Kidney stones are hard deposits made up of minerals and salts that form inside the kidneys. They develop when there is a decrease in urine volume or an excess of stone-forming substances in your urine. Small stones may go undetected and pass out of the body without causing pain. However, larger stones can block the flow of urine and cause excruciating pain.
Kidney stone pain, known as renal colic, is one of the most severe types of pain. So how do you know if your pain is caused by kidney stones? Here is a guide on the symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatment of kidney stones.
Signs and Symptoms of Kidney Stones
The most common signs and symptoms of kidney stones include:
- Severe pain – The primary symptom is pain that begins suddenly in the back, side, abdomen or groin. The pain may fluctuate between intense pain and milder, dull pain. It can spread to the lower abdomen and groin area. The pain often starts in waves and fluctuates in intensity.
- Painful urination – There may be a persistent urge to urinate, accompanied by a burning sensation during urination. Passing urine may provide temporary relief from pain.
- Blood in urine – The urine may appear pink, red or brownish in color due to the presence of blood.
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine – The urine may develop a foul odor and appear cloudy or milky in color.
- Nausea and vomiting – The intense waves of pain can cause nausea and vomiting.
- Restless legs syndrome – Some people may experience unpleasant sensations in the legs.
- Visible kidney stones – In some cases, the stone may be visible in the urine after it has passed.
What Causes Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones develop when certain chemicals become concentrated enough in the urine to form crystals. The crystals grow into larger masses (stones), which can make their way through the urinary tract. Stones can develop due to various factors, including:
- Lack of fluids – Not drinking enough water each day raises the risks of kidney stones.
- Certain diets – Eating a lot of protein, sodium, sugar or oxalate can increase stone formation.
- Obesity – Being overweight increases the risks of kidney stones.
- Certain medical conditions – Diseases like hyperparathyroidism, renal tubular acidosis, cystinuria and gout can lead to stones.
- Genetics – People with a family history of kidney stones are more likely to develop them.
- Location – Living in a warmer climate where people sweat more and become dehydrated can promote kidney stones. The prevalence is highest in Southern United States.
- Digestive disorders – Conditions like chronic diarrhea, gastric bypass surgery, inflammatory bowel disease and short bowel syndrome increase risks.
- Supplements – Taking high doses of vitamins C and D can contribute to kidney stones in some people.
Types of Kidney Stones
There are four main types of kidney stones:
- Calcium stones – The most common type, made up of calcium oxalate. Dairy products, leafy greens, chocolate and nuts contain calcium.
- Uric acid stones – Formed by a buildup of uric acid, commonly seen in people with gout. Meats and shellfish have high uric acid content.
- Struvite stones – Often caused by urinary tract infections.
- Cystine stones – A genetic disorder that causes cystine to leak through the kidneys and into the urine.
Risk Factors
Several factors can increase your risk of developing kidney stones, including:
- Age – Stones are more common between ages 20 to 60.
- Gender – Men are affected more than women.
- Race – Caucasians have the highest risk, then Hispanics, Asians, and African Americans.
- Family history – Having a first-degree relative with kidney stones increases your risk.
- Previous kidney stones – Once you have one, you’re more likely to develop others.
- Hot climates – Dehydration and sweating can promote stone formation.
- Certain diets – High protein, sodium, sugar, and oxalate diets.
- Obesity and weight gain – Being overweight increases risks.
- Digestive diseases – Such as chronic diarrhea and bowel disease.
- Surgery – Gastric bypass surgery increases the risks.
- Other medical conditions – Diseases like hyperparathyroidism, renal tubular acidosis, cystinuria, gout, and recurrent UTIs.
When to See a Doctor
You should seek prompt medical attention if you experience any symptoms of kidney stones. Call your doctor right away or go to the emergency room if you have:
- Severe pain in your back, side, abdomen or groin
- Pain that spreads to your lower abdomen and groin
- Fever and chills
- Vomiting and inability to keep liquids down
- Blood in your urine
- Difficulty passing urine
Seeking timely treatment is crucial, as kidney stones can sometimes lead to serious complications like kidney infections, kidney damage or kidney failure if left untreated.
Diagnosing Kidney Stones
To diagnose kidney stones, the doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. Diagnostic tests may include:
- Blood testing – To check kidney function and look for excess minerals that can cause stones.
- Urine testing – Microscopic exam to look for crystals, and culture to check for infection.
- Imaging tests – CT scan, ultrasound, X-rays or MRI to visualize the stones.
- Urine collection (24 hours) – To analyze the amounts of various minerals and salts.
Based on the results, your doctor can determine the size, location and type of kidney stone.
Diagnostic Tests
Test | How It’s Done | What It Shows |
---|---|---|
Blood test | Blood sample analyzed | Kidney function and mineral levels |
Urine test | Microscopic exam and culture | Crystals, blood, pus, bacteria |
Imaging tests | CT, ultrasound, X-ray, MRI | Stone size, location, obstruction |
Urine collection | 24-hour urine sample | Level of stone-forming minerals |
Treatment for Kidney Stones
Treatment options for kidney stones include:
- Pain medications – Over-the-counter ibuprofen or prescription narcotics to help ease the pain.
- Alpha blockers – To relax the ureter muscles and help pass stones faster.
- Medical expulsive therapy – Medications that facilitate stone passage by relaxing ureters.
- Lithotripsy – Shock waves externally applied to break up smaller stones.
- Ureteroscopy – A thin viewing instrument inserted through the urethra to remove stones.
- Percutaneous nephrolithotomy – Surgery to remove larger stones through a small incision in the back.
- Parathyroidectomy – Removal of overactive parathyroid glands that can cause recurrent stones.
Treatment aims to relieve symptoms, facilitate stone passage, prevent complications and reduce recurrence. Your doctor will recommend the appropriate treatment based on factors like stone size, location and your preferences.
Medical Treatments
Treatment | Description |
---|---|
Pain relievers | NSAIDs or opioids to relieve pain and discomfort |
Alpha blockers | Relax muscles to help pass stones |
Medical expulsive therapy | Medications to relax ureters and aid passage |
Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) | Break up stones with sound waves |
Surgical Treatments
Treatment | Description |
---|---|
Ureteroscopy | Small scope inserted to directly remove stones |
Percutaneous nephrolithotomy | Incision in back to remove larger stones |
Parathyroidectomy | Remove overactive parathyroid glands |
Preventing Kidney Stones
You may be able to reduce your risk of developing kidney stones by:
- Drinking enough fluids, especially water – At least 2 to 3 liters per day.
- Eating a balanced diet – Reduce sodium, animal protein, sugar and oxalate.
- Maintaining a healthy weight – Obesity is a major risk factor.
- Avoiding excessive doses of supplements with vitamin C, vitamin D, calcium or magnesium.
- Treating underlying conditions like hyperparathyroidism, gout and recurrent UTIs.
Your doctor can help determine your specific risk factors for kidney stones and advise preventive strategies.
Conclusion
Kidney stones can cause excruciating pain. Typical symptoms include intense pain that comes in waves, painful urination, blood in urine, nausea and restlessness. Stones form when certain minerals crystallize and build up in the kidneys. Diets high in sodium, oxalates and protein increase risks.
See your doctor right away if you suspect kidney stone pain. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are important to control symptoms, prevent complications and remove the stones. Treatment options range from pain relievers to surgical removal, depending on the stone size and location.
Prevention aims to keep your urine diluted and avoid excess minerals that can crystalize. Drinking plenty of fluids daily and limiting sodium, animal protein and sugar in your diet are key prevention strategies. Understanding the symptoms and seeking timely treatment can help manage this extremely painful condition.