Kidney Stones

Kidney Stones: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Kidney stones are a painful condition that can interfere with your normal activities. A kidney stone is a hard mass formed in the kidneys from mineral deposits.They can vary in size and can either be single stones or clusters of stones. Depending on the exact cause of the stones, they can be composed of various substances such as uric acid, calcium oxalate, or struvite.

Most kidney stones form because of a buildup of calcium and other substances in the urine. The stones can cause severe pain, blood in the urine, and other complications. The good news is that most stones can be treated effectively.

Causes of Kidney Stones

Most people develop kidney stones because of an imbalance in their urine. If your urine contains too much of certain substances, such as calcium, oxalate, or uric acid, these can start to crystallize and form stones. Other common causes include dehydration, infection, and certain diseases.

Symptoms of Kidney Stones

The most common symptom of a kidney stone is pain in the side of your abdomen. You may also experience nausea, vomiting, and difficulty urinating. Other symptoms can include blood in your urine and fever.

Diagnosing Kidney Stones

If you suspect you have a kidney stone, it’s important to seek medical help right away. Your doctor or healthcare provider can use a variety of tests to diagnose your condition. These tests may include:

• A physical exam
• Urine tests
• Blood tests
• CT scans
• Ultrasound imaging

Treatment for Kidney Stones

Depending on the size of the stone, there are a few different treatment options. In some cases, the stone may be small enough to pass on its own. You may be advised to drink plenty of fluids and use medications to help. In other cases, you may need to have the stone surgically removed. In certain cases, medical procedures such as shockwave lithotripsy may be used to break the stone apart.

Preventing Kidney Stones

The best way to prevent kidney stones is to take steps to keep the substances causing them out of your body. Consuming enough fluids is essential for keeping your body hydrated and healthy. Eating a balanced diet and avoiding high levels of proteins, calcium, and oxalate can also help reduce your risk of developing kidney stones.