Kidney Stones: The Painful Intruders in Your Body

What is it, and why is it important:

Kidney stones, also known as renal calculi, are small, hard mineral deposits that originate in your kidneys but can develop anywhere in the urinary tract. They are common urinary tract disorders and cause excruciating pain. The causes of kidney stones vary; they can form when your body has too much of certain minerals and lacks enough fluid. The stones can be brown or yellow and smooth or rough.

Kidney stones create complications, like:

• Blocked ureter; damage to the ureter
• Severe Pain and kidney damage
• Urinary tract infection
• Sepsis, an infection that spreads through your whole body.

What are the symptoms of Kidney Stones:

Kidney stones may not always show early symptoms, or they may only become apparent when the stone starts to move. As the stone shifts, it can cause various degrees of discomfort. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include:

Risk factors that lead to Kidney Stones include:

• Family or personal history
• Not consuming enough fluid and consuming a high diet of animal protein, oxalate-rich foods, sodium (salt) and sugar.
• Obesity and Digestive Diseases
• Other medical conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney cysts, gout & osteoporosis, etc
• Certain supplements and medications, like diuretics and calcium-based antacids.

How to Diagnose Kidney Stones:

Healthcare providers use imaging, blood and urine tests to diagnose kidney stones. If kidney stones are suspected based on symptoms and physical examination, one or more of the following tests may be recommended:

• Urine test is performed to check for blood, stone-forming crystals and signs of infection.
• X-rays, CT scans and ultrasound are utilised to visualise the size, shape, location and quantity of stones within the kidneys.
• Blood tests are performed to assess kidney function, identify infections, and detect elevated calcium levels or any other conditions.

How to Treat Kidney Stones:

Treatment for kidney stones depends on factors such as the size, location and composition of the stone, as well as the severity of symptoms. Small stones may pass with pain management and increased fluid intake, while larger stones or those causing complications may require medical treatment such as:

• Medication: Medications can help stone pass through urine, along with pain and anti-nausea medicines. Do not self-medicate.
• Lithotripsy: Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is a non- invasive procedure that uses shock waves to break up kidney stones into smaller pieces, which pass through the urinary tract.
• Ureteroscopy: In this procedure, a thin, flexible scope (ureteroscope) is inserted through the urethra and bladder to reach the stone in the ureter or kidney. The stone can then be removed or broken up using laser energy.
• There are other procedures for more severe/rare cases.

Prevention of Kidney Stones:

Here are some tips for preventing kidney stones through lifestyle & dietary changes, particularly for those at risk.

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
• Limit sodium intake, avoid processed foods, canned soups and fast food; Moderate animal protein consumption, and opt for plant-based protein.
• Reduce oxalate-rich foods such as spinach, rhubarb, nuts and chocolate.
• Limit caffeine and alcohol & maintain a healthy lifestyle.