What Are Kidney Stones?
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Causes of Kidney Stones
A number of things can lead to stones, including:
Dehydration:
Not drinking enough fluids leads to concentrated urine, which increases the chance of stone formation.
Dietary factors:
They 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 of these 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: They 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
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.
- Struvite stones: These stones can grow rapidly and are fairly big, and they are frequently brought on by urinary tract infections.
- 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.
- 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
Prevention of Kidney Stones
If you’ve had this problem 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.
Why Choose LifePlus Hospital for Your Kidney Stone Treatment?
At LifePlus Hospital, we offer state-of-the-art treatments are, 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.
