Kidney stones are hard deposits of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. They can cause severe pain and other complications if left untreated. This article will delve into the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for kidney stones, including surgery.
Causes of Kidney Stones
Kidney stones develop when your urine contains more crystal-forming substances—such as calcium, oxalate, and uric acid—than the fluid in your urine can dilute. At the same time, your urine may lack substances that prevent crystals from sticking together, creating an ideal environment for kidney stones to form.
Several factors can increase your risk of developing kidney stones:
- Diet: High consumption of protein, sodium, and sugar can increase your risk. For example, too much sodium in your diet can cause your kidneys to excrete more calcium, which can form stones.
- Dehydration: Not drinking enough water can cause your urine to become more concentrated, which can lead to stone formation.
- Obesity: High body mass index (BMI), large waist size, and weight gain have been linked to an increased risk of kidney stones.
- Medical Conditions: Certain conditions like hyperparathyroidism, renal tubular acidosis, and urinary tract infections can increase your risk.
- Family History: If someone in your family has had kidney stones, you are more likely to develop them.
Symptoms of Kidney Stones
Kidney stones may not cause symptoms until they move around within your kidney or pass into your ureter. At that point, you might experience:
- Severe pain in the side and back, below the ribs
- Pain that radiates to the lower abdomen and groin
- Pain that comes in waves and fluctuates in intensity
- Pain during urination
- Pink, red, or brown urine
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
- Nausea and vomiting
- Persistent need to urinate
- Urinating more often than usual
- Fever and chills if an infection is present
Treatment Options
The treatment for kidney stones varies depending on the type of stone and the cause. Small stones with minimal symptoms can often be managed with non-invasive treatments, while larger stones or stones causing severe symptoms may require surgery.
➤ Non-Surgical Treatments
- Drinking Water: Drinking as much as 2 to 3 quarts (1.8 to 3.6 liters) a day may help flush out your urinary system.
- Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or naproxen can help relieve mild pain.
- Medical Therapy: Your doctor may prescribe medication to help pass kidney stones. Alpha-blockers can relax the muscles in your ureter, helping stones pass more quickly and with less pain.
➤ Surgical Treatments
- Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL): This procedure uses sound waves to break the stones into tiny pieces that can be passed in your urine.
- Ureteroscopy: A thin scope is inserted through the urethra and bladder into the ureter to remove the stone or break it into pieces.
- Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: This procedure involves surgically removing a kidney stone using small telescopes and instruments inserted through a small incision in your back.
- Open Surgery: In rare cases, if other methods fail, open surgery may be necessary to remove very large stones.
Conclusion
If you experience symptoms of kidney stones or have been diagnosed with them, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly.
Dr. Balwant Singh and his team at Deep Hospital in Patiala offer specialized kidney stone surgery treatment in Patiala. They provide comprehensive care and use the latest technology to ensure the best outcomes for their patients. For more information, visit: Rajpura Rd, opposite Punjabi University, Patiala, Professor Colony, Karheri, Urban Estate, Patiala, Punjab 147002, India
Remember, timely intervention and proper medical care can significantly reduce the risk of complications associated with kidney stones. Don’t hesitate to consult with a kidney stone surgery doctor in Patiala to discuss your treatment options and find relief from the discomfort caused by kidney stones. For more details please contact us on:+910175228 2980