Kidney Stones

What are Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones - scientifically known as Renal Calculi and medically termed as Nephrolithiasis or Urolithiasis (depending on its location)

It is a condition characterized by the presence of hard mineral and salt crystals in one or both kidneys. The causes range from genetics and diet to medications and metabolic diseases.

Kidney stones vary in size as well as shape. The smaller ones may pass on their own while passing urine with little or no pain, but those that are larger may get obstructed, leading to severe pain and bleeding.

On experiencing any symptoms, one must seek care from a doctor or urologist to avoid any further complications.

What are the types of Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones can be made up of different types of crystals depending upon their composition. Identifying it helps determine the course of treatment and prevents its reoccurrence. The various types are:

Calcium Stones: They are the most common (in form of calcium oxalate stones). Eating an excess of oxalate-rich foods may increase the likeliness to develop them. These include certain fruits and vegetables (beets, okra, spinach, etc), nuts, tea, chocolate, black pepper and soy products, potato chips, etc. Calcium phosphate stones may occur in a condition called Renal Tubular Acidosis and on having certain medications (used to treat migraines).

Uric Acid Stones: These are more common in men and in those with gout or those undergoing chemotherapy. It also develops when urine is too acidic due to a diet rich in animal proteins (fish and meat).

Struvite Stones: These are found mostly in women with Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) and cause urinary obstruction due to their larger size. Treating the underlying infection helps prevent its occurrence.

Cystine stones: These are rare and occur in those who have the genetic disorder- Cystinuria wherein, an amino acid- cystine is secreted in excess and leaks from the kidneys into the urine and is found on analysis.

What are the causes and risk factors associated with Kidney Stones?

The causes of kidney stones are multifactorial. It forms due to an excess amount of the minerals and salts in the urine that crystallize and stick together, becoming more in composition than the fluid in the urine can dilute. 

Factors that increase the risk of developing kidney stones include:

Dehydration: This is the most important cause of kidney stones. This is the case especially for those who drink less than 1 liter of water per day, live in tropical climates, and sweat a lot.

Other factors that increase the risk of Kidney stones: 

• Family history of kidney stones: If in the past you have had one or more kidney stones.
• Men are more likely to develop kidney stones.
• Obesity 
• Digestive diseases and surgery: Gastric bypass surgery, inflammatory bowel disease, chronic diarrhea, etc. that affect digestive functions.

Medical conditions that could lead to kidney stones:

• Renal tubular acidosis
• Cystinuria
• Hyperparathyroidism
• If you are facing constant urinary tract infections, you might be at an increased risk of developing Kidney stones.
• Long-term and excessive use of vitamin C, dietary supplements, laxatives, calcium-based antacids, triamterene diuretics (often called water pills), anti-seizure medication, and certain medications used to treat migraines and depression.

What are the signs and symptoms?

A patient with kidney stones may be asymptomatic unless the stones move through the urinary tract, with the most common symptom being- severe abdominal pain (known as renal colic) associated with nausea and vomiting.

Gastrointestinal symptoms include

• Pain type: Severe, sharp pain that comes in waves and fluctuates in intensity, and may shift to a different location as the stone moves through the urinary tract.
• Pain areas: In the side and back, below the ribs that may radiate to the lower abdomen and groin.

Urinary signs and symptoms of kidney stones:

What happens if kidney stones are left untreated?

Complications that arise from leaving kidney stones untreated are:

• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)-including kidney infections.
• Urinary obstructions can lead to kidney infection, kidney damage, and ultimately loss of kidney function.