Kidney stones are hard crystals inside your kidneys that form when the mineral content in your urine is high, causing them to stick together and crystallize. Although they usually form in your kidneys, they can affect any part of your urinary tract.
Let’s learn more about kidney stones, their causes, prevention, and treatment.
What are Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones, or renal lithiasis, are solid masses made of crystals. Kidney stones typically originate in your kidneys but can develop anywhere along your urinary tract.
Kidney Stone Symptoms
Knowing the symptoms of kidney stones can help people recognize when they need to see a doctor:
- Severe pain in the back, side, lower abdomen, or groin
- Pain during urination
- Unusual urine color or smell
- Nausea and vomiting
- Urinating more often than usual
- Fever and chills
- Urinating small amounts of urine
Causes of Kidney Stones
Kidney stones form when the balance of water, minerals, and salts in the urine is disturbed, leading to the crystallization of certain substances that would otherwise remain dissolved. Understanding these causes is the first step in preventing kidney stones or managing them more effectively if they occur. By addressing these risk factors, individuals can take proactive measures to maintain their urinary tract health and reduce the likelihood of stone formation.
Dehydration
Insufficient hydration is the key factor leading to concentrated urine, creating an ideal condition for kidney stone formation. This occurs because a lack of sufficient fluids allows minerals to crystallize and bind together more easily, due to the reduced dilution.
Diet
Certain dietary choices can influence the risk of developing kidney stones. High salt intake increases the amount of calcium in urine, potentially forming calcium stones. Foods rich in oxalate (such as spinach, beets, and nuts) can also contribute to this risk, as oxalate is a key component in many kidney stones. Conversely, a diet high in animal proteins can increase uric acid levels, another contributor to stone formation.
Obesity
Being overweight is associated with an increased risk of kidney stones. Obesity may alter the acid-base balance and increase the excretion of calcium and uric acid, creating an environment conducive to the development of stones.
Medical conditions
Certain conditions can increase the risk of stone formation due to changes in urine composition or volume. These conditions can be:
- Hyperparathyroidism
- Urinary tract infections
- Renal tubular acidosis
Genetics
A family history of kidney stones can significantly increase an individual’s risk, suggesting a genetic predisposition to stone formation. This genetic factor may influence the body’s ability to absorb and secrete certain substances, leading to stone development.
Preventing Kidney Stones
Preventing kidney stones focuses on lifestyle and dietary adjustments to minimize the risk factors associated with their formation. Here are four effective strategies:
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, is crucial in preventing kidney stones.
- Modify Your Diet: Reducing salt intake and limiting foods high in oxalates can prevent the formation of calcium oxalate stones, the most common type.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Obesity can increase the risk of developing kidney stones. Adopting a balanced diet and regular exercise routine can help lower the risk.
- Medication Adjustment: Certain medications, such as diuretics (water pills), calcium-based supplements, and some antacids, can increase the risk of kidney stones.
Treatment Options
These treatments are selected based on the size, type, and location of the kidney stone, the patient’s overall health, and personal preferences. A healthcare professional can guide the best treatment option based on an individual’s situation.
Medical Therapy
For small kidney stones, medical therapy may be recommended to help pass the stones naturally. This can involve drinking plenty of water to help flush the stones out of the urinary tract, using pain relievers to manage pain associated with passing stones, and using alpha-blockers. Alpha-blockers relax the muscles in the ureter, helping stones pass more easily and with less pain.
Shock Wave Lithotripsy (SWL)
SWL is a non-invasive treatment where high-energy sound waves are used to break kidney stones into smaller pieces that can pass with the urine. The procedure is typically done on an outpatient basis and is most effective for stones located in the kidney or upper ureter. It is suitable for stones that are too large to pass on their own but small enough to be fragmented by this method.
Ureteroscopy
For stones lodged in the ureter or kidney, ureteroscopy may be used. This minimally invasive procedure involves a kidney doctor inserting a small scope through the urethra and bladder into the ureter to directly visualize and remove the stone using a small basket or by breaking it up with a laser. Ureteroscopy is often chosen for stones that are not suitable for SWL, including those that are harder, larger, or located in a position where SWL is less effective.
Reliable Nephrologist Near Me in Marlborough, MA
Don’t let kidney stones dictate your health and well-being. Take the first step towards a stone-free life by scheduling a visit at the Commonwealth Nephrology Associates. We are the experts in kidney health, equipped with the knowledge and tools to guide you through prevention, diagnosis, and treatment options tailored just for you. Our expert kidney doctors provide high-quality, comprehensive care for kidney diseases and associated conditions such as hypertension, kidney stones, and electrolyte disorders.
To learn more about our services or to set up a private consultation with one of our providers, call us today at (617) 739-2100 or use our online appointment request form.
