Kidney stones are a common occurrence. A proper knowledge of the symptoms as well as the right treatment methods can go a long way towards ensuring good health.
The kidneys help remove waste products from the bloodstream. As they filter out the toxins, they create urine. Sometimes minerals and salts in urine come together to form kidney stones. The size of the stone can vary from very small to as big as that of a Ping Pong ball. The stones generally go unnoticed till they cause a blockage. Also, there might be severe pain if they break and get into the urethras, the narrow duct that connects to the bladder. When kidney stones go through the urinary tract, they may lead to some kidney stones symptoms including:
• Severe pain in the belly, groin, or back
• Blood in the urine
• Painful urination
• Vomiting and nausea
The smaller the size of the kidney stone, the greater the chance that it will go on its own. If the size is smaller than 5 mm, there is a good chance that it will go away without any problem. If the size is between 5 mm and 10 mm, it might or might not pass on its own. If the stone is too big, you need to resort to medical treatment.
Kidney stones happen when the urine comprises a more crystal-forming elements including uric acid, oxalate, and calcium than the fluid in the urine can dilute. Also, the urine may not carry substances that stop the crystals from coming together. This can lead to the formation of kidney stones.
There are different types of kidney stones. Knowing the type of the stone is important to know about the cause of the condition and helps find ways to reduce the risk of getting more kidney stones. Some types of kidney stones include:
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Calcium stones
Most of the kidney stones formed are calcium stones, generally in the form of calcium oxalate. Oxalate is found naturally in food. Some vegetables and fruits, chocolate, and nuts have high amounts of oxalate. The liver also produces the substance. Some factors such as diet, excessive vitamin D, metabolic disorders, and intestinal bypass surgery increase the concentration of the element in urine.
Struvite stones
These are formed as a response to any infection such as urinary tract infection. The stones can become large quickly with little or no warning.
Uric acid stones
These types of stones can occur in people who do not take adequate fluids, or lose too much liquid, or consume a high-protein diet, or who suffer from gout. Some genetic factors also may increase the risk of uric acid stones.
Cystine stones
The stones occur in people who suffer from a hereditary disorder, which leads the kidneys to produce a lot of some amino acids.
Other stones
There are some other rarer kinds of stones that can also occur.
Risk factors:
There are some factors that can increase the risk of developing kidney stones symptoms.
Genetics
If you have a family history of kidney stones, there are chances that you would get it too. Also, if you have already had kidney stones in the past, you stand a greater risk of developing at once again.
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Dehydration
It is important to drink adequate water each day to help prevent kidney stones. People who are exposed to warm temperatures and those who sweat a lot stand a greater chance of developing in the condition.
Dietary habits
Consuming a diet rich in sugar, sodium, and protein may increase the risk of developing some kidney stones. This typically happens due to eating a high-sodium diet. The presence of excessive sodium raises the amount of calcium that the kidneys have to filter, which in turn increases your risk of developing the stones.
Obesity
Being overweight increases your chances of developing kidney stones.
Intestinal issues and surgery
Chronic diarrhea, inflammatory bowel disease, and gastric bypass surgery negatively affect the absorption of water and calcium. This increases the amounts of stones in the urine.
Medical conditions
Certain diseases that may increase the risk of developing kidney stones include cystinuria, renal tubular acidosis, certain medications, hyperparathyroidism, and some urinary tract infections.
To diagnose, your doctor may ask you to undergo some tests and procedures, including urine testing, blood testing, and imaging among others. The kidney stones treatment varies depending on the kind of stone and the cause of its formation. Small kidney stones will not require invasive treatment. You can clear the stones by taking pain relievers, drinking adequate water, and by undergoing some medical therapy as recommended by the doctor. In case of large stones that cannot be dissolved by the above methods, surgery may be required to remove them.
