You may have heard about kidney stones. And may be aware that these stones are often painful.

Are you suffering from persistent pain under your ribs and are clueless why the pain is occurring? Have you ever wondered what exactly kidney stones are? What causes them, what are the symptoms that you must watch out for, and how do you go about treating them?

Sounds a little too much? No worries. Mykare Health is here to help you understand everything about kidney stones and treating them. We’re here to empower you with all the facts and provide you the most effective treatment support for kidney stones.

What Are Kidney Stones?

Sometimes, substances like oxalate, calcium and uric acid get accumulated and crystallise in the kidneys. These solid stone-like deposits formed in the kidneys are known as kidney stones. The size of kidney stones can vary from a tiny grain to large stones resembling a pebble.

Kidney stones can block your urinary tract and cause extreme pain while affecting the kidney functions.

Types Of Kidney Stones

Kidney stones can be of various kinds. Knowing the type of the stone helps in better treatment decisions.

Calcium Stones

Calcium Phosphate Stones: These are less common than calcium oxalate stones. They are developed when the calcium is combined with phosphate in the urine. Metabolic disorders or renal tubular acidosis are conditions which contribute to its formation.

Uric Acid Stones: Uric acid stones are a result of high levels of uric acid in the urine. It can crystallise and lead to stone formation. Diet rich in purines (found in foods like red meat) or conditions like gout increases the uric acid levels.

Struvite Stones: Struvite stones are often associated with urinary tract infections. It is caused by a certain bacteria.These types of stones can rapidly grow larger. Due to their big size, it blocks the urinary tract.

Cystine Stones: Cystine stones are rare and are caused by hereditary disorder known as Cystinuria. It leads to the presence of excessive cystine in the urine.

Each of these kidney stones are formed due to the presence of various substances in the urine. After identifying the underlying causes of the stone, your doctor can choose the most appropriate treatment for you.

Causes of Kidney Stones

Now, let’s get to what causes kidney stones.

Dietary Factors: If you are consuming foods high in sodium, oxalates or animal proteins, it can cause the formation of kidney stones. Spinach, nuts and chocolates are higher in oxalate content. So, consuming such foods excessively can increase the risk.

Dehydration: When the intake of water reduces, the volume of urine reduces. This makes your urine concentrated, leading to the formation of kidney stones.

Medical Conditions: Do you have any urinary tract infections, hyperparathyroidism or metabolic disorders? In case you do, it may cause kidney stones in future.

Family History: If your family has someone who has previously had kidney stones, you are likely to experience them. Furthermore, if you have ever experienced kidney stones, there is a probability that you will experience them again.

Symptoms of Kidney Stones

Here are the signs that you need to watch for.

Severe Pain: The most typical sign of kidney stones is severe back, stomach, or groin pain. The pain typically varies in intensity. The movement of stones through the urinary tract is the cause of this.

Changes in Urination: The colour of the urine can tell you whether you have stones or not. If it's pink, red, or brown, you must get in touch with a doctor. Other symptoms are frequent urination, and pain during urination.

Nausea and Vomiting: In some people, kidney stones can cause nausea and vomiting. It is often related to kidney stone pain.

Blood in Urine: If you have seen a presence of blood in urine, it can be due to kidney stones. Urine containing blood is known as hematuria. In case you experience it, please get in touch with your doctor without delay.

Identification and Management

Now that you’re aware of the symp[toms, here’s how you should identify kidney stones and treat them.

Diagnostic tests: You can identify the size, location and presence of kidney stones with tests like X-rays, CT scans, and ultrasounds.

Pain management: Doctors often provide pain relievers, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs). It is to lessen the pain caused by the movement of kidney stones.

Fluid Intake: If you drink more water, it helps in flushing out stones by diluting the urine.

Medical Procedures: Lithotripsy, ureteroscopy and surgical interventions are common procedures in kidney stones. They are used for removing larger stones. Lithotripsy is conducted by using shock waves to break the stones. In ureteroscopy, your doctor passes a thin tube and removes the stones.

Preventive Measures

Hydration: You can try maintaining an adequate water intake. Because, it will help you to prevent the concentration of minerals that forms the stones.

Dietary Modifications: Try to follow some modifications in your diet, such as :

Balancing the intake of oxalate-rich foods. Reducing consumption of sodium and animal protein. Following a diet rich in calcium. All these factors will help you in preventing stone formation.

Medication: In some cases, doctors may recommend medications to control some substances in urine. It contributes in preventing kidney stones from forming.

Regular Check-ups: If you have a history of kidney stones, you should undergo regular check-ups and follow-ups with your doctor. These procedures are conducted for your faster recovery by regularly monitoring your condition.

Kidney stones are, no doubt, painful and a troublemaker in your life. With proper understanding, preventive measures and treatments, its impact can be reduced. It is possible to manage kidney stones efficiently.

Through early detection, diagnosis and on-time medical treatments. That’s how to ensure your kidney health.