Kidney Stones — Types, Symptoms and Treatment
Kidney stones are typically small deposits of hard mineral and acid salts inside a kidney. There are many causes for the ailment, however, kidney stones form when urine is concentrated, hence, allowing minerals to crystallise and bond together. Kidney stones are a common problem, with a genetic predisposition in many cases.
What Causes kidney stones?
The cause of the kidney stone may be associated with the type of stone. Stones develop when the urine comprises too much of particular substance that crystallises into stones over few weeks or months.
Types of Kidney Stones
There are four main types of kidney stones based on the composition of the same,
Calcium stones: Most kidney stones made of calcium compounds, particularly calcium oxalate. Calcium phosphate and other minerals may also cause kidney stones.
Uric acid stones: Uric acid, which is a waste product of the body may also cause kidney stones. This type of stones normally passed out in urine. Most common causes of uric acid stones are,
• Low urine levels.
• high consumption of animal protein, particularly red meat.
• Increased consumption of Alcohol.
• Inflammatory bowel disease.
• Gout.
Struvite stones and Cystine stones may also be found in some cases.
Symptoms of Kidney Stones
Individuals suffering from stones may not experience any symptoms until the stones move down the ureters (tubes) and block the flow of urine out of the kidneys.
The commonly experienced symptom may vary based on the size, composition and location of the stone,
• Severe pain that starts and goes away suddenly.
• Pain in the belly area or side of the back.
• Pain near the groyne or testicles.
Other symptoms may include:
• Blood in the urine
• Fever with chills
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Discoloured Urine.
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Treatment for Kidney Stones
Usually, small kidney stones pass without the need for any kidney stones treatment. The need for Kidney stone treatment depends on the type of stone and the severity of the individual’s symptoms.
Small Kidney stones usually pass through the urine on their own. One should drink at least 6–8 glasses of water per day to assist the passing. Over the counter pain medicines may be prescribed if the patient experiences severe pain.
Lithotripsy also called extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy or ESWL is used to remove stones smaller than half an inch, located in the kidney or ureter, using sound or shock waves to break up the stones, which then pass naturally through the urine.
Kidney Stone Surgery
kidney stone removal is often needed, in case,
• The stone is too large to pass.
• Growing Stone.
• Blockage of the flow of urine
• Infection or kidney damage.
• Uncontrollable pain.
Kidney Stone Removal Surgery: Is a minimally invasive procedure performed by passing a special instrument through a small incision into the kidney or ureters. This used for large stones in or near the kidney. The stone are then extracted using an endoscope. Ureteroscopy may be prescribed for stones in the lower urinary tract.
Kidney Stone Operation (open surgery; nephrolithotomy) may be required in rare cases if other methods for stone extraction are not possible.
In each case, the stones should be tested to evaluate the type and cause to avoid future occurrences, through dietary changes and medication.
