News & 
			Events

News & Events

What are the first signs of kidney stones - All you need to know

Date: 03 September 2024

Trends and challenges in the Indian healthcare sector

Definition of kidney stones

Kidney stones, or renal calculi, are solid masses made of tiny crystals. They can develop in the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. They can vary in size, from a grain of sand to larger stones resembling gravel. When small, kidney stones may pass through the urinary tract unnoticed, but larger stones can cause severe pain and complications.
Kidney stone pain can be intense when it passes through the urinary tract.

Importance of early detection

Understanding the early signs is crucial in early detection and prompt treatment for kidney stones. It also helps prevent complications and kidney injury.
Kidney stones are usually caused due to several factors, but a few common factors are dehydration, diet, medical conditions and family medical history.

Types of kidney stones

Kidney stones are named after the crystals that form them.

  • Calcium stones are the most common types of kidney stones that form when you eat high-oxalate or low-calcium foods and aren't drinking enough fluids.
  • Uric acid stones - Uric acid stones form when urine has too much uric acid, which can be caused by a diet high in animal proteins, chronic diarrhoea, or malabsorption.
  • Struvite stones - Struvite stones form in response to bacterial infections. Repeated infections can lead to a huge stone that needs to be removed surgically.
  • Cystine stones - These stones tend to run in families with a genetic disorder called cystinuria, which causes the kidneys to excrete too much cystine into the urine.

Early signs and symptoms of kidney stones

Recognising the early signs is crucial for timely intervention and prompt treatment of kidney stones.

The most common symptoms include:

  • Severe Pain: This severe kidney stone pain is usually felt in the back or side, below the ribs, and radiating to the lower abdomen and groin. It is frequently described as stabbing or cramping.
  • Painful Urination: Urination can hurt or cause discomfort, and this is frequently accompanied by frequency or urgency.
  • Blood in Urine: Kidney stones can pass through the urine, resulting in hematuria or blood in the urine, which gives the urine a pink, red, or brownish tint.
  • Nausea and Vomiting: Some people may have nausea and vomiting, which is frequently brought on by the excruciating kidney stone pain.
  • Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Fever, chills, and cloudy or foul-smelling urine are symptoms of infections that can coexist with kidney stones.

Exams and tests for kidney stones

If kidney stones are suspected, the following tests can be performed by a healthcare professional:

  • Medical History and Physical Examination: A review of the patient's symptoms and medical history is conducted, and a physical examination may be used to spot kidney stone symptoms.
  • Imaging Tests: Kidney stones' size and location can be seen with imaging methods like CT scans, X-rays, and ultrasounds.
  • Urinalysis: Analysing a urine sample can reveal kidney stone-related blood, crystals, or infection markers.

Diagnosis and medical evaluation

The treatment for kidney stones depends on its size, location, and the severity of symptoms:

  • Pain Management: Ibuprofen or acetaminophen are two over-the-counter pain relievers that can help reduce discomfort.
  • Fluid Intake: Increasing water or fluid intake can aid in the kidney stone removal of small stones and stop the formation of new ones.
  • Kidney Stone Medication: There are certain prescribed kidney stone medications that can help control underlying conditions or dissolve specific kinds of kidney stones.
  • Surgical Procedures: Procedures like lithotripsy, which breaks stones with shock waves, or surgical kidney stone removal may be necessary for larger stones or those causing severe symptoms.
  • Preventive Measures: Modifying one's diet, increasing water intake, and taking medication to treat underlying medical conditions can all help stop kidney stones from returning.

Conclusion

For kidney stones to be diagnosed and treated quickly, it is imperative to recognise the early warning signs and symptoms. To receive the correct diagnosis and treatment for kidney stones, see a healthcare professional if you suffer from excruciating kidney stone pain, changes in your urination, or other symptoms. By being aware of causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and available treatment for kidney stones, you can take preventative measures to safeguard your general health and kidney health. Visit the best surgical center in Pune to help you through this journey.

FAQs

How do you know when the kidney stone is starting?

You can understand this by noticing the early signs and symptoms like:

  • Severe Pain
  • Painful Urination
  • Blood in Urine
  • Nausea and Vomiting
  • Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

How can I check for kidney stones at home?

There are no tests for kidney stones that can be done at home. The only thing that could help would be to keep an eye on the signs and symptoms that kidney stones cause.

How can you confirm kidney stones?

Tests like CT scans, X-rays, and ultrasounds can confirm kidney stones. Even analysing a urine sample can reveal kidney stone-related blood, crystals, or infection markers.

What is the fastest way to dissolve a kidney stone?

The best way to try passing a kidney stone through urine is by drinking plenty of water and other fluids. Certain prescribed kidney stone medications can help dissolve specific kinds of kidney stones.

What are the 10 foods that cause kidney stones?

Kidney stones can occur for various reasons, but certain foods can make you more susceptible to them. Several examples include foods high in sugar, sodium, protein, and oxalate.

Telephone Call Us Now 020-66455100 Book Health Check-up Book Health Check-up Enquire