Kidney Stones Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment

What are kidney stones?

Also known as renal lithiasis, kidney stones are solid, small deposits which form inside the kidneys. Made up of acid and mineral salts, kidney stones tend to affect any particular part of the urinary tract (kidneys to bladder). Often, urine gets concentrated leading minerals to stick together and crystallize, forming stones. Though, no permanent harm is caused by kidney stones, yet passing them can be very painful. Depending upon the situation, an individual with kidney stones may need to drink enough water for passing the stone and certain pain relievers. However in few other instances, the doctor can suggest surgery. Certain preventive treatments recommended by your doctor can help decrease the chances of recurrent stones.

What are the symptoms of kidney stones?

The condition do not tend to cause any symptom until the stone passes into the ureter or moves within the kidney. At such point, the symptoms can occur causing:

Extreme pain in your back and side below your ribs.
Brown, red or pink urine.
Pain that may spread to your groin and lower abdomen.
Chills and fever in case of infection.
Frequent urination.
Pain generating in waves, intensity of pain may fluctuate.
Foul-smelling or cloudy urine.
Pain while urinating.
Vomiting and nausea.
Continuous urge to urinate.

What causes kidney stones?

Kidney stones are not formed due a specific cause though; few factors tend to increase the risk of causing them. Formation of kidney stones occurs when urine has more substances that form crystals rather the fluid which can easily dilute. Such substances include uric acid, oxalate and calcium. While, on the other hand, lacking substances in urine responsible for preventing crystals to stick together favors the formation of kidney stones.

What are the types of kidney stones?

Calcium stones.
Struvite stones.
Uric acid stones.
Cystine stones.

What are the risk factors of kidney stones?

You are more likely to develop kidney stones if:

Personal or family history of kidney stones.
You are an adult over 40 years of age.
You are a man.
Dehydration.
Consuming a diet high in sugar, sodium and protein.
You are obese.
Digestive diseases.

How are kidney stones diagnosed?

In case the doctor doubt of having kidney stones, he can suggest the following procedures and tests:

Urine tests.
Blood tests.
Imaging tests.
Analysis of passes stones.

How are kidney stones treated?

Its treatment varies, as it greatly depends upon the cause and type of kidney stones:

For small stones (mild symptoms):

Majority cases of kidney stones do not need invasive treatment. It can be pass by:

Pain relievers.
Drinking excessive water.
Medical therapy.

For large stones:

Certain stones are very large enough to pass themselves and do not respond to conservative measures. They may cause urinary tract infections, kidney damage or bleeding. Options of invasive treatment for large stones include: