Stones in the kidney
During kidney stone disease (renal lithiasis, nephrolithiasis), hard mineral deposits form in the kidney. These stones consist of minerals and acid salts
Kidney stones can have many causes, the disease affects any part of the urinary tract, from the kidney to the bladder. Often, stones form when the urine is concentrated, causing the minerals to crystallize and stick together.
Passing a kidney stone is quite painful, but usually does not cause permanent damage. Depending on the situation, you may only need a pain reliever and plenty of water to pass the stone. In other cases, surgical intervention may also be necessary to protect the stones
The doctor recommends preventive measures that will reduce the likelihood of recurrence of stones if you are prone to this disease
Kidney stones often have no specific, single cause, and several factors increase the risk of developing stones
Kidney stones form when there are large amounts of crystal-forming substances in the urine, such as calcium, oxalate, and uric acid. The fluid in the urine is insufficient to dilute these substances At the same time, there is a lack of substances against the accumulation of crystals in the urine, which creates an ideal environment for the formation of stones
Types of kidney stones Determining the type of kidney stone helps to determine the cause and subsequently take adequate measures to reduce the risk. These types are:
- calcium stones Most kidney stones appear in the form of calcium, mainly calcium oxalate Oxalate is a natural substance that we get from food (fruits, vegetables, nuts, chocolate). Oxalate is also produced in the liver Nutritional factors, excess vitamin D, intestinal surgery, metabolic diseases cause increased concentration of calcium or oxalate in urine. Calcium stones may also form as calcium phosphate
- Struvite stones Struvite stones occur during an infection, such as a urinary tract infection These types of stones grow quickly and are large in size, sometimes asymptomatic and do not give any warning signs
- Uric acid stones Uric acid stones often occur in people who are not getting enough fluid or are losing it, as well as those on high-protein diets and those suffering from necress wind. Certain genetic factors increase the likelihood of developing uric acid stones
- Cystine stones This type of stone occurs in a hereditary disease that causes the kidneys to excrete large amounts of amino acids (cystinuria).
- Other types of pebbles Other, rarer types of stones may also form
A kidney stone may be asymptomatic until it is dislodged and passed through the ureter (the tube that connects the kidney and bladder). During the passage of the stone, signs and symptoms develop:
- Severe pain in the sides, lower back, below the ribs
- Pain that spreads from the lower abdomen to the groin
- The pain is wave-like and varies in intensity
- Pain during urination
- Pink, red At this point, the stone moves and causes these changes in symptoms
When to see your doctor
See your doctor if you have signs and symptoms that worry you
Seek emergency medical help if you have:
- Pain so severe that you cannot find a comfortable position
- Pain accompanied by nausea and vomiting
- Pain accompanied by fever and chills
- Blood in the urine
- Difficulty
