Kidney stones are the deposition of solid mass in the kidney. These masses can be like a grain of sand or a golf ball. Kidney stones usually originate in the kidneys but can lodge anywhere along the urinary tract.
The kidney's primary function is to maintain the balance of water, minerals, and salts in the body. Urine is the product of the filtering process. However, substances that usually dissolve in urine, such as calcium, oxalate, and phosphate, become highly concentrated under certain conditions. As a result of this, they separate as crystals. A kidney stone usually develops when these crystals attach, thus accumulating into a small mass or stone.
Kidney stones are more common in adults than in children. Several risk factors can lead to developing kidney stones. Some of the most common risk factors are:-
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Having a diet that includes substances that enhance the rate of formation of stones
- Having a family history of kidney stones
- Having a blocked urinary tract
- Suffering from certain medical conditions like diabetes, obesity, osteoporosis, gout, parathyroid disease, and surgical procedures that increase the production of stones
Kidney stones are asymptomatic as long as they are in the kidney. Once the stones start moving out of the kidney into the urinary tract, one may experience excruciating pain. The pain can shift to different places in the body. This means that when the stone passes from the kidney to the bladder, the pain usually increases when one urinates. Surprisingly, the size of the stone is not related to the degree of pain one may experience. Sometimes, the small stones hurt a lot, while the bigger ones give a dull ache.
Several diagnostic tests can help in diagnosing kidney stones. These tests include imaging tests, blood tests, and urine tests. Imaging tests can help see the shape, location, and kidney stones. Blood tests help to determine the efficiency of the kidneys. Urine tests help to rule out the signs of infection and also help to examine the level of substances that form kidney stones.
Kidney stones can be very distressing. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to lower your risk of kidney stones.
How to prevent the formation of kidney stones?
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1. Drink plenty of fluids (especially water) daily
Drinking water is the best way to prevent stones. If you are someone who doesn't drink enough water, your urine output will be low. Less urine output leads to an increase in the concentration of urine. Thus, the capacity to dissolve urine salts decreases.
It would help if you tried to drink around eight glasses of fluids regularly. If you exercise a lot or have a history of cystine stones, you should drink more fluids.
2. Reduce the amount of salt and processed foods in your diet
The high-salt diet increases the risk of the formation of kidney stones. Too many minerals in the urine prevent calcium from reabsorbing from the urine to blood. An increase in the concentration of calcium in the urine leads to the formation of kidney stones. Processed foods like chips and crackers, canned items, and items containing high amounts of sodium should be avoided.
3. Eat calcium-rich foods with plenty of fruits and vegetables
Calcium oxalate is the most common mineral found in kidney stones. Thus, people tend to avoid calcium-rich food items. This is not the solution, however. Low-calcium diets may increase the risk of developing kidney stones. Low-fat milk, cheese, and low-fat yogurt are good sources of calcium and should be included in the diet.
However, one should avoid food items that contain oxalate compounds—oxalates combined with calcium to form stones in the kidney. Food items rich in oxalate include spinach, chocolate, sweet potatoes, coffee, beers, peanuts, soy products, and wheat bran.
Apart from calcium oxalate stones, the next most common type of stone is uric acid stones. Red meat and shellfish contain high concentrations of a compound known as purine. A higher concentration of purine leads to a higher concentration of uric acid. A higher concentration of uric acid in urine leads to the formation of uric acid stones in the urine. To prevent the formation of these stones, one must follow a healthy diet that contains vegetables and fruits, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products. Alcohol intake should be kept under the limit, and crash diets should be avoided. In addition, one should avoid sugar-sweetened foods and drinks, especially those that contain high fructose syrup.
4. Exercise regularly
Regular exercise helps to decrease the chances of developing kidney stones.
Obesity and gastric bypass surgery are risk factors for developing kidney stones. Exercising daily helps to keep the weight under control and, thus, prevents the formation of stones.
Physical activity also helps to increase urine output, which can flush out excess minerals and prevent stone formation. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise daily.
5. See the doctor if you experience any symptoms of kidney stones
Kidney stones are prevalent. One should stay hydrated and make specific dietary changes to prevent the formation of kidney stones. Even so, there is no guarantee that the prevention methods will work, but they can reduce the chances of developing stones.
Most people with kidney stones usually complain of excruciating pain. This pain is usually unforgettable and occurs when the kidney stone breaks loose from where it was formed. It usually falls into the urinary collecting system. As a result, the stone blocks urine drainage from the kidney, leading to renal colic. The pain usually begins in the lower back and then migrates to the side of the groin. Other symptoms of kidney stones include the presence of blood in urine, frequent episodes of urinary tract infections, urgency, nausea, and vomiting. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor immediately for diagnosis and treatment.
If you have a condition that increases the risk of kidney stones, such as urinary tract infections or obesity, you should talk to a doctor to find ways to manage it. If you have passed a stone before, you should ask your doctor to have it tested. Once the type of stone is identified, one can take precautionary steps to prevent new ones from forming.
Passing a kidney stone is often considered the most painful experience. Therefore, one must visit a urologist who can help you treat this condition with the best possible techniques available. If you stay in Vadodara and are concerned about kidney stones, you must visit Dr. Ashit Shah. He is a renowned urologist practicing at Aashray Urology Institute, Vadodara. Dr. Shah has helped several patients to get rid of stones and prevent the recurrence of stone formation. Not only that, Aashray Urology Institute is well equipped with the latest technology to deal with complicated kidney stones. He ensures quality care and the successful recovery of all his patients. Book an appointment with Dr. Ashit Shah today if you are experiencing any symptoms of kidney stones or if you would like to prevent their formation in the first place.
Pratik Raje's Story
One of our patients, Pratik Raje, shared his experience of getting treated at Aashray for Kidney Stone disease. Learn more about the different options to treat kidney stones.
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