Kidney Stones Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Kidney stones can be a painful and uncomfortable condition, but understanding what they are and how to manage them can make a big difference. At Shifaa Hospital, we’re here to help you navigate kidney stones and find the best solutions for relief.
What Are Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. They can vary in size and may be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball. When stones move through the urinary tract, they can cause significant pain and discomfort.
Causes of Kidney Stones
Kidney stones form when there is a high concentration of certain substances in your urine. Common causes include:
Dehydration
Not drinking enough water can lead to concentrated urine, which increases the risk of stone formation.
Diet
High intake of certain foods, like those rich in oxalates (e.g., spinach, nuts) or excessive salt, can contribute to stone formation.
Medical Conditions
Conditions such as gout, certain metabolic disorders, or chronic kidney infections can increase your risk of developing stones.
Family History
If kidney stones run in your family, you may be more likely to develop them.
Symptoms of Kidney Stones
The symptoms of kidney stones can vary depending on their size and location. Common symptoms include:
Severe Pain
Often described as sharp or cramp-like pain in the back, side, or lower abdomen.
Painful Urination
Discomfort or burning sensation during urination. Blood in Urine: Urine may appear pink, red, or brown.
Frequent Urination
An increased urge to urinate, sometimes with only a small amount of urine.
Nausea and Vomiting
Often due to the intense pain.
Treatment Options
Treatment for kidney stones depends on their size, type, and severity of symptoms. Options include:
Increased Fluid Intake
Drinking plenty of water helps to flush out small stones naturally.
Medications
Pain relievers and medications can help manage symptoms and sometimes help in passing stones.
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL)
A procedure that uses shock waves to break up larger stones into smaller pieces that can be passed more easily.
Ureteroscopy
A procedure where a thin tube is inserted through the urinary tract to remove or break up the stones.
Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy
A surgical procedure used for very large stones, where a small incision is made in the back to remove the stones.
Preventing Kidney Stones
To reduce the risk of future kidney stones:
Stay Hydrated
Aim to drink enough water throughout the day to produce clear urine.
Follow a Balanced Diet
Limit intake of salt and foods high in oxalates, and ensure adequate calcium intake.
Regular Check-Ups
If you’ve had kidney stones before, regular monitoring can help manage and prevent recurrence.
Take Action
If you’re experiencing symptoms of kidney stones or need advice on prevention and treatment, reach out to our nephrology team at Shifaa Hospital. We’re here to provide expert care and support.
Shifaa Hospital
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080-4000 7300
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Shifaa Hospital
#332, Dar-us-salam Building, Queens Rd, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560052
080-4000 7300
Our Location
General Enquiries
- 080-4000 7300
- shifaa.hospital@gmail.com
Appointments
- +91 99022 13014
- shifaa.hospital@gmail.com
Feedback
- +91 98866 80519
- feedback@shifaahospital.org
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Sunday Closed
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