Kidney Stone: Signs that you might be living with kidney stones

Kidney stones are solid deposits that form in the kidneys from minerals and salts in urine. These stones can vary in size, from as small as a grain of sand to as large as a golf ball, and can cause significant discomfort and complications if not addressed promptly. They are often caused by factors such as dehydration, certain medical conditions (like hyperparathyroidism or urinary tract infections), a Diet high in oxalates or sodium, and a family history of kidney stones.

Signs and Symptoms of Kidney Stones

1. Severe Pain: One of the most common symptoms of kidney stones is intense pain in the back, side, lower abdomen, or groin. The pain may come in waves and can be excruciating.
2. Urinary Changes: People with kidney stones may experience frequent urination, pain or burning sensation during urination, and blood in the urine (hematuria).
3. Nausea and Vomiting: Kidney stone pain can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and a general feeling of discomfort.
4. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Kidney stones can increase the risk of UTIs, leading to symptoms such as fever, chills, and cloudy or foul-smelling urine.

Signs You Might Be Living with Kidney Stones

1. Persistent Pain: If you experience persistent or recurrent pain in your back, side, or abdomen, especially if it's severe and doesn't improve with rest or over-the-counter pain medications, it could indicate kidney stones.
2. Visible Blood in Urine: Hematuria, or blood in the urine, can be a sign of kidney stones, especially if it's accompanied by pain or discomfort during urination.
3. Frequent Urination: Needing to urinate more often than usual or feeling a strong urge to urinate, even if you have a small amount of urine, may be a symptom of kidney stones.
4. Discomfort or Pressure: Some people with kidney stones may feel a sense of pressure or discomfort in their lower abdomen, groin, or back, even when not actively passing urine.

When to Seek Medical Treatment?

1. Persistent or Severe Symptoms: If you experience persistent or severe pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, or other concerning symptoms, seek medical attention promptly.
2. Difficulty in Passing Urine: If you have difficulty passing urine, experience painful urination, or notice changes in urine colour or odour, consult a healthcare professional.
3. Previous History of Kidney Stones: If you have a history of kidney stones or are at risk due to medical conditions or lifestyle factors, monitor your symptoms closely and seek medical advice if symptoms arise.

Precautions and Lifestyle Changes

1. Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps dilute urine and prevents mineral buildup, reducing the risk of kidney stone formation.
2. Watch Your Diet: Limiting foods high in oxalates, such as spinach, chocolate, nuts, and beets, can help prevent certain types of kidney stones. Additionally, reducing salt and animal protein intake may be beneficial.
3. Maintain a Healthy Weight: Obesity and excess weight can contribute to kidney stone formation. Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise can lower this risk.
4. Monitor Medications: Some medications can increase the risk of kidney stones. Consult with your healthcare provider about the potential side effects and alternatives if needed.

Treatment Options at Link Hospital

1. Medication: Depending on the type and size of the kidney stones, medications may be prescribed to help dissolve stones or alleviate symptoms such as pain and inflammation.
2. Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL): This non-invasive procedure uses shock waves to break up kidney stones into smaller pieces, making them easier to pass through urine.
3. Ureteroscopy (URS): URS involves using a thin, flexible scope to locate and remove kidney stones from the urinary tract, typically recommended for larger stones or those causing blockages.
4. Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL): For large or complex kidney stones, PCNL may be performed, where a small incision is made in the back to access and remove stones directly from the kidney.

Expert Care at Best Hospital in Gwalior

At Link Hospital, our expert urologists and nephrologists specialize in diagnosing and treating kidney stones with precision and compassion. From advanced diagnostics to minimally invasive procedures, we offer comprehensive care to help you manage kidney stones effectively and improve your quality of life.

Don't ignore the signs of kidney stones. Contact Link Hospital today for personalized evaluation and treatment options tailored to your needs.