Kidney Stones: Symptoms, Causes, And When To Seek Help

Kidney stones are small hard pieces that form inside your kidneys. They are made when minerals in your urine stick together and build up over time. Some stones are as small as a grain of sand, while others can grow much larger. Many people do not even know they have a kidney stone until it starts to move and causes pain.

What Leads To Kidney Stones

Kidney stones form when there is too much of certain substances in the urine. These include calcium, oxalate, and uric acid. When these minerals are too high and the urine is too little or too weak, they can join together and form stones.

Here are a few common factors that contribute to the development of kidney stones:

• Insufficient water intake is among the most common reasons. When there is less water intake, the urine becomes more concentrated and the minerals are not expelled.
• Consuming high-sodium or high-sugar diets can also contribute to kidney stones.
• Family history can also put you at risk for forming kidney stones. If your family has experienced them, you may too. 
• There are also other medical factors that may increase risk. If you have had kidney or urinary infections, or any digestion-influencing conditions can also contribute to higher risk of developing stones.

• Some medicines or supplements, particularly those with too much calcium or vitamin D, can have an impact.

Signs That You Might Have Kidney Stones

You may not be aware if the stone is small, but will certainly be aware once it moves or blocks the urine path. Some signs may include the following:

• Severe pain in the back, side, or lower abdomen
• Pain that comes in waves and goes away/comes back
• Burning feeling while passing urine
• Blood in the urine which may look red, pink, or brown
• Feeling sick or throwing up
• Feeling the need to pass urine more often
• Cloudy or bad smelling urine
• Fever or chills if there is an infection

The pain can move as the stone moves through your body. It may also shift from your back to your groin.

When To See A Doctor

Some stones are small and pass on their own if you drink lots of water and rest. But some cases need medical care. You should go to the doctor if:

• The pain is very strong and does not go away
• You see blood in your urine
• You get a fever or chills
• You cannot pass urine or feel pain when you try
• You keep feeling sick or are vomiting
• You have had kidney stones before and this pain feels the same

Doctors may do a scan or urine test to assess the location and/or size of the stone. The treatment may provide you with pain relief, fluids, or a procedure to help assist you with eliminating the stone.

Kidney stones can be managed effectively with the right care at the right time. Do not ignore early signs like pain or any changes in urine. At Sugam Hospital, as an expert nephrologist in Chennai , we offer timely diagnosis and personalised treatment to help you recover faster and prevent future stone problems. Your health comes first.