ureteral stones has become very common in India. 1 out of 10 people definitely have a kidney stone in their life. Let us know what are the symptoms of a kidney stone or stone, what are the causes and remedies for stone.

Lifestyle and diet are considered to be major factors in causing stones. It is a painful and uncomfortable condition, which affects men more often than women. For many lucky people, the stones pass through urine and are passed out of the body. However, some people require medical measures to get rid of kidney or ureteral stones.

What are Kidney Stones or stones?

Human urine contains minerals and acid salts. Mostly these are found as dissolved substances but sometimes, they may crystallize and deposit as hard solid mass which fails to be secreted by urine. Stones that form in the kidney are called kidney stones and when they leave the kidney to make the rounds in the urine, where they become trapped and block the normal urine flow, they are known as ureteral stones.

In the vast majority of patients, the stones consist of calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate. This may be due to an imbalance between the chemical components in the urine.

Form of stones

Kidney stone treatment is done on the basis of the form of the stone. Commonly, some other types of kidney and ureteral stones are as mentioned below:

Cystine stones – which are related to hereditary problems.

Struvite stones – which are caused by urinary tract infection.

What are the causes of kidney stones?

Kidney and ureteral stones can happen to anyone. Under normal circumstances, urine maintains a chemical balance in urine but certain factors trigger the formation of stones.

Common causes of kidney stones

Given below are the causes of kidney stones:

family history

Lack of adequate fluid makes urine concentrated and dark. Minerals are unable to dissolve and may crystallize into stones

High-protein diets increase the acid content of urine, which increases the likelihood of stone formation.

If your diet is high in protein and sodium and low in calcium, you can still develop kidney stones.

High intake of food rich in oxalate such as green leafy vegetables (such as spinach), dried fruits, chocolate, and tea

bowel disorders such as chronic diarrhea, gastric problems, and Crohn's disease

obesity

Blocked urinary tract due to benign prostatic hyperplasia

hyperthyroidism, also resulting in excess formation of calcium in the urine

A condition called absorptive hypercalciuria also results in stone formation when the body absorbs more calcium from the foods we eat.

Another condition known as resorptive hypercalciuria characterized by the kidneys secreting excess calcium into the urine

What are the symptoms of a kidney stone or stone?

Very small stones or stones found in the kidney are usually not worrisome because those stones are passed out in the urine. The stone rarely causes any symptoms, even when it is growing. When they get bigger and move around, the symptoms of kidney stones start to be felt.

Common Symptoms of Kidney Stones Below

severe back pain that spreads around the lower abdomen and into the groin

presence of blood in the urine

symptoms of dizziness, nausea, and vomiting

High fever or chills may occur if accompanied by a urinary tract infection

Sometimes, there is an excruciating pain in the back, which most people think is caused by a muscle pull but is actually caused by a small-sized kidney stone. If you experience any of these symptoms consistently If so, contact a urologist without any delay.

How is kidney stones diagnosed?

The doctor diagnoses a kidney stone or stone in many of the following ways, know:

If a person complains of severe pain or blood in the urine, the doctor will ask for X-rays or a sonogram. The diagnostic pictures will reveal the size and location of the stone.

If the doctor is unable to make a complete diagnosis, he may suggest a computed tomography (CT) scan of the kidney area for clarity and confirmation.

Blood and urine tests may also be done to rule out the underlying cause for stone formation.

How can stones be prevented?

Kidney stones are a big problem in today's world. There are many options available for kidney stones. In addition, there are several ways to prevent stones:

Given below are the common ways to prevent the formation of kidney stones:

The best way to prevent stone formation is by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. This will keep as much of the substance in dissolved form as possible.

If high calcium content is the cause of stone formation, calcium-rich foods such as dairy products such as milk, yogurt, cheese, and buttermilk should be avoided.

Calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin C supplements if you have a family history of kidney and ureteral stones

Restrict salt and protein intake

How are Kidney stones treated?

The treatment of kidney stones depends on the size, location, number and structure of the stones. Doctors also consider your personal preference and medical history. More conservative treatment requires giving medicine to make the stone pass through the urine.

Small stones located close to the bladder are easily passed in the urine within 4-6 weeks. If kidney and ureteral stones are causing severe symptoms, more active alternative treatment options are considered.

Stone can be treated in 4 ways

1. Shock Wave Lithotripsy - Shock Wave Lithotripsy

2. Ureoscopy - Ureteroscopy

3. Percutaneous nephrolithotomy - Percutaneous nephrolithotomy

4. Open Surgery - Open Surgery

shock wave lithotripsy

It uses a machine 'lithoprinter' to create shock waves outside the body and then pass them through the body to kill the kidney stones and break them into smaller pieces, which can eventually pass through the urine. It is a non-invasive treatment that is performed on an outpatient basis. Patients can go home immediately and resume a normal routine.

Ureteroscopy

This kidney stone treatment uses a fiber optic device called a 'ureteroscope' to visualize and grasp the stone in a mesh-like device. It is then removed from the body. This is an endoscopic technique and does not require an incision. A stent may be placed in the bladder to prevent any swelling or inflammation after the procedure. Patients can go home. A minimum of 2-3 days of rest is required before normal activities can be resumed. If a stent is placed, it will be removed after 1-2 weeks.

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy

This kidney stone treatment option is usually done for large stones located in the center of the kidney which makes them inaccessible. The procedure is performed under the effect of anesthesia. A small cut is made to allow the wire to be passed into the kidney and directed towards the ureter. The stone is visualized using a nephroscope and then broken into smaller pieces using a laser beam. Vacuum suction is used to remove the stone fragments. Patients have to stay in the hospital under observation for at least 24 hours before being allowed to go home. Normal routine can be resumed after about 7-15 days.

Kidney stones are hard deposits of minerals and acid salts that stick together in concentrated urine. They can be painful when passing through the urinary tract, but usually do not cause permanent damage. The most common symptom is severe pain, usually in the side of the abdomen, often associated with nausea. Treatment may involve medical procedures to break up or remove large stones, including pain relievers and drinking plenty of water to help pass the stone.