Kidney Stones
Kidney Stones: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Kidney stones are a very common and painful disorder in the urinary tract. They can cause severe pain and discomfort in some cases, and can even lead to complications. It is important to understand the causes, symptoms and treatment for kidney stones.
Causes of Kidney Stones
The main causes of kidney stones include,
- Dehydration - Not drinking enough fluids can cause kidney stones.
- Diet - Excessive consumption of animal protein, processed meats, and foods high in oxalate can increase the risk of developing kidney stones.
- Excess Consumption of Vitamin C - Too much Vitamin C can cause an increase in the formation of kidney stones.
- Family History - Having a family history of kidney stones can increase the risk of developing kidney stones.
- Underlying Medical Conditions - Certain medical conditions, such as hyperparathyroidism and inflammatory bowel disease, can increase the risk of developing kidney stones.
Symptoms of Kidney Stones
The most common symptom of kidney stones is pain in the abdomen, flank, or groin area. Other symptoms may include:
- Blood in the urine (hematuria)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Painful urination (dysuria)
- Fever and chills
- Pain with sexual activity
- Related symptoms.
Treatment for Kidney Stones
Treatment for kidney stones depends on the size and location of the stone. Smaller stones may pass naturally, but larger stones may require medical intervention. Treatment options include:
- Medications - Certain medications are often prescribed to help break up the stones and make them easier to pass.
- Surgery - If medications don’t work or the stones are too large, then surgery may be necessary to remove them.
- Shock Wave Lithotripsy - A procedure that uses shock waves to break up the stone into smaller pieces that can more easily pass through the urinary tract.
- Ureteroscopy - A procedure that uses a scope to locate and remove the stones from the urinary tract.
It is important to speak to your doctor if you are experiencing any symptoms of kidney stones. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can help to prevent further complications.