Kidney disease is a leading cause of death in the United States, but it often has no symptoms in its...
Read MoreKidney stones are nothing to kid about—they’re unpleasant, painful and can take weeks to exit your body. Although approximately one in 10 people will get a kidney stone at some point, this condition is preventable and treatable.
Here’s what you need to know about what causes kidney stones, their risk factors and your options for treating this condition.
What are kidney stones?
“A kidney stone is a solid mass of minerals and acid salts that form in the kidneys and can affect any part of your urinary system,” said Krystal Green, M.D., a physician at Inspira Medical Group Primary Care. “These masses range in size, but even small kidney stones can cause extreme pain as they exit the body through the urinary tract.”
A kidney stone can be in your body for years, and it doesn't typically become painful until it starts moving out of the kidneys. Kidney stones range in size—from as tiny as a grain of sand to the diameter of a golf ball—but most of them are about the size of a chickpea and can pass on their own. Larger kidney stones can get trapped in the ureter, the tube that connects your kidney to your bladder, and may require surgical removal.
There are four main types of kidney stones:
- Calcium stones, the most common type of kidney stone, made up of calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate
- Uric acid stones, formed by excess uric acid in the urine caused by a high-protein diet or certain medications
- Struvite stones, made of magnesium, ammonium and phosphate and typically caused by a urinary tract infection (UTI)
- Cystine stones, caused by a genetic disorder that affects how the kidneys filter certain amino acids
Knowing what type of kidney stone you have can help your doctor determine the best treatment approach and help you prevent future stones from forming.
What causes kidney stones?
“The most common cause of kidney stones is a lack of water in the body,” said Dr. Green. “When your body doesn't have enough water to dilute your urine, minerals and other substances in the urine can crystallize to form kidney stones.”
Other causes include a diet high in salt, sugar and animal protein. Some medical conditions, including hyperparathyroidism and inflammatory bowel disease (IBS), can also increase the risk of developing kidney stones. Family history, obesity and certain medications can also increase your risk of developing this condition.
Signs and symptoms of kidney stones
Kidney stone symptoms can vary depending on the size and location of the stone. Small stones may not cause noticeable symptoms, but larger stones can result in extreme pain and discomfort. The most common signs and symptoms of kidney stones include:
- Pain in your side, back or lower abdomen
- Uncomfortable or painful urination
- Blood in the urine
- Nausea and vomiting
- Frequent urination
- Fever and chills, which may indicate an infection
Talk to your doctor right away if you experience any of these symptoms. They can perform tests to diagnose your condition and get you on the path to recovery.
Kidney stones sometimes cause complications like UTIs or blockages in the urinary tract. If you experience difficulty or severe pain when trying to empty your bladder, seek emergency care immediately.
Kidney stone prevention and treatment
“The most important thing you can do to prevent kidney stones from forming is to drink plenty of water, which will help dilute your urine and prevent minerals from crystallizing,” said Dr. Green. “Avoid foods high in salt and sugar and focus on eating a well-rounded diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains.”
If you have kidney stones, your doctor may recommend a treatment plan based on your condition. Smaller masses may be able to pass on their own with the help of pain medication and plenty of fluids. For larger stones, treatment options may include:
- Medications: Certain medications, such as alpha-blockers, may help relax the muscles in your ureter, making it easier for stones to pass.
- Shock wave lithotripsy (SWL): This non-invasive procedure uses high-energy sound waves to break kidney stones into smaller pieces, making them easier to pass.
- Ureteroscopy: In this minimally invasive procedure, a thin scope is inserted into the urinary tract to locate and remove stones or break them into smaller fragments.
- Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL): This surgical procedure is used for larger stones that cannot be treated with less invasive methods. A small incision is made in the back to remove the stones directly.
- Lifestyle and dietary changes: After treatment, your doctor may recommend long-term changes to prevent future stones, such as increasing fluid intake and reducing foods high in oxalates or sodium.
Your treatment plan will depend on the size, type and location of your kidney stones as well as your overall health and personal preferences. Talk to your doctor about the best treatment plan for you.
Although kidney stones are a temporary condition, there is a risk of recurrence. Schedule an appointment with an Inspira urologist to treat kidney stones and explore ways to prevent them in the future.
