WHAT ARE KIDNEY STONES: SYMPTOMS, CAUSES, TREATMENT, AND MORE

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A kidney stone is an irregularly shaped solid mass or crystal that can range in size from a grain of sand to the size of a golf ball. You may not even be aware that you have a kidney stone (or stones) depending on their size. Even little stones can cause excruciating discomfort as they pass through your urinary tract. Drinking fluids may speed up the process, which can last up to three weeks.

A big kidney stone might become lodged in your ureter (the tube that drains urine from your kidney down to your bladder). When this occurs, the stone can cause bleeding and prevent urine from exiting your body. A stone that won't pass on its own may necessitate surgery.

What are the most prevalent types of kidney stones?

A calcium oxalate stone is the most frequent form of kidney stone. When calcium and oxalate mix in your urine, you get this kind. It can happen if you have a lot of oxalate, not enough calcium, and don't drink enough fluids.

Uric acid-caused stones are also rather prevalent. These are derived from a naturally occurring chemical known as purine, which is a byproduct of animal proteins (meat, chicken and fish).

How long does a kidney stone take to form?

You can have kidney stones for years without realizing it. You will not feel anything as long as these stones remain in your kidney. A kidney stone's pain usually begins as it moves out of your kidney. A stone can sometimes form more quickly – within a few months.

Discuss your risk factors with your healthcare practitioner. A 24-hour urine test may be performed to determine how quickly you acquire stones.

What exactly is the urinary tract? How does it function?

Your urinary system is essential to your body because it eliminates waste and excess fluid. It is made up of your kidneys, two ureters, bladder, and urethra. Each organ performs a crucial function (in the following order):

Kidneys: Your kidneys, which are fist-sized and bean-shaped, are placed on either side of your spine, below your rib cage. They filter 120 to 150 quarts of your blood each day to remove waste and balance fluids. Every day, your kidneys excrete one to two quarts of urine.

Ureters: After your kidney produces urine, the liquid goes to your bladder via the tube-shaped ureter. Each kidney has one ureter. Kidney stones can flow through the ureters or become lodged in them if they are sufficiently large. If the stone is sufficiently large, surgery may be required.

Bladder: Your bladder, an organ that holds urine, is located between your hip bones. It can contain roughly one and a half to two cups.

Urethra: Your urethra, like your ureter, is a channel through which urine flows. It's the urinary tract's ultimate terminus, where urine (and a kidney stone) exit the body. This is referred to as urinating.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF KIDNEY STONES?

People between the ages of 20 and 50 are the most likely to get kidney stones. A variety of conditions can raise your chances of developing a stone. White people are more likely than Black persons in the United States to suffer kidney stones.

Sex is also a factor. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, men are more likely than women to have kidney stones (NIDDK)

Your risk is increased if you have a history of kidney stones. A family history of kidney stones also plays a role.

Other risk factors are as follows:

• dehydration

• obesity

• a diet heavy in protein, salt, or glucose

• hyperparathyroidism

• gastric bypass surgery

• inflammatory bowel disorders that increase calcium absorption

• using medications such as triamterene diuretics, antiseizure meds, and calcium-based antacids

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF KIDNEY STONES?

You can have a stone in your kidney for years without knowing it. However, if it begins to move or becomes really large, you may experience symptoms. A kidney stone can cause the following symptoms:

• Feeling pain in your lower back or on one side of your body. This pain may begin as a dull aching that comes and goes. It can potentially worsen and necessitate a trip to the emergency department.

• Along with the pain, you may experience nausea and/or vomiting.

• Detection of blood in your pee.

• Pain when urinating.

• Inability to urinate.

• Feeling the desire to urinate more frequently.

• A fever or chills.

• Having urine that stinks or appears hazy.

Smaller kidney stones may not be painful or cause other symptoms. These "silent stones" exit your body through your pee.

What are the signs and symptoms of a kidney stone in a child?

Blood in the urine and pain are the most typical symptoms of kidney stones. The degree of discomfort your child feels and where it aches are determined by the location and size of the stone. Other signs and symptoms include:

• Colicky discomfort that is excruciating.

• Urinary disability (when a stone blocks the urinary tract).

• Nausea/vomiting.

• Cloudy, foul-smelling urine, fever, chills, or weakness may indicate a serious infection.

• Blood in the pee.

The majority of juvenile kidney stones remain in the kidney, however up to one-third may migrate from the kidney and become lodged in the ureter. Stones that stay in the kidney can cause recurrent urinary tract infections, despite the fact that they are generally painless. Those that become lodged in the ureter can cause severe colic discomfort.

HOW EXACTLY ARE KIDNEY STONES DIAGNOSED?

How are kidney stones identified?

Your healthcare professional will go through your medical history with you and may prescribe certain tests. Among these tests are:

• Imaging tests: Your healthcare professional will be able to see the size, shape, position, and quantity of kidney stones using an X-ray, CT scan, and ultrasound. These tests assist your doctor in determining the best course of treatment for you.

• Blood tests: A blood test will disclose how well your kidneys are working, check for infection, and look for biochemical issues that could contribute to kidney stones.

• Urine test: This test checks for symptoms of infection as well as the levels of the compounds that cause kidney stones.

WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR KIDNEY STONES?

When you are diagnosed, your healthcare professional will first determine whether or not you require therapy. When you urinate, some tiny kidney stones may pass through your system. This can be excruciatingly unpleasant. If your provider determines that you require treatment, you have the choice of drugs or surgery.

Medications

Medications may be prescribed for the following:

• Reduce pain. Your doctor may advise you to take an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen or, if you're in the emergency room, an IV narcotic.

• Control nausea and vomiting.

• Relax your ureter to allow the stones to slide through. Tamsulosin (Flomax®) and nifedipine (Adamant® or Procardia®) are two often recommended medications.

You should see your doctor before taking ibuprofen. If taken while experiencing an acute attack of kidney stones, this medication can raise the chance of kidney failure, especially in people with a history of renal disease and concomitant conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity.

Surgery

Kidney stones are treated using one of four surgical procedures. The first three are minimally invasive, which means the surgeon enters your body through a natural entrance (such as your urethra) or by a minor incision.

Ureteroscopy: A little instrument called a ureteroscope is introduced into your urethra, past your bladder, and into your ureter to accomplish this procedure. This tool visualizes kidney stones before retrieving them in a surgical "basket" or breaking them apart with a laser. These smaller bits of kidney stones can then easily exit your body via your urine tract.

Shockwave lithotripsy: This procedure involves placing you on a special surgical table or tub. High-energy shockwaves are directed at the stones via water. The shockwaves break apart the stones, allowing them to depart your body more quickly.

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy: When other procedures fail to treat kidney stones, either because there are too many stones, the stones are too large or heavy, or the stones are in the wrong place, percutaneous nephrolithotomy is considered. A tube is introduced straight into your kidney through a small incision in your back during this treatment. Stones are then dissolved using an ultrasonic probe and suctioned out so that no fragments are passed. Following the surgery, a urethral stent is implanted (an internal tube from the kidney to the bladder which is removed one week later). Typically, patients are held overnight for observation.

Open stone surgery: During this procedure, a longer cut is performed. It is infrequently used in comparison to minimally invasive techniques (0.3 percent to 0.7 percent of cases).

How are kidney stones handled in children?

Shock wave lithotripsy (SWL), a completely non-invasive therapy, can treat the majority of children's kidney stones. Your child is sedated, and sound waves of varying frequency are directed at the stones, shattering them into bits tiny enough to be passed through the urine.

ARE THERE ANY HOME REMEDIES TO HELP WITH KIDNEY STONES TREATMENT?

Three liquids are said to help with kidney stones:

• Cranberry juice:  Although cranberry juice can aid in the prevention of urinary tract infections (UTIs), it does not aid in the treatment of kidney stones.

• Apple cider vinegar:  Vinegar is acidic, and it can sometimes cause changes in your urine, which aids in the treatment of kidney stones. However, this isn't always effective. Discuss the usage of vinegar with your healthcare physician.

• Lemon juice:  Lemon juice contains citrate, which can aid in the prevention of kidney stones. Citrates can be found in citrus fruits such as lemons, limes, oranges, and melons.

• Coffee: Coffee may reduce your risk of developing kidney stones, according to research.

Soda and other drinks with added sugar or fructose corn syrup should be avoided. They raise your danger.

WHAT CAN I DO TO PREVENT KIDNEY STONES?

There are various ways to reduce your chances of developing kidney stones, including:

• Drink plenty of water:  Every day, drink at least six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water (about 64 ounces). Staying hydrated encourages you to urinate more frequently, which aids in the "flushing out" of the compounds that create kidney stones. Drink plenty of water if you sweat a lot.

• Limit your salt intake: Consume less salt. You might wish to consult with a nutritionist to help you arrange your food intake.

• Reduce your weight:  If you're overweight, make an effort to drop some weight. Consult with your doctor about an appropriate weight.

• Prescriptions must be followed: Your doctor may prescribe various drugs to help avoid kidney stones. The type of medication you receive may be determined by the type of stone you have.

WHAT ARE FOODS THAT CAN CAUSE KIDNEY STONES?

Aside from consuming more water, modifying your diet may also aid in the prevention of kidney stones.

Here are some meals you should limit or avoid:

• beef

• chicken

• pork

• organ meats 

• fish

• shellfish

• milk
• 
  
• yoghurt
• 
  
• eggs
• 
  
• cheese
• 
  
• tinned meats

• fast food

• frozen food

• salty snacks

Animal proteins, such as meat, poultry, seafood, and dairy products, can raise uric acid levels in the urine, increasing the risk of kidney stones.

WHEN SHOULD YOU SEE A DOCTOR?

Small kidney stones can pass on their own in many cases and do not require treatment.

If you can manage your pain with over-the-counter painkillers and don't have any evidence of infection or severe symptoms such as nausea or vomiting, you may not require treatment.

However, if you have any of the following symptoms, you should seek medical assistance right away:

• urine with blood in it

• fever

• chills

• urine that is hazy or pungent

• vomiting

• back or side ache that is excruciating

• When you urinate, you may experience pain or a burning sensation.

• urinating difficulties

If you are unable to visit your doctor, you should seek treatment at an emergency facility.

Even if your symptoms heal without treatment, you should consult your doctor if you have recurring kidney stones.

Your doctor can assist you in developing a plan to prevent kidney stones and protect against long-term consequences.

CONCLUSION

Although dealing with kidney stones can be an unpleasant and frustrating experience, there are numerous therapeutic options available.

In fact, there are a variety of drugs and treatments available to assist manage symptoms and facilitate the transit of kidney stones.

Additionally, staying hydrated and making dietary modifications can help prevent kidney stones from forming in the long run.