Kidney Stones

Kidney stones, also known as renal calculi, are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. They can affect any part of your urinary tract — from your kidneys to your bladder. Often, stones form when the urine becomes concentrated, allowing minerals to crystallize and stick together.

Symptoms

Kidney stones may not cause symptoms until they move around within your kidney or pass into your ureter — the tube connecting the kidney and bladder. Symptoms can include:

• Severe pain in the side and back, below the ribs
• Pain that radiates to the lower abdomen and groin
• Pain that comes in waves and fluctuates in intensity
• Pain during urination
• Pink, red, or brown urine
• Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
• Nausea and vomiting
• Persistent need to urinate
• Urinating more often than usual
• Fever and chills if an infection is present

Causes

Kidney stones often have no definite, single cause, although several factors may increase your risk. These include:

• Dehydration: Not drinking enough water each day can increase your risk of kidney stones.
• Diet: A diet high in protein, sodium, and sugar may increase your risk.
• Obesity: High body mass index (BMI), large waist size, and weight gain have been linked to an increased risk.
• Medical Conditions: Certain diseases and conditions can increase the risk of kidney stones, such as renal tubular acidosis, cystinuria, hyperparathyroidism, and recurrent urinary tract infections.
• Family or Personal History: If someone in your family has had kidney stones, you’re more likely to develop stones, too.

Prevention

Preventing kidney stones may involve a combination of lifestyle changes and medications. Here are some tips to help prevent them:

• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your urine dilute.
• Dietary Changes: Reduce sodium, limit animal protein, and eat foods rich in calcium and oxalate appropriately.
• Medications: Certain medications can help prevent stones if you are at increased risk.

Treatment

Treatment for kidney stones depends on the type of stone and the cause. Options include:

• Hydration Therapy: Drinking lots of water can help flush out the stones.
• Pain Relievers: To manage the pain, over-the-counter or prescription medications may be recommended.
• Medical Therapy: Certain medications can help pass the kidney stones.
• Surgical Procedures: If stones are too large to pass on their own, procedures like shock wave lithotripsy, ureteroscopy, or percutaneous nephrolithotomy might be necessary.