Kidney Stones: Symptoms and Treatment

What is Kidney Function in Body?

All organs are very important but some of them lead to severe pain in adverse situation and it could be life threatening if it is not treat. A lot of people are suffering with kidney stones and pain. But you can easily overcome and take precation. Kidneys are a pair of organs located in the back of the abdomen that perform several important functions in the body. Kidney functions are simply:

1. Filtering waste products and excess fluids from the blood to form urine
2. Regulating electrolyte balance and blood pressure
3. Stimulating the production of red blood cells
4. Activating vitamin D to help maintain healthy bones.

What is Kidney Stone?

Kidney stone is a hard, solid mass made up of tiny crystals that form in the kidney. They are also known as renal calculi. These stones can range in size from a grain of sand to as large as a golf ball. Kidney stones can cause severe pain and discomfort as they pass through the urinary tract. They can also lead to other complications like as urinary tract infections, blockages in the urinary tract and damage to the kidneys.

What is Causes of Kidney Stone?

There are several factors that can increase the risk of developing kidney stones, here is reasons of kidney stone:

1. Dehydration: Not drinking enough fluids can cause the urine to become concentrated, leading to the formation of kidney stones.
2. Diet: Consuming a diet high in salt, sugar and animal protein can increase the risk of kidney stones. Consuming a diet high in oxalates (found in foods such as spinach, rhubarb, beet greens and chocolate) can also increase the risk of developing calcium oxalate stones.
3. Genetics: Some people are more prone to developing kidney stones because of their genetic history.
4. Metabolic Disorders: Some of metabolic disorders, such as hyperparathyroidism (an overactive parathyroid gland) and renal tubular acidosis (a disorder of the kidneys‘ ability to regulate acid-base balance in the body), can increase the risk of developing kidney stones.
5. Medications: Some of medications, such as diuretics, antacids that contain calcium and calcium-based supplements, can increase the risk of kidney stones.
6. Medical Conditions: Some medical conditions, such as gout, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and urinary tract infections, can increase the risk of developing kidney stones.

What is Sign Of Kidney Stone?

You can find common signs and symptoms of kidney stones below:

1. Severe Pain: The pain associated with kidney stones is often described as a severe cramping or dull ache that can be felt in the back, side, lower abdomen or groin. The pain may also radiate to the lower back or thigh. The pain can be constant or intermittent and can come in waves. The pain may be so severe that it makes it difficult to stand or walk.
2. Blood in the Urine: Kidney stones can lead to small amounts of blood to appear in the urine. The urine may be pink, red or brown in color. This is known as hematuria.
3. Cloudy or Strong-Smelling Urine: The urine may also be darker than normal and have a strong odor. This can be caused by the presence of bacteria or crystals in the urine.
4. Urge to Urinate Frequently or Urgently: The need to urinate can be caused by the stone blocking the flow of urine. The urine may also be expelled in small amounts.
5. Pain or Discomfort While Urinating: The urine may burn or sting as it passes through the urinary tract. There may also be a feeling of pressure or fullness in the bladder.
6. Foul-smelling Urine: The urine may have a strong and bad odor if there is infection
7. Fever and Chills (sign of infection): If the stone causes an infection in the urinary tract, it can cause fever and chills and can make you feel generally unwell.

It’s important to know that not everyone with kidney stones will have the same symptoms and some people may not have any symptoms at all. If you are experiencing severe pain or any other symptoms that you suspect may be related to a kidney stone, it’s important to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

Which Foods Cause Kidney Stones?

Unfortunately some of foods and drinks can increase the risk of developing kidney stones. Here are a few examples:

1. Foods high in oxalates: Oxalates are naturally-occurring substances found in many foods, such as spinach, rhubarb, beet greens, chocolate, nuts and tea. Consuming a diet high in oxalates can increase the risk of developing calcium oxalate kidney stones.
2. High-salt foods: Consuming a diet high in salt can increase the risk of kidney stones because it can cause the body to excrete more calcium in the urine, which can cause to the formation of calcium-based kidney stones.
3. High-sugar foods and drinks: Consuming a diet high in sugar can also increase the risk of kidney stones because it can cause the body to excrete more calcium in the urine.
4. High-protein foods: Consuming a diet high in animal protein can increase the risk of kidney stones because it can cause the body to excrete more uric acid in the urine, which can lead to the formation of uric acid kidney stones.
5. Foods and drinks high in vitamin C: Consuming large amounts of vitamin C can cause the body to excrete more oxalates in the urine, increasing the risk of developing calcium oxalate kidney stones.

It’s important to note that while these foods and drinks can increase the risk of kidney stones, they do not necessarily cause kidney stones in everyone. It’s also important to maintain a well-balanced diet and drink enough water, which can help decrease the risk of kidney stones.

Does Kidney Stones Go Away By Itself?

Small kidney stones may pass through the urinary tract on their own without causing any symptoms. This process can take several days to a few weeks. Drinking plenty of water can help flush out small stones and reduce the risk of complications. But, larger stones may become lodged in the urinary tract and cause severe pain and discomfort. These stones may not pass on their own and may require medical intervention.

What is the Kidney Stone Treatment Methods and Fastest Way?

We collect for you some common kidney stone treatment methods:

1. Medication: Over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be used to manage the pain caused by kidney stones. Your healthcare provider may also prescribe medication to help relax the muscles in the urinary tract and make it easier for the stone to pass.
2. Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL): ESWL is a non-invasive procedure that uses high-energy shock waves to break up the kidney stone into small pieces that can be passed more easily. ESWL is typically performed on an outpatient basis and does not require any incisions.
3. Ureterorenoscopy (URS): URS is a procedure that uses a small scope with a camera on the end to visualize and remove the kidney stone. URS can be performed on an outpatient basis and typically requires a short recovery period.
4. Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL): PCNL is a procedure that uses a small tube to remove the kidney stone. This procedure requires a small incision in the back, it is typically performed under general anesthesia and requires a longer recovery period.
5. Observation: For small stones that are likely to pass on their own, your healthcare provider may recommend a period of observation and monitoring. Drinking plenty of water can help flush out small stones and reduce the risk of complications.
6. Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove a kidney stone that is too large to pass on its own or is causing significant obstruction.

The choice of treatment will depend on the size, location and composition of the stone, as well as the overall health conditon of the patient. Your healthcare provider will work with you to develop a treatment plan that is appropriate for your specific situation.

How I Know If I Have a Kidney Stone?

If you suspect that you have a kidney stone, it is important to see a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Here are some common ways that kidney stones are diagnosed:

1. Physical exam: Your healthcare provider will perform a physical exam and ask you about your symptoms. They may also order blood and urine tests to check for signs of infection or other underlying medical conditions.
2. Imaging tests: Imaging tests such as an X-ray, CT scan or ultrasound can be used to confirm the presence of a kidney stone and determine its size and location.
3. Urinalysis: A urine sample will be analyzed for the presence of blood, protein or other signs of infection or underlying medical conditions.
4. Urine culture: A urine sample will be sent to the lab to check for the presence of bacteria, which can indicate an infection.
5. Blood test: Blood test can be used to measure the level of various minerals such as calcium and uric acid, that can indicate an underlying metabolic disorder that can increase the risk of kidney stones.

It’s important to see a doctor if you have any symptoms that you suspect may be related to a kidney stone, like severe pain in your back or side, blood in your urine or difficulty passing urine. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications.

Tips and Advices for Avoid Kidney Stone

Here are some tips and advice for reducing the risk of developing kidney stones:

1. Drink plenty of water: Staying well-hydrated can help flush out small stones and reduce the risk of complications. Aim to drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day.
2. Limit your intake of foods high in oxalates: Foods high in oxalates, such as spinach, rhubarb, beet greens, chocolate, nuts, and tea, can increase the risk of developing calcium oxalate kidney stones.
3. Limit your intake of salt and sugar: Consuming a diet high in salt and sugar can increase the risk of kidney stones.
4. Limit your intake of animal protein: Consuming a diet high in animal protein can increase the risk of kidney stones.
5. Limit your intake of Vitamin C: Consuming large amounts of Vitamin C can cause the body to excrete more oxalates in the urine, increasing the risk of developing calcium oxalate kidney stones.
6. Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of developing kidney stones.
7. Exercise regularly: Regular physical activity can help to maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of kidney stones.
8. Consult with your doctor: If you have a history of kidney stones or are at high risk of developing kidney stones, talk to your doctor about strategies for reducing your risk.

You can find healthy and balanced diet advice in below article:

Go on Diet ? Choose Best and Fit Your Body. Here is Healthy Diets

What is Dialysis?

Dialysis is a medical treatment that is used to remove waste products and excess fluids from the blood in people whose kidneys are no longer functioning properly. There are two main types of dialysis: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.

1. Hemodialysis: Hemodialysis is a procedure that uses a machine to filter the blood. Blood is removed from the body, filtered through a machine, and then returned to the body. Hemodialysis is usually done in a hospital or dialysis center.
2. Peritoneal dialysis: Peritoneal dialysis is a procedure that uses the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) to filter the blood. A special fluid is placed into the abdomen through a catheter, and the fluid removes waste products and excess fluids. The fluid is then drained out of the body.

Both types of dialysis are used to treat kidney failure, which is a condition in which the kidneys are no longer able to effectively remove waste products and excess fluids from the blood. Dialysis is a life-saving treatment but it is not a cure for kidney failure. Some people may need to do dialysis for the rest of their lives but some may receive a kidney transplant as an alternative to dialysis.