Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are hard deposits that form in the kidneys when substances in the urine—such as calcium, oxalate, and phosphorus—become highly concentrated. These substances can crystallize and stick together, forming solid masses. Kidney stones vary in size and may range from as small as a grain of sand to as large as a golf ball.
The formation of kidney stones can be influenced by factors such as dehydration, certain medical conditions, and a family history of kidney stones. The stones can remain in the kidneys or travel down the urinary tract, causing pain and discomfort. Common symptoms of kidney stones include severe pain in the back or side, blood in the urine, and urinary urgency.
The treatment of kidney stones depends on their size, composition, and symptoms.
What causes kidney stones
- Dehydration: Insufficient fluid intake can lead to concentrated urine, increasing the risk of crystal formation and stone development.
- Dietary Factors:
- High Calcium Levels: While calcium is essential for bone health, excessive intake or inefficient absorption can contribute to stone formation.
- High Oxalate Levels: Foods high in oxalate, such as beets, chocolate, nuts, and tea, can increase the risk of calcium oxalate stones.
- High Sodium (Salt) Intake: Increased sodium levels can lead to higher calcium levels in the urine, promoting stone formation.
- Medical Conditions:
- Hypercalciuria: Elevated calcium levels in the urine.
- Hyperoxaluria: High levels of oxalate in the urine.
- Hyperparathyroidism: Overactive parathyroid glands, leading to increased calcium levels.
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Infections can contribute to struvite stone formation.
- Family or Personal History: A family history of kidney stones can increase an individual’s susceptibility, and those who have had kidney stones before are more likely to experience recurrence.
- Medical Conditions and Surgeries: Some medical conditions, such as cystic fibrosis, and certain surgical procedures can increase the risk of kidney stones.
Treating kidney stones
- Pain Management:
- Over-the-counter pain medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, may be recommended to alleviate pain during the passage of small stones.
- Hydration:
- Drinking plenty of water is crucial to help flush out the stones from the urinary tract and prevent the formation of new stones.
- Medical Expulsion Therapy:
- Medications like tamsulosin may be prescribed to relax the muscles in the ureter, facilitating the passage of stones.
- Observation:
- Small stones that are not causing significant symptoms may be monitored, allowing them to pass naturally with increased fluid intake.
- Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL):
- This non-invasive procedure uses shock waves to break large stones into smaller fragments that can be more easily passed through the urinary tract.
- Ureteroscopy:
- A thin tube with a camera is passed through the urethra and bladder to the ureter, allowing the urologist to remove or break up stones using tools.
- Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL):
- In cases of large or complex stones, a surgical procedure may be performed to remove or break up the stones using a scope inserted through a small incision in the back.
- Medication to Prevent Recurrence:
- Depending on the type of kidney stones, medications may be prescribed to prevent the recurrence of stones. This could include medications to control the levels of calcium, oxalate, or uric acid in the urine.