A kidney stone is a solid mass or crystal that may range in size from an irregularly shaped grain, a chickpea to a much larger golf ball. Kidney stones, also called renal calculi, are hard mineral and salt deposits that occur within the kidneys. Depending on the size of your kidney stone or stones, you may be unaware that you have one. In other cases, even tiny stones may cause excruciating discomfort while passing through the urinary system. Drinking fluids may aid the recovery process, which might take up to three weeks.
What causes kidney stones?
Some of the various triggers of kidney stones are poor diet, obesity, certain supplements and drugs or certain medical conditions. Kidney stones may impact any or the entire part of the urinary system, from the kidneys to the bladder. Frequently, stones develop when concentrated urine allows minerals to crystallise together. Symptoms like pain or discomfort in the backside, blood in the urine, and nausea or vomiting are indications of kidney stones.
Treatment
Passing kidney stones can cause discomfort or pain, but if they are identified on time and treated promptly, they seldom cause long-term harm. Small kidney stones may cause discomfort until they are passed, which typically takes one or two days.
Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to pass a kidney stone by taking pain meds and drinking large amounts of water. In some cases, surgery may be required, such as when stones are wedged somewhere in the urinary tract that can cause an infection. If you have a kidney stone condition, your doctor may advise preventative therapy to cut down your chances of having kidney stones again.
A physician may prescribe medication to:
• Ease pain: A physician may prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for pain relief as part of your treatment for kidney stones, such as ibuprofen, for healthy adults with no medical history.
• Manage nausea or vomiting: Nausea or vomiting are symptoms which can be treated with medicines. Although anti-nausea medication may be avoided by consuming copious amounts of water throughout the day.
• Alpha-blockers:In this type of renal stone treatment, the alpha-blockers are medicines to help relax your ureter for the crystals to slide through. Medicines such as tamsulosin and nifedipine are often recommended. Taking the medication during an acute episode of kidney stones might increase the risk of kidney failure, particularly in patients with a history of renal disease and related conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity.
• Check the colour of your urine: Your urine should have a light colour, but if your urine is dark, you are not consuming enough water. You may be recommended to maintain this fluid intake to avoid the formation of new stones. If kidney stones are giving you considerable discomfort, your primary care physician may refer you to the hospital for testing and treatment.
Dos & Don’ts to facilitate stone passage:
• Do make sure you are well hydrated. Beverages such as tea and coffee also count.
• Do add lemon to your water.
• Do not have fizzy drinks
• Do not consume excessive salt
Big renal calculi treatment with surgery
Your doctor will assess whether you need treatment after diagnosis. If kidney stones are too large to pass through the urine naturally, they are often removed surgically. Your surgical procedure will be determined by the size and location of your stones.
The most common surgical procedures for kidney stone removal are:
Shock wave lithotripsy (SWL)
SWL uses ultrasound or high-frequency sound waves to locate the kidney stone. During this operation, you are positioned on a surgical table or tub, and high-energy shockwaves are sent through the water to break up the stones. The procedure makes it easier for them to leave your body. SWL may be a painful method of therapy. Thus, it is often administered after painkillers. You may need more than one SWL session to cure your kidney stones effectively.
Ureteroscopy
In this type of kidney stone laser treatment, specialists insert a tiny telescope or a ureteroscope into the urethra, via the bladder and into the ureter. The device shows the kidney stones and then recovers them in a basket device or fragments them with a laser. These kidney stone fragments are then readily expelled from the body through the urine stream. Ureteroscopy is performed under general anaesthesia while the patient is sleeping.
Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL)
PCNL is performed when other procedures cannot be used to remove kidney stones. The specialists opt for this surgery when there are too many stones, or the stones are too large, or because of their location. Through a tiny incision in the back, the expert inserts a nephroscope straight into your kidney during this treatment. The stone is either extracted or split into tiny bits using laser or pneumatic energy, and then suctioned out so that no fragments are left to be passed through the urine. The doctor will install a urethral stent, which is removed after a week. The physician does the TPCNL under general anaesthesia. Typically, patients are held overnight for observation.
Conclusion
Treatment for kidney stones is highly effective in reducing pain and preventing complications, especially when caught early. If you are able to understand kidney stones and their causes, that becomes the first step towards recovery and management of kidney stones. The right treatment can help restore normal kidney function. Always remember that the medical treatment is one part of dealing with kidney stones; a healthy diet & lifestyle, and adequate hydration, help you maintain long-term kidney health and reduce the risk of kidney stones returning. The lifestyle changes made on your part help the medical treatment become more effective.
FAQs:
Are kidney stones genetic or hereditary?
Kidney stones can be a genetic condition. Certain hereditary conditions can also increase your risk of developing kidney stones. Shared genetic factors can affect calcium and uric acid levels. Monitor your health and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Understand your family history, as this can help doctors better assess your health and create a suitable treatment for kidney stones that caters to your specific needs. If you develop kidney stones because of family history, understanding the condition and its genetic component will help you intervene early and reduce the risk of complications or recurrence.
Can kidney stones affect your sleep quality?
Kidney stones can sometimes cause severe pain, depending on how much your condition has progressed. So, yes, it can absolutely disrupt your sleep and affect sleep quality. The discomfort and pain from kidney stones come from the movement of the stones or when the stones cause a urinary blockage. Seeking prompt treatment for kidney stones can reduce the pain and discomfort, improving overall sleep quality. Stay adequately hydrated and follow the prescribed medical advice. Doing so can prevent nighttime pain episodes.
Is there a specific diet to prevent kidney stones?
A preventive diet that reduces the risk of kidney stones includes adequate hydration, balanced calcium intake, and reduced sodium intake. A healthy, balanced diet can effectively prevent kidney stones. If you eat meat, try to limit red meat. Limiting processed foods can also ensure better kidney health. If you are unsure about where to begin with your kidney stone-preventive diet, consult a doctor who can guide you towards sustaining long-term kidney health.
Do kidney stones increase the risk of chronic kidney disease?
Untreated or recurring kidney stones can cause significant damage to the kidneys over time. This can, then, cause chronic kidney disease. When you have a kidney stone condition, the stones cause urinary blockages. They wear down kidney function gradually. It is essential to understand kidney stone symptoms so that you can identify and begin treatment for them early, preserving kidney health in the process.
Are men more likely to get kidney stones than women?
Men may be more likely to get kidney stones than women because of some differences in diet, fluid intake, and hormones. Women can be at risk, however, and the risk is higher after menopause. It is always a good idea to monitor your health regularly and go for routine check-ups, especially if you have a family history of kidney problems. Early diagnosis can help you get the treatment for kidney stones that you need, providing effective pain relief and preventing complications or recurrence.
Can dehydration in hot climates lead to kidney stones?
Dehydration in hot climates does indeed increase the risk of developing kidney stones. It is essential that you stay well-hydrated, especially if you live in a hot climate region. Hot climates increase your chances of dehydration, leading to a concentrated urine that allows minerals to crystallize, thereby creating kidney stones. Make sure you receive prompt treatment for kidney stones if you develop them. Early intervention helps remove them safely and reduces the risk of recurrence. Consistent hydration ensures the urinary tract is flushed and healthy.
Is it safe to exercise if you have kidney stones?
Light to moderate exercise may be safe if you have kidney stones. If the stones are small, light exercise could help them pass naturally. Intense activity is generally not recommended, as it can worsen the pain and discomfort. Consult a doctor before you add physical activity into your routine again. A doctor could show you safe ways to stay active while dealing with your condition.
