What To Know About Kidney Stones : Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis And Treatment.

The kidneys, which are located just below the rib cage on either side of the spine, do a lot to keep the body in check. Consider your kidney as a filter. It aids in the removal of waste and toxins from the blood that our bodies cannot process otherwise; it is the removal of this waste that causes urine. They help to keep bones strong and healthy by regulating blood pressure, producing red blood cells (essential for delivering oxygen to the body), and creating red blood cells.

Kidney stones can be small and pass through the urinary tract unnoticed, but some can grow to the size of a golf ball. Larger stones can cause significant pain as they exit the body.

Kidney stones, if left untreated, can cause urinary problems, infections, and kidney damage.

Kidney stones have become a common problem Worldwide, and the incidence appears to be growing. Dietary factors and climate change may contribute to this increase. According to one study , dietary factors and climate change may contribute to this increase.

Many symptoms of kidney stones are ignored because they don’t seem serious. Kidney stones do not always cause symptoms. A person may pass very small stones out of the body in the urine without being aware of them. Keep an eye out for these:

SYMPTOMS:

• Groin pain, side abdominal pain, or both

• Blood in the urine

• Vomiting and nausea

• An infection of the urinary tract (UTI)

• If there is an infection, fever and chills will occur.

• A significantly larger need to urinate

A kidney infection can occur if kidney stones obstruct the passage of urine. Among the symptoms are:

• fever, chills, weakness, and fatigue

• diarrhoea cloudy, odorous urine

• If a person experiences any of these symptoms, they should seek medical attention right away.

SEVERE COMPLICATIONS : 

When kidney stones remain inside the body, complications can develop.If they block the tube that connects the kidney to the bladder, urine will not be able to pass out of the body. This dysfunction increases the risk of a UTI or kidney infection. If recurring kidney stones cause blockages in the urinary system, this can increase the risk of chronic kidney disease. About 50% of people who have had a kidney stone develop another one within 5–7 years.

Stones are classified into four types: calcium, uric acid, struvite, and cystine.

• Calcium stones form when the kidneys retain calcium that the muscles and bones do not use instead of flushing it out of the body. Calcium oxalate crystals form when calcium oxalate combines with other waste products to form a stone.

• Uric acid stones are caused by a lack of water in the body. Uric acid is found in urine. The urine becomes more acidic when there is insufficient water to dilute the uric acid.

• Struvite stones can form as a result of a UTI. They are made up of magnesium and ammonia.

• Cystine stones form when cystine, a substance found in muscles, accumulates in the urine. These are extremely rare.

According to the American Urological Association, people who are prone to kidney stones should drink enough fluid to produce 2.5 litres (l), or about 85 ounces (oz), of urine per day. This equates to approximately 3 litres (100 oz) of fluid consumed per day. Not everything has to come from water. Apart from Dehydration, there are various other risk factors.

RISK FACTORS:

• A family or personal history of kidney stones,

• Being 40 years or older, although it can also affect children sometimes

• A family or personal history of kidney stones,

• A diet rich in protein and sodium

• A sedentary way of life

• Obesity

• Diabetes 

• Elevated blood pressure /Hypertension

• Pregnancy

• Recent digestive system surgery

• Inflammatory bowel disease and chronic diarrhoea are two health conditions that affect how the body absorbs calcium.

• Medications like allopurinol (Zyloprim) and topiramate (Topamax) can also raise the risk. People should consult their doctor if they have any concerns about the medications they are taking.

A kidney stone can be detected using a variety of tests. An ultrasound is preferable to a CT scan during pregnancy because it does not involve radiation.

TREATMENT :

Treatment will manage on focussing symptoms and removal of the stones and there are various ways to do this. 

PREVENTION: 

Although kidney stones are not always avoidable, experts advise that people reduce their overall risk by :

• Drinking at least 2 litres of water per day.

• Maintaining a healthy diet and engaging in regular exercise

• A doctor may make dietary recommendations 

TAKEAWAY:

Kidney stones are a common occurrence. Drinking insufficient fluids is a major contributor, but dietary habits, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle can also play a role. To avoid complications, anyone experiencing symptoms of a kidney stone, urine infection, or kidney infection should seek medical attention. Visit your nearest RG Hospital branch for expert advice and world-class treatment, and consult our doctors for the best treatment.

The RG Stone Urology & Laparoscopy Hospital is India's first super-specialty urology institute to offer "SIEMENS LITHOTRIPSY." In 1986, RG Stone Urology & Laparoscopy Hospital pioneered the concept of comprehensive urological care in Mumbai. RG has had an inspiring journey providing efficient care to patients with the help of a dedicated and proficient team of professionals for over 34 years.

RG Stone is India's largest chain of urology and laparoscopy hospitals, with 13 locations in seven cities. RG has performed over 500,000 successful procedures for Indian and international patients, including lithotripsy for kidney stones and laparoscopy for gallstones, hernias, and urinary tract tumors, among others.