Kidney Stones - Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Causes of Kidney Stones

Kidney stones can be caused by high levels of harmful chemicals in the body or persistent dehydration, which increases the concentration of urine being passed into your bladder and may lead to the crystallization of minerals. There are various types of kidney stones that have individual causes. A general rule of thumb to prevent this painful condition is by increasing your intake of water. Other common causes of kidney stones are a poor diet, consumption of certain medications or supplements and obesity. Despite what the condition is called, kidney stones can occur in various parts of the urinary tract. For example, the condition can occur in the kidneys but can equally occur in the bladder.
 

Types of Kidney Stones

There are five primary types of kidney stone. The likelihood of developing each may be impacted by your family medical history as well as diet.

Calcium oxalate

This is the most common category of kidney stone. They develop when there is not enough citrate and an overabundance of calcium and uric acid or oxalate in your urine. These particular stones often occur with diets high in oxalate, a substance naturally found in animals and plants, including spinach, potatoes and beets, as well as nuts, black tea and chocolate. For patients suffering from calcium oxalate stones on a recurring basis, doctors may evaluate urinary function and metabolism through blood tests and urine sample analysis. Dietary modifications are often the solution to prevent calcium oxalate stones from developing regularly.

Calcium phosphate stone

These are caused by a malfunctioning urinary system. This may occur in tandem with calcium oxalate stones and, as with those, blood and urine tests may be required to determine the cause.

Struvite stones

These tend to be more prevalent in women and are caused by some variants of urinary tract infection (UTI). Struvite stones are usually the fastest growing and biggest kidney stone. If not dealt with, these stones can cause recurring and often acute UTIs and potential kidney failure. 

Uric acid stones

These, on the other hand, are more prevalent in men. They tend to afflict people who consume too much animal protein and/or aren’t staying sufficiently hydrated. People who have undergone chemotherapy, have gout or a history of uric acid stones in the family are most susceptible to this kind of kidney stone.

Cystine stones

These are the result of cystinuria, an inherited genetic disorder that sees the urine collect disproportionate amounts of cystine, an amino acid. This may cause cystine stones to develop in the kidneys, bladder and ureters.

Kidney Stone Treatments:

While some minor kidney stones can be passed through the urine by simply increasing your water intake, severe cases require medical attention and professional kidney stone treatment. Kidney stone treatment depends on the type of stones, but range from shock waves that break up larger stones to the doctor removing the stone from your ureter or bladder and tunnel surgery in the severest of cases. Your doctor can customize a plan according to your symptoms, family history and severity of pain you’re experiencing.

Lithotripsy:

Shock waves that break down larger kidney stones so they can easily pass through urination. Anesthesia is required for this procedure.

Tunnel surgery:

A tunnel surgery procedure may be required through the back to treat severe complications if:

• The stone is too large to pass through urination
• The patient is experiencing severe pain
• The stone is damaging the kidney

Ureteroscopy:

 This is when a doctor may use a tool called a ureteroscope to remove a stone that’s accessibly stuck in the ureter or bladder.

Medication:

Medication for kidney stones may be prescribed by a doctor, according to your particular condition as it varies from person to person. Over-the-counter medicines such as ibuprofen may help alleviate the pain until the stone passes.