Managing kidney stones effectively depends on early detection and tailored treatment approaches. Small stones may pass with minimal intervention, but larger ones often require advanced procedures to prevent complications.
Kidney stones are hard deposits that develop in the kidneys from substances like salts, minerals, and acids. These stones can vary in size from small grains to something as big as a golf ball in rare cases. Known medically as nephrolithiasis or renal calculi, kidney stones may go unnoticed if they are small, as they can pass through the urinary system without causing symptoms. However, larger stones may be lodged in the ureter, the tube connecting your kidney to the bladder, leading to a range of uncomfortable symptoms. If you suspect you have a kidney stone, it’s important to consult a specialist, such as the best urologist in Kolkata at Apollo Hospitals, to determine the best treatment plan. Continue reading to understand the symptoms and available treatment options for kidney stones.
Symptoms of Kidney Stones
The most common sign of kidney stones is pain in the abdomen, lower back, or side (also known as flank pain). This pain may radiate from the groyne to the side and can vary in intensity, from a dull ache to sharp, severe discomfort. Often referred to as colicky pain, it may worsen in waves. Additional symptoms of kidney stones include:
- Blood in the urine
- Nausea and vomiting
- Painful urination
- Frequent urges to urinate
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
- Difficulty urinating
- Fever or chills
Smaller kidney stones may pass unnoticed, without causing pain or other symptoms.
How are Kidney Stones Treated?
Treatment for kidney stones depends largely on the size of the stone and the symptoms it is causing. You can schedule a urologist online consultation to determine the right treatment approach for you.
Small stones with minimal symptoms
Most small kidney stones can be managed without invasive procedures. You may be able to pass a small stone through the following methods:
- Hydration: Drinking 1.8 to 3.6 litres of water daily can help keep your urine diluted, making it easier to pass the stone and potentially preventing new stones from forming. Aim to drink enough fluid, primarily water, to keep your urine clear or nearly clear, unless your doctor advises otherwise.
- Pain Relief: Passing a small kidney stone can be uncomfortable. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or naproxen sodium can help manage mild pain during the process.
- Medication: Your doctor may prescribe medication, known as an alpha blocker, to help pass the stone. Alpha blockers relax the muscles in the ureter, allowing the stone to pass more quickly and with less discomfort. Examples include tamsulosin or a combination of tamsulosin and dutasteride.
Large stones and those that cause symptoms
If kidney stones are too large to pass naturally or cause complications like kidney damage, bleeding, or frequent urinary tract infections, more advanced treatments may be required. These options include:
- Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL): This non-invasive procedure uses sound waves to break larger stones into smaller fragments, making them easier to pass in urine. The sound waves create strong vibrations (shock waves) that target the stone, breaking it into tiny pieces. ESWL is typically recommended based on the size and location of the stone.
- Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: This surgical procedure is used to remove large kidney stones. Surgeons make a small incision in your back and insert telescopic instruments to extract the stone. General anaesthesia is administered, and you may need to stay in the hospital for one to two days during recovery.
- Ureteroscopy: For smaller stones located in the ureter or kidney, a doctor may use a ureteroscope—a thin, lighted tube with a camera—to locate the stone. The stone can either be captured and removed or broken into smaller pieces that can pass naturally. Afterward, a stent may be placed in the ureter to reduce swelling and aid healing.
- Parathyroid Gland Surgery: Some kidney stones, particularly calcium phosphate stones, can result from overactive parathyroid glands. These glands, located near the thyroid, may produce excess parathyroid hormone, raising calcium levels and leading to stone formation. Surgery to remove a benign tumour or other abnormalities in the parathyroid glands can prevent future stones.
Dealing with kidney stones requires timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment, depending on the size and severity of the stones. While small stones can often be passed naturally with adequate hydration and medication, larger stones may need more advanced medical interventions. If you’re experiencing symptoms or suspect you have a kidney stone, seeking advice from the best urologist in Kolkata can help ensure you get the right treatment for your condition. For added convenience, you can also opt for a urologist online consultation to discuss your symptoms and explore treatment options from the comfort of your home.
Reference Links
https://www.kidneyfund.org/all-about-kidneys/other-kidney-problems/kidney-stoneshttps://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/kidney-stones
