Overview

Hard deposits of minerals and salts that develop inside your kidneys are called kidney stones. A person's diet, excess body weight, certain medical conditions, and certain drugs and supplements can all contribute to their development. Any portion of your urinary system, including your kidneys and bladder, may be impacted by these stones. They often form when the urine becomes concentrated, allowing minerals to crystallize and stick together.

Passing a kidney stone can be very painful, but if you treat it quickly, it usually doesn’t cause lasting harm. Sometimes, all you need is pain relief and lots of water to pass the stones. In tougher cases, where the stones get stuck, cause an infection, or create other problems, surgery might be necessary. To help prevent kidney stones in the future, your doctor might recommend some lifestyle changes or treatments.

Symptoms of Kidney Stones

You may not realize you have a kidney stone until it shifts within your kidney or moves into the ureters, the tubes that connect your kidneys to your bladder. If a stone becomes lodged in these tubes, it can obstruct urine flow, causing the kidney to enlarge and the tube to spasm, resulting in intense pain. You may notice:

• Intense, sharp pain in your side and back, just below your ribs
• Pain or a burning sensation during urination
• Pain that moves to the lower abdomen and groin
• Waves of pain that come and go

Other signs might include:

• Urine that’s pink, red, or brown
• Cloudy or bad-smelling urine
• Constant need to pee, peeing often, or peeing in small amounts
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever and chills if you have an infection

The pain might change as the stone moves through your urinary system, shifting to different spots or getting worse.

Causes of Kidney Stones

Kidney stones don’t usually have one specific cause, but several factors can raise your risk. They form when your urine has more crystal-forming substances, such as calcium, oxalate, and uric acid, than the liquid in your urine can dilute. Also, if your urine lacks substances that prevent crystals from sticking together, stones are more likely to form.

Types of Kidney Stones

Knowing the type of kidney stone you have can help understand its cause and how to avoid more in the future. If you pass a stone, try to save it so your doctor can analyze it. Types of kidney stones include:

• Calcium Stones: These are the most common and usually made of calcium oxalate. Foods high in oxalate, like certain fruits, vegetables, nuts, and chocolate, can contribute to these stones.
• Struvite Stones: These form due to urinary tract infections and can grow quickly, sometimes with little warning.
• Uric Acid Stones: These can form in people who lose a lot of fluid due to chronic diarrhea, eat a high-protein diet, or have diabetes. Genetics can also play a role.
• Cystine Stones: These are rare and form in people with a genetic disorder called cystinuria, which causes the kidneys to excrete too much of a specific amino acid.

Risk Factors

Certain factors can increase your risk of developing kidney stones:

• Family or Personal History: If someone in your family has had kidney stones, you’re more likely to get them too. If you’ve already had kidney stones, your risk of getting more is higher.
• Dehydration: Not drinking enough water can increase your risk. This is especially true for people who live in hot, dry climates or sweat a lot.
• Certain Diets: A diet high in protein, sodium (salt), and sugar can increase your risk. Too much salt raises the amount of calcium your kidneys have to filter.
• Obesity: A high body mass index (BMI), large waist size, and weight gain are linked to a higher risk of kidney stones.
• Digestive Diseases and Surgery: Gastric bypass surgery, inflammatory bowel disease, or chronic diarrhea can affect how your body absorbs calcium and water, raising the risk of stones.
• Other Medical Conditions: Issues like renal tubular acidosis, cystinuria, hyperparathyroidism, and frequent urinary tract infections can increase your risk.
• Certain Supplements and Medications: Some vitamin C supplements, dietary supplements, laxatives (if overused), calcium-based antacids, and certain medications for migraines or depression can raise your risk.

Treatment of Kidney Stones

Pain Management and Hydration

For many people, kidney stones can be managed with pain relief and staying well-hydrated. Over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or naproxen can help ease the pain. Drinking plenty of water is crucial as it helps flush out the urinary system and can encourage the stone to pass naturally.

Medical Intervention

In cases where the kidney stones are too large to pass on their own, or if they cause severe symptoms, medical procedures might be necessary:

• Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL): This non-invasive treatment uses shock waves to break the kidney stones into smaller pieces that can be passed more easily.
• Ureteroscopy: A thin tube with a camera is inserted through the urethra to locate and remove the stone or to break it into smaller pieces using special tools.
• Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: A small incision is made in the back to remove the stone directly from the kidney, often used for larger or more complex stones.
• Parathyroid Surgery: If kidney stones are caused by an overactive parathyroid gland, surgery to remove the gland may be recommended.

Preventive Measures

To reduce the risk of developing kidney stones in the future, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes and preventive treatments:

• Stay Hydrated: Aim to drink plenty of fluids each day to keep your urine diluted.
• Dietary Changes: Reduce your intake of salt, protein, and oxalate-rich foods like certain nuts, chocolate, and spinach.
• Medications: Depending on the type of stones you have, medications may be prescribed to help prevent them from forming again. For example, thiazide diuretics can reduce calcium levels in your urine, and allopurinol can lower uric acid levels.
• Monitor Supplements and Medications: Be cautious with certain vitamins, supplements, and medications that can increase your risk of kidney stones.

By following these treatment options and preventive measures, you can manage your kidney stones effectively and reduce the chances of recurrence. Always consult with your healthcare provider for the best course of action tailored to your specific needs.

When to See a Doctor

You should see a doctor if you have symptoms that concern you. Seek immediate medical help if you experience:

• Pain so bad that you can’t sit still or find a comfortable position
• Pain with nausea and vomiting
• Pain with fever and chills
• Blood in your urine
• Trouble passing urine