Kidney stones, medically known as nephrolithiasis, are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. They can cause excruciating pain and lead to serious health complications if not treated promptly. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for kidney stones is crucial for maintaining kidney health. At Ayushman Superspeciality Hospital, we specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of kidney stones, offering advanced medical care to ensure effective and timely relief.
Kidney stones develop when certain minerals and salts in the urine, such as calcium, oxalate, and uric acid, crystallize and stick together. Several factors can increase the risk of kidney stones, including:
Dehydration: Insufficient water intake leads to concentrated urine, which makes it easier for minerals to crystallize and form stones.
Dietary Factors: A diet high in salt, sugar, and animal proteins can increase the risk of certain types of kidney stones. Excessive consumption of oxalate-rich foods like spinach and nuts can also contribute.
Obesity: Obesity is linked to changes in the acid levels in urine, which can promote stone formation.
Medical Conditions: Conditions such as hyperparathyroidism, certain urinary tract infections, and metabolic disorders can increase the likelihood of developing kidney stones.
Genetics: A family history of kidney stones can raise your risk, as some types of stones run in families.
Medications: Certain medications, such as calcium-based antacids, diuretics, and some antiretroviral drugs, can increase the risk of kidney stones.
The symptoms of kidney stones can vary depending on the size and location of the stone. Some common symptoms include:
Severe Pain: Often described as one of the worst pains imaginable, kidney stone pain usually starts suddenly in the back or side, below the ribs, and can radiate to the lower abdomen and groin.
Blood in Urine (Hematuria): The presence of red, pink, or brown urine can indicate the presence of a stone.
Frequent Urination: The need to urinate more often than usual, or feeling a persistent urge to urinate, can be a symptom.
Painful Urination: A burning sensation during urination can occur if the stone is in the ureter or bladder.
Nausea and Vomiting: The pain caused by kidney stones can trigger nausea and vomiting.
Cloudy or Foul-Smelling Urine: Infections associated with kidney stones can cause urine to appear cloudy or have a strong odor.
Fever and Chills: These symptoms may occur if there is an infection in the urinary tract alongside the stone.
At Ayushman Superspeciality Hospital, we offer a range of treatment options tailored to the size, type, and location of the kidney stones, as well as the patient’s overall health. Our goal is to provide effective relief while minimizing discomfort and recovery time.
Medications: Small kidney stones can often be managed with medications that help relax the muscles in the ureter, allowing the stone to pass more easily. Pain relievers and anti-nausea medications may also be prescribed.
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL): This non-invasive procedure uses sound waves to break up large stones into smaller pieces that can be passed in the urine. ESWL is typically recommended for stones located in the kidney or upper ureter.
Ureteroscopy: A small scope is passed through the urethra and bladder into the ureter, allowing the doctor to see and remove the stone or break it into smaller pieces using a laser.
Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL): For larger or more complex stones, PCNL involves making a small incision in the back and using instruments to remove the stone directly from the kidney.
Surgical Removal: In rare cases where other treatments are not effective, surgery may be necessary to remove the stone.
Preventing kidney stones involves staying hydrated, maintaining a balanced diet low in salt and oxalate-rich foods, and managing underlying health conditions. Regular follow-ups at Ayushman Superspeciality Hospital can help monitor kidney health and prevent the recurrence of stones.
Kidney stones are a common yet preventable condition. With proper medical care and lifestyle adjustments, the risk of kidney stones can be significantly reduced, and those affected can find relief through the advanced treatments offered at Ayushman Superspeciality Hospital. If you are experiencing symptoms or have a history of kidney stones, schedule a consultation with our expert urologists to discuss your treatment options.