10 Signs Of Kidney Stones: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

Kidney stones are small, hard deposits that form in the kidneys and can cause severe pain and discomfort when passing through the urinary tract. The treatment for kidney stones depends on the type of stone you have.

Different medications are used to either help dissolve the stone, prevent its growth, or make it easier to pass. These medicines work by targeting the specific causes of the stones, such as excess uric acid or calcium buildup.

Recommended Reading: How To Prevent Vitiligo? Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Top 10 Signs Of Kidney Stones: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

Recommended Reading: Continuous Glucose Monitor Price In Pakistan [CGM Types, Uses, & Prices]

What is a Kidney Stone?

Kidney stones are hard deposits of minerals and salts that form in the kidneys. They can vary in size and cause severe pain when passing through the urinary tract. Stones can form due to dehydration, certain diets, or underlying health conditions.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Kidney Stones

Common Signs and Symptoms of Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are hard mineral deposits that form in the kidneys, causing severe pain when passing through the urinary tract. Treatment varies based on the type of stone, with medications used to dissolve, prevent growth, or ease passage. Symptoms include intense back or side pain, painful urination, blood in urine, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, frequent urination, nausea, vomiting, fever, and chills.

Here are some common signs and symptoms to watch for:

1. Intense Pain in Lower Back and Sides

The pain from kidney stones is often sharp and severe. It usually starts in the lower back and may spread to the abdomen or groin. This pain can come and go, making it hard to find relief.

2. Painful Urination (Dysuria)

You may feel a burning sensation when passing urine. This is a common sign of kidney stones and indicates irritation in the urinary tract.

3. Blood in Urine (Hematuria)

Blood may be present in the urine, turning it pink, red, or brown. Sometimes, the blood is only visible under a microscope.

Recommended Reading: Top 10 Eye Drops For Red Eyes In Pakistan [Price, Uses, & Side Effects]

4. Cloudy or Foul-Smelling Urine

Urine may appear cloudy or have a strong, unpleasant odor, which could signal an infection or blockage caused by a stone.

5. Frequent or Urgent Urination

You may feel the need to urinate more often, even if only a small amount of urine is passed each time.

6. Nausea and Vomiting

The intense pain caused by kidney stones can sometimes lead to nausea and vomiting, as your body reacts to the discomfort.

7. Fever and Chills

If a kidney stone causes an infection, you might experience fever and chills. This is a serious sign that requires immediate medical attention.

8. Decreased Urine Output

A blockage caused by the stone can reduce the amount of urine your body produces, which can lead to other complications.

9. Radiating Pain

The pain may shift from your back to your groin or genital area as the stone moves through the urinary tract.

10. Muscle Cramps and Restlessness

The severe pain and discomfort of passing a kidney stone can cause muscle tension, and cramping, and make you feel restless.

Causes of Kidney Stones

Causes of Kidney Stones

Kidney stones form due to dehydration, poor diet, obesity, meds, or genetics. Concentrated urine, excess salt, sugar, or supplements increase risk. Hydration and a balanced diet help prevent them.

Here are some of the most common causes:

1. Dehydration

Not drinking enough water is a major cause of kidney stones. When your body is dehydrated, your urine becomes more concentrated, which makes it easier for minerals to stick together and form stones. It’s important to stay hydrated, especially in hot weather or during exercise.

2. Diet

What you eat can impact your chances of developing kidney stones. A diet high in salt, sugar, and foods with high fructose content can increase the risk. These substances can affect how your body processes calcium, leading to stone formation.

3. Obesity

Excess body weight, along with conditions like metabolic disorders, can change the way your body handles minerals. This imbalance can cause stones to form. Maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce this risk.

4. Certain Medications and Supplements

Overusing supplements like calcium or vitamin D, or taking certain medications, can increase the likelihood of kidney stones. It’s important to take supplements in moderation and consult with a healthcare provider about the medications you’re using.

5. Genetics

If kidney stones run in your family, you may be at a higher risk of developing them yourself. Certain genetic conditions can make it easier for stones to form, even with a healthy lifestyle.

Recommended Reading: 5 Best Eye Drops For Infection In Pakistan

Diagnosis of Kidney Stones

Diagnosis of Kidney Stones

Doctors diagnose kidney stones through medical history, physical exams, urinalysis, blood tests, and imaging like X-rays, CT scans, or ultrasounds. Treatment depends on stone size and type, including pain management, medications, shock wave lithotripsy, ureteroscopy, or surgery. Preventive measures include hydration, dietary changes, and reducing salt intake.

Here’s how doctors typically identify kidney stones:

1. Medical History and Physical Exam

The doctor will start by asking about your symptoms, lifestyle, and any history of kidney stones in your family. Understanding your medical background helps them assess whether kidney stones are the likely cause of your discomfort. They will also perform a physical examination to check for pain and other signs.

2. Urinalysis

A urine test is done to detect any signs of kidney stones. The test checks for blood in the urine, infections, or high levels of stone-forming minerals like calcium and uric acid. It helps determine whether stones are present and if there is any infection.

3. Blood Tests

Blood tests help doctors evaluate how well your kidneys are functioning. These tests also check for elevated levels of certain substances, such as calcium, phosphate, and uric acid, which could contribute to stone formation.

4. Imaging Tests

• X-Ray (KUB): An X-ray of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder can sometimes detect larger kidney stones, but it might miss smaller stones.
• CT Scan: This is a more detailed scan that provides clear images of the urinary tract, making it easier to locate even small stones that an X-ray might miss.
• Ultrasound: A safe, non-invasive test that uses sound waves to create images of your kidneys. It’s often used to detect stones, especially if you want to avoid radiation exposure, as in the case of pregnant women.

Recommended Reading: Lavender Oil Uses For Hair | Lavender Essential Oil In Hair

Treatment Options for Kidney Stones

Treatment Options for Kidney Stones

Kidney stone treatment varies by size. Pain relief: NSAIDs or strong meds. SWL breaks stones, ureteroscopy removes them, and nephrolithotomy removes large ones. Medications aid passage and prevention. Stay hydrated, limit salt, and adjust diet.

There are various ways to treat kidney stones, depending on their size, type, and location. Below are the most common treatment options:

1. Pain Management

Pain relief is often the first step in treating kidney stones. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or acetaminophen are commonly used to reduce pain and inflammation caused by stones. In severe cases, stronger pain medication may be prescribed.

2. Shock Wave Lithotripsy (SWL)

SWL uses sound waves to break kidney stones into smaller fragments that are easier to pass through urine. This procedure is non-invasive and often used for stones that are too large to pass on their own.

3. Ureteroscopy and Cystoscopy

This procedure involves inserting a thin, flexible tube into the urethra and bladder to locate the stone. Once located, the stone can either be broken up using laser energy or removed completely.

4. Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy

For large or complex kidney stones, a procedure called percutaneous nephrolithotomy is used. A small incision is made in the back, and a tube is inserted directly into the kidney to remove or break the stone. This minimally invasive surgery is performed under general anesthesia.

5. Medications

Certain medications can help in managing kidney stones:

• Tamsulosin (Flomax): Relaxes the muscles in the ureter, which helps the stone pass more easily.
• Allopurinol: Used to treat uric acid stones by lowering the amount of uric acid in the body.
• Thiazide Diuretics: Help prevent the formation of calcium oxalate stones by decreasing the amount of calcium in the urine.

6. Lifestyle Changes

Preventing kidney stones from recurring is possible with some simple lifestyle changes:

• Drink more water: Staying hydrated helps dilute the substances in urine that form stones.
• Reduce salt and sugar intake: High amounts of salt and sugar can increase the risk of stones.
• Adjust your diet: A balanced diet low in oxalate-rich foods and high in fruits and vegetables can help lower the risk of stones.

Medications for Kidney Stones

Medications for Kidney Stones

Medications for kidney stones help dissolve, prevent, or ease passage. Allopurinol lowers uric acid levels for uric acid stones, while thiazide diuretics reduce calcium in urine to prevent calcium oxalate stones. Phosphate-containing preparations bind calcium, preventing calcium phosphate stones. Antibiotics treat infections linked to struvite stones. Alpha blockers and tamsulosin relax the ureter for easier stone passage.

Here are some common medications for Kidney Stones:

Allopurinol

Used for: Uric acid stones

Allopurinol helps lower the level of uric acid in the body, which can prevent the formation of uric acid kidney stones.

How it works: It inhibits the production of uric acid, making the urine less acidic and reducing the chance of stone formation.

Thiazide Diuretics

Used for: Calcium oxalate stones

These medications work by increasing urine output and helping prevent calcium from building up in the urine.

How it works: Thiazide diuretics reduce the amount of calcium in urine, lowering the risk of calcium-based stone formation.

Phosphate-Containing Preparations

Used for: Calcium stones

Phosphate medications help reduce the amount of calcium in urine, preventing the formation of calcium phosphate stones.

How it works: They bind with calcium in the urine, making it less likely to form stones.

Antibiotics

Used for: Struvite stones

Struvite stones are often caused by urinary tract infections (UTIs). Antibiotics can help treat the underlying infection and prevent new stones from forming.

How it works: Antibiotics kill the bacteria responsible for the infection, reducing the risk of stone formation.

Alpha Blockers

Used for: Small stones

These medications relax the muscles in the ureter, making it easier for small stones to pass through.

How it works: By relaxing the ureter, alpha-blockers speed up the passage of smaller stones, reducing pain and discomfort.

Potassium Citrate

Used for: Preventing all types of kidney stones

Potassium citrate helps to keep urine from becoming too acidic, which prevents stones from forming or growing larger.

How it works: It increases urine pH, making it less likely for minerals to crystallize into stones.

Tamsulosin

Used for: Small stones

Tamsulosin works by relaxing the muscles in the ureter, allowing small stones to pass more easily.

How it works: It specifically targets smooth muscle in the ureter, which helps stones pass with less pain.

Sodium Bicarbonate

Used for: Uric acid stones

Sodium bicarbonate raises the pH level of urine, making it more alkaline and preventing uric acid stones from forming or growing.

How it works: It neutralizes excess acid in the urine, helping dissolve uric acid crystals before they form stones.

Recommended Reading: Postpartum Depression Treatment At Home [Naturally]

Mechanism of Action

Each medication has a specific way of functioning to target the type of kidney stone it is intended to treat:

• Allopurinol reduces uric acid production to prevent uric acid stones.
• Thiazide Diuretics help lower calcium levels in urine to reduce calcium-based stones.
• Phosphate-containing preparations bind with calcium to prevent calcium phosphate stones.
• Antibiotics treat the infection-causing struvite stones.
• Alpha Blockers relax the muscles of the ureter, easing the passage of stones.
• Potassium Citrate helps raise urine pH, preventing the growth of stones.
• Tamsulosin helps ease the passage of small stones by relaxing the ureter.
• Sodium Bicarbonate increases urine alkalinity to prevent uric acid stones.

Benefits and Expected Results

• Relieving Pain and Discomfort: Some medications, like alpha-blockers and tamsulosin, help reduce pain by assisting in the easier passage of stones.
• Preventing Recurrence: Medications like potassium citrate and thiazide diuretics help prevent future stone formation by altering the conditions in urine.
• Effectiveness Based on Stone Type: Medications are tailored to the specific type of stone, ensuring more effective treatment for each case.

Usage Guidelines

• Dosage Instructions: Each medication comes with a recommended dosage that will vary depending on the type of stone and the individual’s medical history.
• Frequency of Use: Some medications need to be taken daily, while others may only be used when symptoms appear or as a preventive measure.
• Administration Guidelines: Most medications are taken orally, but in some cases, they might be given intravenously or through other routes.

Recommended Reading: Vaginal Dryness Natural Remedies [Symptoms & Treatments]

Side Effects and Precautions

Side Effects and Precautions

Kidney stone medications may cause nausea, dizziness, or digestion issues. Allopurinol prevents uric acid stones but may cause rashes. Thiazide diuretics help calcium stones but risk dehydration. Antibiotics treat infections, alpha blockers ease stone passage, and potassium citrate/sodium bicarbonate balance urine pH. Staying hydrated, reducing oxalate and sodium, and using prescribed meds help prevent stones.

Common Side Effects

• Allopurinol: Rash, nausea, or digestive upset.
• Thiazide Diuretics: Dizziness, low potassium levels, or dehydration.
• Phosphate-Containing Preparations: Gastrointestinal issues such as nausea or diarrhea.
• Antibiotics: Upset stomach, allergic reactions, or yeast infections.
• Alpha Blockers: Dizziness, low blood pressure, or headache.
• Potassium Citrate: Upset stomach, diarrhea, or potassium imbalance.
• Tamsulosin: Dizziness, fatigue, or retrograde ejaculation.
• Sodium Bicarbonate: Stomach discomfort or bloating.

Pros & Cons

• Allopurinol:
  • Pros: Effective for uric acid stones, long-term prevention.
  • Cons: May cause side effects like skin rashes or digestive issues.
• Thiazide Diuretics:
  • Pros: Helps prevent calcium-based stones, improves urine flow.
  • Cons: Can lead to dehydration and low potassium levels.
• Phosphate-Containing Preparations:
  • Pros: Helps prevent calcium phosphate stones, effective for long-term use.
  • Cons: May cause gastrointestinal discomfort.
• Antibiotics:
  • Pros: Treats infections causing struvite stones, effective for prevention.
  • Cons: Can cause stomach upset and yeast infections.
• Alpha Blockers:
  • Pros: Eases the passage of small stones, reduces pain.
  • Cons: Side effects like dizziness or low blood pressure.
• Potassium Citrate:
  • Pros: Prevents stone formation, increases urine pH.
  • Cons: Can cause stomach upset and electrolyte imbalances.
• Tamsulosin:
  • Pros: Speeds up stone passage, less painful.
  • Cons: May cause dizziness or sexual side effects.
• Sodium Bicarbonate:
  • Pros: Helps dissolve uric acid stones, balances urine pH.
  • Cons: May lead to bloating and stomach discomfort.

Prevention and Precautions for Kidney Stones

Recommended Reading: 11 Best Essential Oils In Pakistan (100% Pure & Natural)

Hydration

Drinking plenty of water is one of the best ways to prevent kidney stones. Aim for 2-3 liters of water daily to keep your urine diluted. This helps prevent the concentration of substances that can form stones. Staying hydrated reduces the risk of both forming new stones and experiencing pain from existing ones.

2. Dietary Adjustments

What you eat plays a big role in stone prevention:

• Limit high-oxalate foods: Foods like spinach, beets, and chocolate can increase the risk of calcium oxalate stones. Reducing these can help lower the chances of stone formation.
• Reduce sodium intake: Too much salt in your diet can cause the body to excrete more calcium in the urine, which increases the risk of stones.
• Moderate protein intake: High-protein diets can increase calcium and uric acid levels, leading to stone formation. Reducing protein, especially animal protein, may lower the risk.

3. Medications for High-Risk Individuals

For those who have had kidney stones before or are at high risk of developing them, medications can help.

• Thiazide diuretics: To reduce calcium in the urine.
• Potassium citrate: To prevent stones from forming by keeping the urine alkaline.
• Allopurinol: Used to lower uric acid levels, which can cause uric acid stones.

Pros and Cons of Differents Treatments for Kidney Stones

Pros and Cons of Differents Treatments for Kidney Stones

Kidney stones can be treated in different ways depending on their size and type. Each treatment has its own benefits and limitations.

Shock Wave Lithotripsy (SWL)

SWL uses shock waves to break kidney stones into smaller pieces, making them easier to pass through urine.

Pros:

• Non-invasive: No need for surgery or cuts.
• Quick recovery: You can return to normal activities within a few days.
• Works well for small stones: Best suited for stones that are not too large.

Cons

• May need multiple treatments: Larger stones might require more sessions.
• Can cause discomfort: Some pain may occur during and after the procedure.
• Not always effective: Some stones may not break apart fully.

Surgery (Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy – PCNL)

PCNL is a surgery for removing large or complex kidney stones through a small incision in the back.

Pros

• Effective for large stones: Works well for stones too big for non-invasive treatments.
• One-time procedure: Usually removes the stone completely in one surgery.

Cons

• Requires hospital stay: Surgery involves a stay in the hospital and longer recovery time.
• Higher risk: There is a chance of infection, bleeding, and more pain during recovery.
• Invasive: An incision is needed, which can result in more discomfort.

Medications

Medications can help manage or pass small kidney stones naturally.

Pros

• Minimally invasive: No surgery is required, just oral medications.
• Best for small stones: Works well for smaller stones that can pass on their own.
• Pain relief: Certain medications help reduce pain and make passing the stone easier.

Cons

• Potential side effects: Some medications may cause nausea, dizziness, or stomach issues.
• Not for all stones: Large or very hard stones may not respond to medication.
• Temporary solution: Medications usually help manage symptoms rather than completely removing the stone.

Recommended Reading: 10 Best Medicine For Anxiety And Depression In Pakistan

FAQs

Conclusion

Recommended Reading: Top 10+ Best Eye Drops For Infection

Summary of Key Points

Kidney stones can cause severe pain, but with timely treatment, they are manageable. Early detection and proper care help reduce pain and avoid complications. Staying hydrated and making healthy lifestyle choices can lower the risk of kidney stones.

Final Recommendation

If you have intense pain or suspect kidney stones, seek medical attention immediately. Quick treatment will ease discomfort and prevent further issues. In the long term, drinking enough water and following a balanced diet are vital for preventing kidney stones from coming back.

Disclaimer
Commissions we earn from partner links on this page do not influence our content. Our editorial content is based on thorough research and insights from qualified medical professionals to ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability.

Information provided on Doseway is for educational purposes only. Your health and wellness are unique to you, and the products and services we review may not be suitable for your individual circumstances. We do not offer personal medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment plans. For specific advice, please consult with a healthcare professional. Doseway adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers and information may change. The opinions expressed are the author’s own and have not been influenced, approved, or endorsed by our partners.