Kidney Stones
– Overview
– Symptoms
– Causes
– Diagnosis
– Treatment
– Prevention
Kidney stones can form in one or both kidneys and are most commonly seen in individuals between the ages of 30 and 60.
They are fairly prevalent, affecting more than 10% of the population.
Typically, kidney stones are located either in the kidneys or in the ureter, the tube connecting the kidneys to the bladder.
These stones can cause severe pain and, if not addressed, may lead to kidney infections or impaired kidney function.
Symptoms of Kidney Stones
Small kidney stones often go unnoticed and may pass through the urine without causing any discomfort.
Larger stones, however, can present various symptoms, such as:
- Pain in the side of the abdomen
- Intense pain that fluctuates
- Nausea or vomiting
For more details on renal stone symptoms, refer to the relevant section.
When to Seek Urgent Medical Attention
Seek immediate medical help if:
- You experience severe pain
- You have a high fever
- You have episodes of shivering or shaking
- You notice blood in your urine
What Causes Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones can form when waste products in the blood crystallize and accumulate in the kidneys, eventually forming hard lumps.
Factors that increase the likelihood of developing renal stones include:
- Insufficient fluid intake
- Certain types of medication
- Medical conditions that elevate specific substances in the urine
Once a renal stone forms, your body will attempt to expel it through urine.
Treatment and Prevention of Kidney Stones
Most renal stones are small enough to be passed naturally, and symptoms can often be managed with medication at home.
Larger stones might require procedures to break them up or surgical removal.
For information on treating renal stones, see the relevant section.
Approximately half of individuals who have experienced renal stones will have them recur within the next five years.
To reduce the risk of developing kidney stones, ensure you stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water daily. Maintaining pale urine color can help prevent the formation of stones.
The Kidneys
The renal are two bean-shaped organs, each about 10 cm (4 inches) long, located towards the back of the abdomen on either side of the spine.
Their primary function is to filter waste products from the blood. Clean blood is returned to the body, while waste products are expelled through urine.
