Kidney stones form when highly concentrated particles are present in the urine. These particles sometimes crystallize and over time form hard masses. Kidney stones mostly consist of calcium, cystine, oxalate, and uric acid. They can be as tiny as grains of sand or as big as a pea. If they remain within the kidneys, they don’t cause much pain or create an issue and tend to dissolve on their own. The problem is that some of them come loose and pass down the ureter, the narrow tubes through which urine passes down from the kidneys to the bladder. This travel doesn’t become a problem unless they get lodged in the passageway or within the bladder; then they can hurt horrifically.
What Causes Kidney Stones?
The most prominent cause of kidney stones is not consuming enough fluids. Not consuming enough fluids leads to having highly concentrated urine, providing the ideal environment for kidney stone formation. The high concentration of minerals in your urine and the lack of fluids to move them smoothly through your urinary tract can cause these minerals to crystallize and form “stones.”
Another cause is diet. There are certain diets that when high in protein, sodium, and sugar, may trigger the risk of stone formation. For instance, high consumption of protein can raise uric acid levels, which may lead to uric acid stones. Similarly, high salt consumption can increase the excretion of calcium in the urine, causing calcium stones to develop. To reduce these risks, it is important to maintain a balanced diet and ensure sufficient hydration.
Kidney stones are also caused by a variety of medical conditions. There are certain metabolic conditions, like hyperparathyroidism, that can lead to increased amounts of calcium in the blood and kidneys, causing the stones to form. Infections of the urinary tract or a few of the gastrointestinal diseases are other parameters that can change the urine composition, thereby causing the formation of the stones. For people who are at risk for kidney stones, they must be made aware of the causes and the potential to make necessary lifestyle and dietary changes in order to reduce the risks of stone formation.
Risk Factors for Kidney Stones
Various risk factors contribute negatively to the chances of developing kidney stones. But among such risk factors, dehydration is one of the most effective. Those that do not have the proper consumption of fluids can lead to upheaval concerning the formation of urea crystals, which can facilitate mineral crystallization. Under such circumstances, many individuals possibly residing in hot weather or those who have engaged in heavy labor without proper hydration can stand as a threat.
One of the most important risk factors is a family history of kidney stones. When there is a history of the same problem in the family, the chances of suffering from it are remarkably high. Genetic predispositions contribute to the way someone’s body processes some substances by increasing the possibility of developing stone formations. Those with a personal history of kidney stones are also at an elevated risk of experiencing additional stones in the future. The lifetime risk of developing a stone is 5 to 15 percent, says David Kaufman, professor of epidemiology at Boston University, but after one stone, the five-year recurrence rate increases to 30 to 50 percent.
Kidney Stones: Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms of stones in the kidney may vary based on the size and the position in the urinary tract.
- Pain: A highly recognized symptom is the severe, sharp, stabbing pain. This pain is mostly felt in the back or side, and this too can spread to the abdominal area or groin. The pain’s pattern can change and can occur as a series of waves when the stone moves through the ureter.
- Urine Changes: There is the possibility of blood in the urine, giving it a pink, red, or brown appearance, due to the stone irritating the lining of the urinary tract as it passes.
- Frequent Urination
- Cloudy or Smelly Urine: Cloudy or foul-smelling urine can indicate you have an infection or other complications.
- Nausea or Vomiting: This is often accompanied by intense pain.
These symptoms can lead to additional discomfort and may require medical attention. Recognizing these signs early can be crucial in seeking appropriate treatment and preventing further complications associated with kidney stones.
Kidney Stone Treatments at Home
If you feel the early signs of a stone (fever and trouble urinating), try
- Taking gravel root: These herbs will break up that stone naturally and pass it out in the urine. For this preparation, add a single tablespoon of the dried herb for every 3 cups of hot water. Allow it to steep, covered, for about 10 minutes. Drink half a cup to a full cup three to five times daily.
- Drinking marshmallow root tea helps to soothe the urinary tract so that passing a stone becomes less painful. Steep 1 tablespoon of the dried herb overnight in 1 quart of cool water and drink two to four cups per day.
- Uva Ursi works well for painful urination when combined with soothing herbs like marshmallow root and corn silk. Use 2-4 ml of tincture three times daily, but do not continue this for more than 7-10 days.
- Drink black tea; this tea prevents one from developing kidney stones based on advice from homeopathic doctor Jacquelyn Wilson, MD.
- Eat more foods containing magnesium and potassium to reduce oxalate levels. These nutrients can be found in green veggies, nuts, whole grains, fruits, etc. You can also take a magnesium or potassium supplement along with the dietary magnesium and potassium to ensure that you get enough.
- Limit or eliminate the use of alcohol, red meat, and soda. The phosphoric acid in soda can cause excessive amounts of uric buildup.
Kidney Stone Treatment
The treatment of kidney stones is usually done based on the size and type of the stone and the symptoms it presents. Usually, small stones are treated conservatively; this may involve increasing fluid intake to help pass the stone by natural processes through the urinary tract. For any pain and discomfort while passing the stone, the pain management specialist may advise analgesics to relieve pain.
For large stones and those having significant symptoms, more invasive treatments are required. One procedure is extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL). This process uses sound waves to break the stone into small pieces that can be passed through the system more easily. This process is generally well tolerated and can be performed on an outpatient basis.
If stones are so large that they cannot pass spontaneously, or additional conditions complicate the situation, such as infections or blockages then it may be necessary to operate. Ureteroscopy is a very minimally invasive method that includes threading this small scope through the patient’s urethra and bladder to remove or break the stone directly. In some cases, percutaneous nephrolithotomy might be necessary, in which the specialist operates on the stone through a small skin incision in the back. The chosen treatment mostly depends on several aspects, like the size and location of the stone and the general health of the patient.
How to Prevent Kidney Stones
Lifestyle changes and dietary modifications are necessary to prevent kidney stones. The most effective way is by increasing fluid intake and drinking water at around 2 to 3 liters daily. Proper hydration would help dilute the urine, thereby decreasing the concentration of minerals that can form stones. It is extremely important to drink an adequate amount of fluid, especially during hot weather conditions or when engaging in exercise.
Diet is one of the most significant modifications to make in order to prevent kidney stones. A diet for an individual who is prone to calcium oxalate stones should limit their consumption of oxalate-rich diet items such as spinach, beets, and nuts and provide adequate calcium from dietary sources. Moderate animal protein intake plus reduced sodium consumption could further reduce the risk simply by having good supplementation. Finally, be sure to eat adequate amounts of fruits and vegetables to increase potassium levels to prevent stone formation.
A third essential measure in preventing kidney stones is being physically active. A moderate exercise routine can assist in achieving and maintaining a healthy body weight as well as further contribute to a decreased risk of kidney stone formation. Patients with specific metabolic disorders can work with a healthcare provider to adjust an individualized preventive action plan. These approaches would not only prevent the occurrence of subsequent kidney stones, but they also significantly decrease the probability of a patient having kidney stones in the future.
Kidney Stone Complications
Kidney stones are usually treatable in most cases, but, if left untreated, sometimes they can result in several complications. One of the severe complications of this disease involves the development of a UTI. The stone may irritate one of the linings of the urinary tract, therefore acting as a point for bacteria to breach. Symptoms of UTI include fever, chills, and persisting pains, which need the immediate attention of a medical expert.
Another potential complication may be hydronephrosis, which is the swelling of a kidney because of the accumulation of urine within the kidney. The pressure in such a kidney increases at the moment when a stone obstructs the passage of urine. Thus, hydronephrosis may result in significant renal impairment if it is not treated in due time. Extreme conditions sometimes require surgical interference for the removal of the obstruction and restoration of kidney function.
Other chronic complications related to recurrent renal calculi include chronic kidney disease. Recurring obstruction and infection, over time, can lead to scarring and diminished kidney function. A patient who has had kidney stones should be monitored concerning kidney health and function so he can seek early medical intervention to avoid further complications and preserve the function of his kidneys.
When to Seek Medical Help
It is necessary to know when medical attention must be sought in case of a kidney stone. Consult a healthcare provider in case the pain cannot be managed with OTC pain medications. Additionally, if fever, chills, nausea and/or vomiting are present, seek immediate medical treatment as these symptoms could indicate either an infection or other serious conditions.
Other reasons to visit a doctor include blood in the urine. Although there may be some minimal bleeding associated with the presence of kidney stones, visible bleeding or darkening of the urine should be further evaluated to rule out other causes. An individual should visit the doctor if they experience frequent urination or a feeling of constantly needing to urinate, particularly if there is any pain associated with this symptom.
Lastly, when one has had kidney stones previously and exhibits the symptoms once more, then it would be best to consult with the doctor as soon as possible. Early stages are the best time to manage symptoms to ensure that serious complications do not develop and allow for the best outcome to take place for the sufferer.
Living with Kidney Stones
While it may be difficult to live with kidney stones, there are ways one can improve his or her quality of life once the condition is understood and proactive steps are taken. If early signs and symptoms are recognized, appropriate medical intervention can be pursued, including selecting a correct treatment. This process can be expedited by being up-to-date on kidney health and medical tests. This is especially important for those with recurrent stones or diseases that start with them.
Remember, while painful and distressing, kidney stones are curable. Knowledge of the condition and being observant of its symptoms and preventive measures are some of the best ways for an individual with kidney stones to improve life and minimize day-to-day impact.
References:
Andersson, H., et al. (2021). Kidney stone genetics: Emerging insights. Nefrologia, 41(1), 23-29. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nefro.2021.01.008
Chung, J., et al. (2023). Pain patterns in urolithiasis. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 81(1), 12-19. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2023.01.004
Garcia, R., et al. (2023). Hydronephrosis and kidney function. Urology Journal, 80(4), 567-574. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.urology.2023.01.010
Patel, V., et al. (2023). Advanced treatment techniques for urolithiasis. Urology Journal, 81(5), 467-475. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.urology.2023.05.012
Zhao, L., et al. (2022). Dietary influences on kidney stone formation. Nefrologia, 43(3), 112-118. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nefro.2022.06.004
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