Kidney Stones: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

Kidney stones can cause severe pain and urinary symptoms. At Mahatma Gandhi Medical College & Hospital (MGMCH), Jaipur, the Department of Urology provides diagnosis and treatment for kidney and urinary stones through a dedicated Stone Clinic. The department offers conservative medical stone expulsion therapy and procedures including URSL, RIRS, PCNL, ESWL, and Holmium Laser Lithotripsy.

What Causes Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones are hard mineral deposits that form in the kidneys when certain substances in the urine become concentrated and crystallize. MGMCH identifies dehydration, dietary factors, family history, certain medical conditions, and some medications as potential causes of renal calculi.

Some of the most common causes of kidney stones are:

• Being dehydrated or not consuming sufficient amounts of fluids

• Dietary factors, including high intake of certain stone-forming substances

• A family history of kidney stones

• Some diseases, such as gout or hyperparathyroidism

• Certain medications

How Are Kidney Stones Formed?

Kidney stones develop when substances in urine become sufficiently concentrated to form crystals. Over time, these crystals can grow into larger mineral deposits. The composition of a kidney stone can vary, and identifying the stone type may help doctors understand potential risk factors and guide prevention strategies.

• Protein and protein compounds are also frequently associated with nutrition, as are calcium oxalate stones, the most common type of kidney stone.

• Dehydration (and high-protein diets) are associated with uric acid stones.

• Struvite stones can sometimes form due to a urinary tract infection.

• Cystine stones are caused by a rare genetic condition.

Kidney Stone Symptoms

Symptoms of kidney stones often start mild and may only include pain in the back and side of the abdomen. As the symptoms get worse or change, they are more difficult to ignore.

Common signs and symptoms of kidney stones are

• Sudden back, side, or lower abdominal pain (where kidney stones usually form)

• Pain that comes in waves and radiates towards the groin

• Blood in urine (pink, red, or brown)

• Nausea and vomiting

• Needing to get to the toilet often to urinate (pee)

• Dysuria - burning when peeing

• Cloudy or foul-smelling urine

Kidney Stone Symptoms in Women

Kidney stone symptoms can vary from person to person. Women may experience the same urinary and pain-related symptoms associated with kidney stones, including back or side pain, abdominal discomfort, painful urination, frequent urination, and blood in the urine. If symptoms are severe, persistent, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms, medical evaluation is recommended.

Kidney Stone Size: Does It Matter?

Kidney stone size can influence treatment decisions, but size is not the only factor. The stone's location, symptoms, and clinical circumstances also need to be considered. MGMCH states that treatment options depend on the size and location of the stone.

Kidney Stone Treatment Options

Treatment for kidney stones will vary based on the size, position, and symptoms caused by the kidney stone.

1. Fluids and pain relief: If you have small stones, your doctor may prescribe you lots of water and a medication for kidney stones or a kidney stone tablet for pain so that the stone will pass on its own.
2. Medical expulsive therapy: Some drugs can also relax the muscles of the ureter, which makes passing the stone easier and less painful.
3. Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL): This is a non-invasive approach that involves using shock waves to fragment the stone into smaller pieces, which can then pass out on their own.
4. Treatment with laser for kidney stones: A thin scope equipped with a laser is inserted into the urinary tract to break up stones into smaller pieces - one of the most frequently used kinds of kidney stone laser surgery for stones that won't pass spontaneously.

MGMCH lists PCNL as a treatment option for larger kidney stones. The appropriate procedure depends on the stone's size, location, and clinical circumstances.

Kidney Stone Pain Relief

Prescribed pain relievers and fluids to help the stone pass are usually the first treatments recommended to relieve kidney stone pain. If the pain is excessive, the fever is high, or the person is not urinating, treatment must be sought quickly, not at home.

Foods to Avoid and Eat With Kidney Stones

Avoid these foods if you get kidney stones:

• Too much salt and processed foods

• Organ meat and red meat

• Foods high in oxalate, such as spinach, beetroot, or nuts (in excess)

• Sugar-sweetened beverages and too much caffeine

The following foods are recommended for a kidney stone diet:

• Fruits and vegetables such as citrus (lemons and oranges)

• Food with moderate amounts of calcium (dietary calcium does help; stones do not!)

• Fruits and vegetables that provide lots of fiber.

How to Prevent Kidney Stones

The main thing with prevention is routine:

• Drink plenty of water.

• Maintain a balanced diet.

• Avoid foods that may contribute to stone formation, according to your doctor's advice.

• Manage underlying medical conditions.

• If you have recurrent stones, consult a urologist or nephrologist for individualized evaluation.

Are Kidney Stones Dangerous?

Kidney stones can cause significant pain and urinary symptoms. Some stones may pass without a procedure, while others require medical treatment. Persistent or severe symptoms should be assessed by a healthcare professional. MGMCH provides diagnostic and treatment services for renal and ureteric stones through its Urology Department and Stone Clinic.

When to Visit a Kidney Specialist?

If you see blood in your urine, if the pain doesn't go away when you take simple steps, if you have a fever, or if you have the condition more than once, you should see a kidney stone doctor. Imaging and urine tests can aid in early diagnosis, which allows you to decide on the appropriate course of treatment before the stone enlarges.

The Bottom Line

Kidney stones are common, often painful, but highly manageable with the right care. From the first sign of discomfort to full recovery, timely diagnosis and treatment make all the difference. At Mahatma Gandhi Medical College & Hospital (MGMCH), our urology team offers complete care for kidney stones, from medication and lithotripsy to advanced laser surgery - so you can get back to feeling like yourself again.