Kidney stones are hard masses that form in the kidneys and can cause severe pain, nausea, vomiting, and blood in the urine. They are caused by the buildup of certain substances, such as calcium, oxalate, and uric acid, in the urine. Knowing more about kidney stones and their treatment can help you understand your condition and work with your healthcare provider to manage it.

Symptoms:

• Pain in the back, side, lower abdomen, or groyne.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Blood in the urine.
• Frequent urination.
• Difficult or painful urination.

Risk factors:

• Family history of kidney stones.
• Dehydration.
• High-salt diet.
• Certain medical conditions, such as gout or inflammatory bowel disease.
• Taking certain medications, such as diuretics or calcium-based antacids.

Diagnosis:

• A urine test can detect the presence of substances that can form kidney stones.
• Imaging tests, such as a CT scan, can confirm the presence of kidney stones and determine their size and location.

Treatment:

• Small kidney stones may pass through the urinary tract without treatment, but larger stones may require intervention.
• Medical management, such as medication to control pain and prevent new stones from forming.
• Minimally invasive procedures, such as ureteroscopy or shockwave lithotripsy to break up or remove stones.
• Surgery, such as open or laparoscopic surgery, may be necessary to remove larger stones that cannot be treated with minimally invasive procedures.

Prevention:

• Drinking enough water and other fluids to stay hydrated.
• Limiting the intake of salt, sugar, and animal protein.
• Eating a diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables.
• Avoiding certain foods that are high in oxalates, such as spinach, rhubarb, and beets.
• Taking preventive medication for certain types of kidney stones if you are at risk.

If you are experiencing any symptoms or difficulty, it’s important to consult with our healthcare experts, as they can cause serious complications if left untreated. The treatment options will depend on the size, location, and number of stones, as well as the underlying causes of the stones. Book an appointment today!