{"id":2051,"date":"2018-10-05T16:45:55","date_gmt":"2018-10-05T21:45:55","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/cpoe.org\/?p=2051"},"modified":"2018-10-05T14:35:32","modified_gmt":"2018-10-05T19:35:32","slug":"kidney-stones","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cpoe.org\/blog\/kidney-stones\/","title":{"rendered":"Kidney Stones symptoms and treatment"},"content":{"rendered":"

What is a Kidney Stone<\/strong>\u00a0(Renal Calculi)?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

A kidney stone is\u00a0a type of hard deposit which can form inside one or both of your kidneys. It\u2019s\u00a0made up of certain minerals or salts.<\/p>\n

These build-ups are also known as nephrolithiasis or renal calculi. Anyone can develop a kidney stone, yet it poses more of a threat in men than it does in women.<\/p>\n

Severity typically depends on the size and amount of stones. A smaller kidney stone can usually be passed painlessly from your urinary tract without intervention. (1<\/a><\/u>,\u00a0<\/a>2<\/a><\/u>)<\/p>\n

Symptoms<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Kidneys are two organs on either side of your abdomen. They perform a number of vital functions within your body.<\/p>\n

They are responsible for filtering waste products and excess water from your blood. These unnecessary substances are then passed from the body as urine. (3<\/a><\/u>)<\/p>\n

A kidney stone forms in the center of your kidney known as the renal pelvis. This is where urine is passed into the ureter, a tube connecting the kidney to your bladder. (4<\/a><\/u>)<\/p>\n

There are four different compounds a kidney stone can be made out of including: uric acid, minerals calcium and struvite, or an amino acid called cystine.<\/p>\n

Calcium deposits are the most common, comprising an estimated 80 percent of kidney stones. Struvite and uric acid accumulations occur less frequently. Cystine stones are comparatively rare.<\/p>\n

Conditions which alter the acidity of your urine can trigger the formation of a kidney stone. These include gout, diabetes and severe urinary tract infections such as cystitis.<\/p>\n

A family history of kidney stones, eating a diet high in salt and dehydration can also increase your risk of developing these deposits.<\/p>\n

A kidney stone only causes symptoms if it is large enough to block your ureter or renal pelvis. (5<\/a><\/u>)<\/p>\n

If this occurs, you may experience one or more of the following symptoms: (6<\/a><\/u>)<\/p>\n

Lower Back Pain<\/strong><\/p>\n

A kidney stone can cause lower back pain<\/a>. This symptom can manifest as a persistent ache which\u00a0may travel down to your groin.<\/p>\n

Severe Abdominal Pain<\/strong><\/p>\n

A telltale symptom of a kidney stone is extreme abdominal pain<\/a>. It typically occurs in the side or lower areas\u00a0of the abdomen.<\/p>\n

This debilitating pain can last for several minutes or hours. It may also periodically worsen and then ease in cycles.<\/p>\n

Nausea and Vomiting<\/strong><\/p>\n

Some individuals with a kidney stone experience nausea<\/a> and vomiting.<\/p>\n

Bloody Urine<\/strong><\/p>\n

Blood in your urine can indicate the presence of a kidney stone. Dark urine<\/a> is common, and it may turn pink, brown, or red.<\/p>\n

Bloody urine can be caused by the kidney stone scratching against your ureter or kidney.<\/p>\n

Painful Urination<\/strong><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re suddenly experiencing pain when you urinate, you could have a kidney stone.<\/p>\n

Fever and Chills<\/strong><\/p>\n

Occasionally, a kidney stone can result in an infection of the kidney. Chills, shivering, and fever<\/a> can occur if the stone is blocking your ureter.<\/p>\n

If you have a fever of more than 38 degrees celsius, seek urgent medical attention.<\/p>\n

Stages<\/strong><\/h2>\n

A kidney stone can vary in material, location and size. The mechanisms of how a kidney stone forms can be described as follows: (7<\/a><\/u>)<\/p>\n

Nucleation<\/strong><\/p>\n

Nucleation is the first stage of kidney stone formation.<\/p>\n

It involves molecules (or ions) gathering together to create microscopic particles inside your kidney.<\/p>\n

These microscopic particles can solidify into crystals. This process is called crystallization.<\/p>\n

Aggregation<\/strong><\/p>\n

Once crystals have developed, they can mass together in what is known as aggregation.<\/p>\n

In some cases, new crystals can begin the process of nucleation on the surfaces of existing crystals.<\/p>\n

Organic materials within the kidney help bind these crystals together. At this stage in the process, the kidney stone begins to solidify.<\/p>\n

These organic materials consist of lipids, proteins and other substances derived from cells.<\/p>\n

Crystal Growth<\/strong><\/p>\n

The solidified stone grows as a result of crystals accumulating together.<\/p>\n

It can also grow when new crystals start the process of nucleation on the surface of old ones.<\/p>\n

Treatment<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Doctors usually suspect a kidney stone if you present with telltale symptoms. If you also have a history of this condition, diagnosis is easier.<\/p>\n

Your doctor will perform a series of tests to check the size, type and location of the kidney stone or stones. These include imaging tests such as a CT scan or ultrasound.<\/p>\n

A urinalysis can reveal the presence of infection or tiny pieces of stones. Finally, blood tests can reveal which substances (e.g. calcium) could be causing your kidney stones.<\/p>\n

Ideally, you should try to keep any stones which may\u00a0pass through your urine. A laboratory analysis of the stone can help your doctor determine the best treatment. (8<\/a><\/u>)<\/p>\n

The goal of treatment is to help dissolve or remove the kidney stone.<\/p>\n

You may also receive medication to manage pain and other disruptive symptoms. For<\/p>\n

example, antiemetic medication can reduce nausea and vomiting. (9<\/a><\/u>)<\/p>\n

Treatment for a kidney stone includes the following options:<\/p>\n

Drinking Water<\/strong><\/p>\n

If you have a kidney stone which \u00a0is not particularly large in size, you might not require medical intervention.<\/p>\n

Your doctor will suggest drinking plenty of fluids (preferably water) to help pass the stone at home. You will have to consume enough to turn your urine totally colorless. (10<\/a><\/u>)<\/p>\n

A stone which has formed from uric acid can also be treated in this manner. These stones tend to be less hard than other kidney stones.<\/p>\n

Drinking a minimum of three litres of water per day can reduce the size of a uric acid stone. In some cases, this method may help dissolve it entirely. (11<\/a><\/u>)<\/p>\n

Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy (ESWL)<\/strong><\/p>\n

ESWL involves the use of an ultrasound machine to break down a kidney stone into pieces. The small fragments can then be passed through your urine.<\/p>\n

Ultrasound machines use sound waves of a frequency so high we cannot hear them. These sound waves (ultrasound) can target the location of a kidney stone.<\/p>\n

This form of treatment can cause discomfort. You will likely receive medication to dull the pain before the process begins.<\/p>\n

Depending on the size and quantity of your kidney stones, you might require multiple sessions.<\/p>\n

ESWL is highly effective in breaking down a stone with a diameter of 20 millimeters or less. It\u2019s the most common treatment method for kidney stones.<\/p>\n

Ureteroscopy<\/strong><\/p>\n

A ureteroscopy is a procedure to remove a kidney stone stuck in your ureter. It does require general anesthetic.<\/p>\n

A ureteroscope, which is a type of slim telescope, will be inserted inside your urethra. The urethra is where urine exits your body.<\/p>\n

Once the ureteroscope reaches the offending stone, it can be removed in one of two ways.<\/p>\n

The first approach is to carefully remove the stone manually with another medical tool. The second method is to break the stone apart using lasers.<\/p>\n

This procedure is between 50 and 80 percent successful in treating stones of a diameter of 15 millimeters or less.<\/p>\n

Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL)<\/strong><\/p>\n

PCNL is a type of surgical procedure to treat a larger kidney stone. As with ESWL, it is performed under general anesthesia.<\/p>\n

It has a success rate of 86 percent in treating stones reaching a diameter of 21 to 30 millimeters.<\/p>\n

A telescopic instrument called a nephroscope is inserted through a minor incision in your back. From there, it passes into your kidney. The kidney stone is then removed through the incision or broken apart with lasers.<\/p>\n

Surgery<\/strong><\/p>\n

Surgery is usually a last resort for treating an extremely large kidney stone. It is also performed on individuals with kidney abnormalities.<\/p>\n

Through a surgical incision in your back, a surgeon will remove the stone from your kidney or ureter. (12<\/a><\/u>)<\/p>\n

FAQ<\/strong><\/p>\n

What is a kidney stone <\/strong>(renal calculi)<\/strong>?<\/strong>\u00a0A kidney stone is a solid deposit which can form in one or both of your kidneys.<\/p>\n

What are the signs of a kidney stone <\/strong>(renal calculi)<\/strong>? <\/strong>The signs of a kidney stone can include lower back pain, severe abdominal pain and bloody urine. You may also experience nausea, vomiting, painful urination and fever.<\/p>\n

How do you develop a kidney stone <\/strong>(renal calculi)<\/strong>? <\/strong>A kidney\u00a0stone develops as a result of certain substances building up in your kidneys to form hard deposits. These substances include calcium, struvite, uric acid or cystine.<\/p>\n

How are you diagnosed for a kidney stone <\/strong>(renal calculi)<\/strong>? <\/strong>A\u00a0<\/strong>kidney stone can be diagnosed with imaging tests, urinalysis and blood tests.<\/p>\n

What is the best treatment for a kidney stone <\/strong>(renal calculi)<\/strong>? <\/strong>You may be prescribed medication to manage pain and nausea. Other treatments include: drinking water, extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy, ureteroscopy, percutaneous nephrolithotomy or surgery.<\/p>\n

What are the long term complications of a kidney stone <\/strong>(renal calculi)<\/strong>? <\/strong>Recurring kidney stones can increase your chances of developing chronic kidney disease<\/a>. (13<\/a><\/u>)<\/p>\n

Is a kidney stone <\/strong>(renal calculi)<\/strong>\u00a0considered a disability? <\/strong>A kidney stone does not meet the definition of a disability because it can be resolved with treatment. To qualify, your condition must be chronic (i.e. last for longer than one year) or terminal. (14<\/a><\/u>)<\/p>\n

Is a kidney stone <\/strong>(renal calculi)<\/strong>\u00a0life threatening? <\/strong>If untreated, a kidney stone can cause deadly complications. These include urosepsis (severe infection of the urinary tract) or infection of the kidney in question, both of which can be life threatening. (15<\/a><\/u>)<\/p>\n

Summary<\/strong><\/h2>\n

A kidney stone can be extremely painful if it\u00a0grows\u00a0large enough. You can reduce your risk of developing a kidney stone by remaining\u00a0hydrated.<\/p>\n

If your urine is very dark, you are likely not consuming enough fluids. Make sure you drink water regularly throughout the day.<\/p>\n

If you have already suffered from a kidney stone, consult your doctor for advice about\u00a0how to manage your health and diet to prevent recurrence. (16<\/a><\/u>)<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

What is a Kidney Stone\u00a0(Renal Calculi)? A kidney stone is\u00a0a type of hard deposit which can form inside one or both of your kidneys. It\u2019s\u00a0made up of certain minerals or salts. These build-ups are also known as nephrolithiasis or renal calculi. Anyone can develop a kidney stone, yet it poses more of a threat in […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2050,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cpoe.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2051"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cpoe.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cpoe.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cpoe.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cpoe.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2051"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/cpoe.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2051\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cpoe.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2050"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cpoe.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2051"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cpoe.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2051"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cpoe.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2051"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}