Kidney Stones: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
Kidney stones (also known as renal calculi, urolithiasis, or nephrolithiasis) are hard mineral and salt deposits that form inside your kidneys over time. While they don’t usually cause permanent damage, kidney stones can be extremely painful—especially when they move or get lodged in the ureter. Passing them can also be an uncomfortable experience.
Symptoms of Kidney Stones
Kidney stones may not always show symptoms until they move within the kidney or into the ureter. Common signs include:
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Severe Pain: Sharp, intense pain in the lower back or side, often radiating to the lower abdomen and groin.
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Painful Urination: A burning sensation while urinating.
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Frequent Urination: An increased urge to urinate, even with minimal output.
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Blood in Urine: Urine that appears pink, red, or brown.
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Cloudy or Foul-Smelling Urine: Possible sign of infection or stone presence.
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Nausea and Vomiting: Often caused by severe pain or disruption to the digestive system.
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Fever and Chills: Typically indicates an accompanying infection.
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Difficulty Passing Urine: May occur if the stone is blocking urine flow.
What Causes Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones can result from multiple factors, often linked to diet, lifestyle, or genetics. Common causes include:
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Dehydration: Low water intake leads to concentrated urine, promoting stone formation.
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Diet: Excessive consumption of oxalate-rich foods (e.g., spinach, nuts), salt, or animal protein.
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Genetics: A family history of kidney stones increases your risk.
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Medical Conditions: Such as hyperparathyroidism, gout, or diabetes.
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Obesity: Increases the risk of stones due to changes in urine composition.
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Digestive Disorders: Conditions like Crohn's disease or past gastric surgeries can impair nutrient absorption.
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Medications: Certain drugs, including diuretics and antacids, may contribute to stone formation.
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Immobility: Long periods of bed rest can increase calcium release from bones, raising stone risk.
Where Kidney Stone Pain Occurs
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Flank Pain: Intense, wave-like pain in the back and sides, under the ribs.
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Lower Abdominal Pain: Often experienced as the stone moves closer to the bladder.
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Groin Pain: As the stone travels through the ureter.
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Pain During Urination: Especially when the stone nears the bladder.
Types of Kidney Stones
Understanding the type of kidney stone you have helps in choosing the right prevention and treatment strategy:
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Calcium Stones: The most common type, usually made of calcium oxalate, found in foods like chocolate, nuts, and leafy greens.
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Uric Acid Stones: Common in people with high-protein diets, chronic diarrhea, or diabetes.
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Struvite Stones: Often associated with urinary tract infections; can grow quickly and become large.
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Cystine Stones: Form due to a genetic disorder (cystinuria) causing excess amino acid excretion.
When to See a Doctor
Seek medical attention if you experience:
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Severe pain that prevents you from sitting or lying comfortably.
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Persistent nausea and vomiting.
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Fever and chills along with pain.
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Difficulty urinating or complete blockage.
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Blood in your urine.
Treatment Options for Kidney Stones
Most kidney stones can be treated without surgery. Pain relief, lifestyle changes, and home remedies are common first steps. However, untreated stones can cause complications and discomfort.
Medications:
Painkillers and certain medications can help relax the ureter and ease stone passage.
Non-Surgical Remedies and Home Treatments:
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Water: Staying hydrated is key. Aim for 10–12 glasses of water daily to help flush out the stones.
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Lemon Juice: Rich in citric acid, which helps prevent stone formation and breaks down smaller stones.
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Basil (Tulsi) Juice: Contains acetic acid that helps dissolve stones and reduce pain; also rich in antioxidants.
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Apple Cider Vinegar: Helps dissolve stones and alkalize the urine.
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Pathri Tor Syrup: A herbal remedy containing Ayurvedic ingredients like Punarnava, Gokhru, and Varuna that help dissolve stones and treat urinary infections.
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Zintalika Syrup: A disodium hydrogen citrate syrup used to prevent and manage kidney stones by reducing uric acid levels.
Prevention: Better Than Cure
Preventing kidney stones involves maintaining a healthy lifestyle:
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Stay well-hydrated.
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Eat a balanced, kidney-friendly diet low in oxalates and salt.
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Maintain a healthy body weight.
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Avoid excess intake of animal protein.
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Monitor and manage any underlying health conditions.
