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What Are Kidney Stones?

Hard mineral deposits called kidney stones can develop inside your kidneys. They can range in size from a tiny grain of sand to a massive stone the size of a golf ball. When certain elements, such as calcium, oxalate, or uric acid, are present in excess in your urine, they can mix to form crystals and cause these stones. These crystals eventually develop into stones.

Causes of Kidney Stones

A number of things can lead to kidney stones, including:

Dehydration:

Not drinking enough fluids leads to concentrated urine, which increases the chance of stone formation.

Dietary factors:

Kidney stones can develop as a result of diets high in protein and meals high in salt and oxalate.

Obesity:

Being overweight can affect the chemical balance of your urine, making kidney stones more likely.

Family history:

Kidney stones may be more prone to occur if they run in your family.

Certain medical conditions:

Conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and gout can increase the risk of kidney stones.

Symptoms of Kidney Stones

While some kidney stones don’t cause any symptoms and may pass unnoticed, others can lead to significant discomfort. Symptoms include:

  • Severe pain: Usually defined as a sharp discomfort in the lower abdomen, back, or side. Renal colic is the name for this pain, which can vary in intensity and occur in waves.
  • Urinating painfully: If you experience a burning sensation when you pee, it may be a sign that a stone is passing through your urinary tract.
  • Blood in the urine: Kidney stones can cause tiny tears in the lining of the urinary tract, leading to blood in the urine (haematuria).
  • Frequent urination: Feeling the need to urinate more often or urgently than usual.
  • Cloudy or foul-smelling urine: This could indicate an infection in the urinary tract, which is a potential complication of kidney stones.
  • Nausea and vomiting: This can occur due to severe pain.

Types of Kidney Stones

Kidney stones come in a variety of forms and are caused by various substances. The most prevalent kind of stones are calcium and oxalate-based. Urine that contains high concentrations of these chemicals may develop stones.
  1. Struvite stones: These stones can grow rapidly and are fairly big, and they are frequently brought on by urinary tract infections.
  2. Uric acid stones: These develop when the urine contains excessive amounts of uric acid, which can happen as a result of certain diets or illnesses like gout.
  3. Cystine stones: A rare kind of stone that develops in individuals with cystinuria, a hereditary condition.

Diagnosis

  • Urine tests: To check for blood or infection.
  • Imaging tests: A CT scan, ultrasound, or X-ray can help locate stones and assess their size.
  • Blood tests: To check for elevated levels of substances that could lead to kidney stones.

Treatment for Kidney Stones

Treatment depends on the size and location of the stone, as well as the severity of symptoms. Options include:

Prevention of Kidney Stones

If you’ve had kidney stones before, you’re at risk of developing them again. Preventive measures include:
  • Drinking plenty of water: Aim to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water a day to dilute your urine and prevent stone formation.
  • Dietary changes: Limit salt and high-oxalate foods like spinach, nuts, and chocolate. For those prone to uric acid stones, reducing intake of animal protein (like meat) can help.
  • Medications: In some cases, doctors may prescribe medication to prevent stones from forming.

For small stones, your doctor may suggest drinking plenty of fluids to help pass the stone naturally. Pain relief medication may also be prescribed.

Why Choose LifePlus Hospital for Your Kidney Stone Treatment?

At LifePlus Hospital, we offer state-of-the-art treatments for kidney stones, with a focus on your comfort and well-being. Our team of specialists is committed to providing personalized care and helping you finds the most effective treatment plan. Whether you need diagnostic imaging, medical management, or surgery, we’re here to support you at every step of the way.

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  • Inadequate fluid intake.
  • High-sodium or high-protein diets.
  • Sedentary lifestyle.
  • Certain medications or supplements, like calcium or vitamin D in high doses.
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