Kidney stones: a death sentence or a painful experience?

People who live in glass houses don’t throw stones... Why? Because stones can cause an unpleasant experience. Maybe an injury to an individual hits, or property damage.

That’s what stones in the kidney can do too. Cause an injury in the urinary system of the individual it’s in or temporary or permanent damage to the individual.

It’s not really a ‘rare’ case because statistics obtained from the National Kidney Foundation have shown that half a million people go to the treatment room for kidney stone problems. And it is also estimated that 1 in 10 people will encounter this problem at some point in their lives.

So what’s a Kidney Stone?

To start with, the kidney is an excretory organ in the human body, so, how do stones get in there? The stones found in the kidney are formed from the crystallization of minerals and salts in urine. 

There are four types of kidney stones: calcium oxalate stones, uric acid stones, struvite stones, and cystine stones. The stones form from chemicals like calcium, oxalate, urate, cystine, xanthine, and phosphate. These stones are also called renal calculi, nephrolithiasis, and urolithiasis.

FUN FACT: The stones can be as small as a grain of sand, and be as big as a golf ball.

What can cause the formation of these stones?

Urine has various waste dissolved in it, when there is too much waste and little liquid, the crystals begin to form. The crystals attract other elements and join together to form a solid that will get larger unless it is passed out of the body through the urine. 

In most people, having enough liquid washes the stones out or other chemicals in the urine stop them from forming. Some of the factors that can contribute to the formation of kidney stones include:

• Dehydration: Not drinking enough water can cause urine to become concentrated and increase the risk of stone formation.
• Diet: Eating a diet high in salt, protein, and oxalate can increase the risk of kidney stone formation.
• Family history: A family history of kidney stones can increase the risk of developing them.
• Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as hyperparathyroidism and urinary tract infections, can increase the risk of kidney stone formation. 

What are the symptoms of Kidney Stones?

• Severe pain in the back, side, or lower abdomen
•  Painful urination
• Blood in Urine
• Dark, Cloudy, Urine with a bad odor
• Fever and Chills (if there's an infection)
• Nausea and Vomiting 

 Diagnosis of Kidney Stones

If you are experiencing symptoms of kidney stones, your doctor may perform several tests to diagnose the condition. These tests may include:

• Urine tests: These tests can help identify any abnormalities in the urine, such as high levels of calcium or uric acid.
• Blood tests: Blood tests can help identify any medical conditions that may be contributing to kidney stone formation.
• Imaging tests: Imaging tests, such as X-rays or CT scans, can help identify the size and location of the kidney stones.

Can it be treated?

Yes, it is very much treatable! But as we both know, prevention is better than cure. It’s better avoided than treated. 

How do you prevent these kidney stones from forming in your kidney?

- Drink a lot of water

- Sugar and high fructose corn syrup should be limited to small quantities 

- Eat more fruits and vegetables, which makes the urine less acidic. 

- Steer clear of Animal protein. It makes the urine more acidic.

- Reduce excess salt in your diet

- Steer clear of high protein, weight loss diet.

Treatment of Kidney Stones

The treatment of kidney stones will depend on the size and location of the stones. In some cases, kidney stones can pass through the urinary tract on their own, but in other cases, medical intervention may be necessary. Some of the most common treatments for kidney stones include:

• Drinking plenty of water: drinking water can help flush out small kidney stones.
• Medications: Medications, such as pain relievers and alpha-blockers, can help relieve pain and make it easier to pass kidney stones.
• Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL): This non-invasive procedure uses shock waves to break up kidney stones, making them easier to pass.
• Ureteroscopy: This minimally invasive procedure uses a scope to remove kidney stones from the urinary tract.

What do you do when the stones are already formed in the kidney?

Most medical practitioners will recommend increased intake of water, so, the stone can be passed out with urine, but when the stone is too big, or obstructing the flow of urine, surgery is advised.

The stones can also be treated by shock-wave lithotripsy, which is a non-invasive procedure that uses high-energy sound waves to blast the stones into fragments that are then more easily passed out in the urine. 

Another method is ureteroscopy, where an endoscope is inserted through the ureter to retrieve or obliterate the stone. And in very rare cases, for large and complicated stones, doctors will use percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

 

Conclusion

While kidney stones can be a painful and uncomfortable condition, with proper treatment and prevention measures, many people can manage the condition effectively and avoid future episodes. If you think you may have kidney stones or are at risk of developing them, be sure to speak with your healthcare provider for guidance and treatment options.

Remember to EAT and DRINK healthy, and SEE a doctor immediately if you see any signs/symptoms.