Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are hard, crystalline deposits that develop when there is an excess in the substances that make up urine, such as calcium, oxalate, and uric acid.
Types
There are several types of kidney stones.
Calcium oxalate stones - account for approximately 75-85%.
Uric acid stones - account for 5-10%.
Struvite stones: They usually caused by urinary tract infections and are composed of magnesium, ammonium, and phosphate. They are less common but can grow quite large and quickly.
Cystine stones: These are rare and are formed due to a genetic disorder that causes the kidneys to excrete excessive amounts of cystine, an amino acid. These stones are typically hereditary.
Xanthine stones are rare. They can be related to a rare genetic disorder or drug-induced stones, which can form due to medications.
Risk factors
Family history of stones
Dehydration
A diet high in chemicals that make up the stone
Certain medical conditions
Symptoms
- intense pain when they move from the kidney into the ureter (the tube connecting the kidney to the bladder). This pain is often sharp and colicky and can radiate to the lower abdomen and groin or back.
Other symptoms may include
- blood in the urine,
- frequent urination,
- urinary hesitancy and
- nausea.
Diagnosis
- Your doctor will ask about your medical history, including any previous episodes of kidney stones, family history, and your symptoms.
- A physical examination may be conducted to check for signs of pain or tenderness in the abdomen or back.
- An ultrasound may be recommended to determine the location and size of the stone.
- Analysis of a passed stone can help identify its composition.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the size, type, and location of the stone.
- Small calcium oxalate stones may pass on their own with increase fluid intake and oral medicines.
- Uric acid stones can often be dissolved or prevented from forming by maintaining a more alkaline urine environment through dietary changes or medications like allopurinol.
- Larger or more problematic stones may require interventions like extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy, ureteroscopy, or percutaneous nephrolithotomy (surgical removal).
- Struvite stones typically require surgical removal because they tend to grow large and quickly.
- Antibiotics to treat the underlying urinary tract infection are also necessary.
Complications
If left untreated, kidney stones can lead to complications like urinary tract infections or kidney damage.
Prevention
If you've passed a kidney stone, your doctor may ask you to collect it for analysis. The composition of the stone can help determine its type and guide treatment and prevention strategies.
- stay well-hydrated,
- maintain a balanced diet
- in some cases, take medications as prescribed by a healthcare provider.
- Dietary modifications may be recommended based on the type of stone.
o For prevention of calcium oxalate stones, maintain adequate hydration, limit high-oxalate foods (such as spinach and rhubarb), and moderate calcium intake.
o For prevention of uric acid and cysteine stones, drink plenty of fluids to keep urine diluted and reduce uric acid and cysteine concentration.
o Avoid purine-rich foods like organ meats and limit alcohol consumption if you're prone to uric acid stones.
