KIDNEY STONES (Renal Calculi)
- What Are Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones are hard, pebble-like deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside the kidneys. The kidneys normally filter waste and extra fluid from the blood to produce urine. When urine becomes too concentrated, minerals can crystallize and stick together, forming stones.
They can vary in:
- Size (tiny like sand or large like a golf ball)
- Shape (smooth or jagged)
- Number (single or multiple stones)
- Location (kidney, ureter, bladder)
- Types of Kidney Stones
There are different types, depending on their chemical composition:
- Calcium Stones (Most Common – 70–80%)
- Usually calcium oxalate
- Sometimes calcium phosphate
- Often related to diet or dehydration
- Uric Acid Stones
- Form when urine is too acidic
- Common in people with gout
- Associated with high protein intake
- Struvite Stones
- Caused by urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Grow quickly
- More common in women
- Cystine Stones (Rare)
- Caused by a genetic disorder called cystinuria
- Occur in people who excrete too much cystine in urine
- Symptoms of Kidney Stones
Symptoms depend on the size and location of the stone.
Common Symptoms:
- Severe pain in the back or side (renal colic)
- Pain that spreads to lower abdomen or groin
- Burning sensation during urination
- Blood in urine (pink, red, or brown)
- Frequent urge to urinate
- Nausea and vomiting
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
- Fever and chills (if infection present)
Small stones may cause no symptoms and pass unnoticed.
- Causes of Kidney Stones
Kidney stones form when urine contains high levels of stone-forming substances and not enough liquid to dilute them.
Main Causes:
- Dehydration
- Not drinking enough water
- Hot climate
- Heavy sweating
- Dietary Factors
- High salt intake
- High protein diet
- Excess sugar
- High oxalate foods (spinach, nuts)
- Medical Conditions
- Hyperparathyroidism
- Gout
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Digestive diseases
- Urinary Tract Infections
- Family History
- Genetics increases risk
- Certain Medications and Supplements
- Excess vitamin D
- Calcium supplements
- Some diuretics
- Does It Affect Everyone the Same Way?
No. Kidney stones do not affect everyone the same way.
Differences depend on:
- Size of the stone
- Location in urinary tract
- Type of stone
- Pain tolerance
- Presence of infection
Some people experience extreme pain. Others may have mild discomfort. Some may have no symptoms at all.
- How Are Kidney Stones Diagnosed?
Doctors may use:
- Urine test
- Blood test
- Ultrasound
- CT scan (most accurate)
- X-ray
- Treatment of Kidney Stones
Treatment depends on size and symptoms.
Small Stones:
- Drink plenty of water
- Pain relief medication
- Alpha-blockers to relax ureter
- Usually pass naturally
Large Stones:
- Shock Wave Lithotripsy (break stones using sound waves)
- Ureteroscopy (scope removal)
- Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (surgical removal)
- Rarely open surgery
- Complications (If Untreated)
- Urinary obstruction
- Kidney infection
- Permanent kidney damage
- Sepsis (life-threatening infection)
- Prevention of Kidney Stones
Prevention is very important.
Key Prevention Tips:
- Drink 2.5–3 liters of water daily
- Reduce salt intake
- Moderate animal protein
- Maintain healthy weight
- Avoid excessive supplements
- Treat urinary infections early
- Follow doctor’s diet plan if recurrent stones
- Most Important Educational Points
- Kidney stones are common.
- Severe side pain is the main symptom.
- Dehydration is the biggest risk factor.
- Calcium stones are the most common type.
- Not everyone has the same symptoms.
- Drinking enough water is the best prevention.
- Early treatment prevents kidney damage.
