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KIDNEY STONES OR KIDNEY STONES: SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT
woman sitting in bed with pain caused by kidney stones
Kidney stones, also known as renal lithiasis or nephrolithiasis, are a hard mass of minerals that form inside the kidney from substances in the urine, and sometimes they can be the size of a grain of rice or larger, the size of the middle of the palm of the hand.
HeDr. Andrés Silva , urologist at Clínica INDISA, explains what kidney stones are, the symptoms to watch out for and the appropriate treatment to carry out if they are present.
SYMPTOMS TO WATCH OUT FOR
Sometimes kidney stones can cause symptoms when they just begin to move through the kidney or until they pass through the ureter; There may even be some that are asymptomatic and are only diagnosed with blood or urine tests.
Most of the time, these stones are eliminated spontaneously, but sometimes they block the passage of urine, which can cause great discomfort.
It is estimated that between 10 and 15% of the population may have kidney stones, and there are different symptoms depending on their size and location, says Dr. Silva .
AMONG THE MOST COMMON SYMPTOMS ARE:
- Severe pain on the sides and under the ribs
- Pain from the lower abdomen and towards the groin
- Pain when urinating
- Cloudy, bad-smelling urine
- Constant need to urinate
- Fever and chills in case there is an infection
- Red, pink, or brown urine
- Urinate in small amounts and frequently
CAUSES FOR WHICH YOU CAN HAVE A STONE
Kidney stones occur when the amount of substances such as calcium, phosphate or uric acid in the urine is greater than what the urine’s fluids can dilute, forming crystals.
Additionally, sometimes the urine may lack substances that prevent crystals from adhering to others, creating the perfect environment for kidney stones to form.
“This is why it is recommended that people drink enough water during the day, since in this way it is possible to prevent the formation of these crystals,” points out the doctor from Clínica INDISA.
TYPES OF KIDNEY STONES
There are different types of kidney stones, therefore, knowing the type of stone you have can help the specialist determine the cause and correctly evaluate the treatment to be performed, as well as guide the patient in the appropriate way to reduce the risk. to have more calculations.
THE TYPES OF KIDNEY STONES ARE:
- Calcium stones: This is the most common type of stone and usually occurs more frequently in men between 20 and 30 years of age. Calcium can sometimes combine with other substances, such as oxalate and phosphate, to form the stone. Diet, excess vitamin D, intestinal bypass surgery, and certain metabolic disorders can increase the concentration of calcium or oxalate in the urine.
- Uric acid stones: These form when urine is too acidic. These can occur in people who do not drink enough fluid or who have other history, such as overweight or diabetes. In turn, people who have a high protein diet are prone to having this type of stones. In addition, there are genetic factors that increase the risk of suffering from uric acid stones.
- Struvite stones: This type of stone can grow quickly and without symptoms. They are made of ammonium, phosphate and magnesium. Its formation occurs when there are urinary tract infections, where bacteria change the chemical composition of the urine.
- Cystine stones: This type of stone originates from a chemical that the body produces naturally, called cystine. These stones usually form in people with an inherited disorder that causes the kidneys to excrete too much of certain amino acids. RISK FACTOR’S
Everyone can have a kidney stone, but like any disease, some are more likely than others to have it.
In fact, it is men who tend to have kidney stones more frequently than women. Also, you may be more likely to have a kidney stone if you:
•Someone in your family has had kidney stones: if this happens or if you have had them before, you are more likely to have one again.
•You don’t drink enough water: 2 liters a day are recommended.
•You eat a diet high in protein and sodium: excess salt in the diet increases the amount of calcium that the kidney filters, which increases the risk of kidney stones.
•Being overweight: A high body mass index and weight gain may be associated with an increased risk of kidney stones.
•If you have chronic kidney disease.
TREATMENTS FOR KIDNEY STONES
Treatment to remove kidney stones will depend on the type of stone, its size, and whether it is blocking the urinary tract.
- Shock wave lithotripsy: consists of shock waves that break the stones in the kidney into small pieces and, in this way, they can pass through the urinary tract and leave the body through urine.
- Ureteroscopy: performed with a small probe to find and remove the stone. If the stone is small, the doctor may be able to remove it. If it is large, it may have to be broken into pieces with the use of laser technology.
- Percutaneous: generally reserved for more complex cases and large stones. It consists of introducing a camera into the kidney through a small incision in the skin to then fragment and extract the stones.
HOW CAN I PREVENT KIDNEY STONES
The best way to prevent kidney stones is to drink enough fluids every day and eat a balanced, low-sodium diet.
It is necessary for your doctor to find out the type of stone you have, since this way he or she can recommend a specific diet to prevent kidney stones in the future.
what are the first signs of kidney stones
The first signs of kidney stones can include severe pain in the back, side, abdomen, or groin, along with nausea, vomiting, blood in the urine, frequent urination, and pain during urination. If you suspect you have kidney stones, it’s important to see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
what are the first signs of kidney stones in females
In females, the first signs of kidney stones are similar to those in males and can include severe pain in the back, side, abdomen, or groin, along with nausea, vomiting, blood in the urine, frequent urination, and pain during urination. However, symptoms can vary from person to person, so it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
what are the first signs of kidney stones in females?
In females, the first signs of kidney stones can manifest as severe pain in the lower back or side, often radiating to the lower abdomen or groin. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, blood in the urine, frequent urination, painful urination, and difficulty passing urine. It’s crucial for females experiencing these symptoms to seek medical attention promptly for proper diagnosis and treatment.
what are the first signs of kidney stones male
The initial signs of kidney stones in males are typically intense pain in the back, side, abdomen, or groin. Additional symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, blood in the urine, frequent urination, painful urination, and difficulty passing urine. If you experience these symptoms, it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider for evaluation and treatment.
