What are kidney stones?

Kidney stones, medically referred to as renal calculi, are solid formations composed of minerals and salts that originate in the kidneys. These stones form when substances such as calcium, oxalate, uric acid, or cystine accumulate in the urine and crystallise. Over time, these crystals can grow in size, ranging from tiny particles resembling grains of sand to larger structures comparable to a golf ball.

Symptoms of kidney stones

The symptoms of kidney stones can differ based on factors such as their size, location within the urinary system, and whether they obstruct the flow of urine or not. Some common signs and symptoms include:

• Intense pain: Severe pain in the back, side, or lower abdomen is a common and characteristic symptom of kidney stones. The pain is often described as colicky, with intermittent waves of intense discomfort.
• Haematuria: This is a condition where there is blood in the urine and is a frequent indication of the presence of kidney stones. The urine may appear pink, red, or brown.
• Frequent urination: Individuals with kidney stones may experience increased urgency to urinate, along with a decreased amount of urine passed.
• Cloudy or foul-smelling urine: Kidney stones can cause changes in urine appearance, making it cloudy or giving it an unpleasant odour.
• Nausea and vomiting: The intense pain caused by kidney stones can lead to symptoms of nausea, vomiting, or both in some individuals.
• Urinary tract infections: Kidney stones can increase the risk of urinary tract infections, leading to symptoms such as fever, chills, and pain during urination.

How are kidney stones treated?

The treatment approach for kidney stones is determined by considering factors such as size, location, and severity of symptoms. There are several options available, including:

• Pain management: To relieve pain caused by kidney stones, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen are often suggested. In cases of severe pain, spaner prescription medications may be prescribed by a healthcare professional.
• Increased fluid intake: Drinking plenty of water and other fluids helps flush out the stones and prevent new ones from forming. Adequate hydration is crucial in managing and preventing kidney stones.
• Medications: Depending on the type of kidney stones, medications can be prescribed to either dissolve them or prevent their formation. This approach is more effective for certain types of stones, such as uric acid stones.
• Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL): This non-invasive procedure employs high-frequency sound waves to break down larger kidney stones into smaller fragments, aiding their passage through the urinary system.
• Ureteroscopy: In this procedure, a thin tube containing a camera is carefully inserted through the urethra to precisely navigate to the location of the kidney stone. Following this, the stone can be extracted or fragmented into smaller pieces using laser
• Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL): This surgical technique involves making a small incision in the back to provide access for the removal of larger kidney stones. It is commonly employed when other methods are impractical or ineffective.

In certain instances, surgical intervention may be required to eliminate or bypass larger or more intricate kidney stones. Additionally, preventive measures such as dietary adjustments and lifestyle changes can aid in reducing the risk of recurrent kidney stones.