Kidney Stones: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Kidney stones are hard mineral and salt deposits that form in the kidneys due to concentrated urine. They can cause severe pain, urinary problems, and potential kidney damage if left untreated. While small stones may pass naturally, larger or obstructive stones require medical intervention, including laser treatments and minimally invasive surgery. In this article, we provide a comprehensive overview of kidney stones, including their causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.

Kidney Stone Causes and Risk Factors

Kidney stones develop when minerals like calcium, oxalate, and uric acid crystallize due to dehydration, diet, or metabolic imbalances.

Risk Factors for Kidney Stones

  • Dehydration: Low water intake leads to concentrated urine, increasing stone formation.

  • Dietary Factors: High intake of oxalate-rich foods (spinach, nuts), salt, and animal protein.

  • Obesity: Excess weight affects kidney function and urine composition.

  • Family History: Genetic predisposition increases the likelihood of kidney stones.

  • Frequent UTIs: Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) promote stone development.

  • Certain Medications: Some diuretics, calcium-based antacids, and high-dose vitamin D supplements contribute to stone formation.

  • Medical Conditions: Hyperparathyroidism, diabetes, and inflammatory bowel diseases increase kidney stone risk.

Types of Kidney Stones

Calcium Stones (Most Common Type)

  • Made of calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate.

  • Formed due to high oxalate intake, dehydration, or metabolic disorders.

Uric Acid Stones

  • Form in individuals with high protein intake or gout.

  • More common in diabetics and those with acidic urine.

Struvite Stones

  • Develop due to chronic UTIs, more common in women.

  • Can grow rapidly and cause kidney infections.

Cystine Stones (Rare Type)

  • Caused by genetic disorders affecting amino acid metabolism.

  • Formed due to excess cystine in the urine.

Kidney Stone Signs and Symptoms

Kidney stones may be asymptomatic until they move within the urinary tract, causing pain and urinary issues.

Common Symptoms

  • Severe lower back or side pain (renal colic) that may spread to the groin.

  • Burning sensation during urination.

  • Frequent urge to urinate with little urine output.

  • Blood in the urine (hematuria).

Advanced Symptoms (When Stones Block Urinary Flow)

  • Nausea and vomiting due to pain.

  • Fever and chills (signs of infection).

  • Difficulty passing urine due to a blocked ureter.

Kidney Stone Diagnosis

A proper diagnosis helps determine stone size, location, and composition for effective treatment.

Diagnostic Tests for Kidney Stones

  • Urinalysis: Detects blood, infection, and crystal-forming substances.

  • Blood Tests: Checks calcium, uric acid, and kidney function markers.

  • Ultrasound: A non-invasive test to detect kidney stones and hydronephrosis (swelling of the kidney).

  • CT Scan (Gold Standard): Provides detailed imaging to locate and measure stones.

  • X-ray (KUB Scan): Identifies large calcium-based stones.

Kidney Stone Treatment Options

Non-Surgical Treatment for Small Stones

  • Increased Fluid Intake: Drinking 2-3 liters of water daily helps flush out small stones.

  • Pain Management: NSAIDs and medications like tamsulosin help ease stone passage.

  • Dietary Modifications: Avoiding oxalate-rich foods, reducing salt, and increasing citrate intake.

Minimally Invasive Kidney Stone Treatments

When kidney stones do not pass naturally or cause severe symptoms, medical procedures are required.

1. Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) – Shock Wave Treatment

  • Uses sound waves to break kidney stones into smaller fragments.

  • Best for stones smaller than 2 cm.

  • Non-invasive, performed as an outpatient procedure.

2. Ureteroscopy (URS) – Endoscopic Stone Removal

  • A thin scope is inserted into the ureter to break and remove stones.

  • Laser lithotripsy is used to fragment the stones.

  • Best for medium-sized stones in the ureter.

3. Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery (RIRS) – Laser Treatment for Kidney Stones

  • A flexible ureteroscope reaches the kidney through the bladder.

  • A laser breaks the stones into fine dust for natural passage.

  • No external incision, quick recovery.

4. Mini Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (Mini PCNL) – Keyhole Surgery

  • For large kidney stones (>2 cm).

  • A small incision is made in the back to remove stones directly.

  • Less invasive than traditional open surgery.

Recovery After Kidney Stone Treatment

  • Most patients resume daily activities within a few days.

  • Mild discomfort, temporary blood in urine, or frequent urination may occur.

  • Follow-up imaging (ultrasound or X-ray) ensures complete stone clearance.

  • Avoid dehydration and high-sodium diets to prevent recurrence.

Complications of Untreated Kidney Stones

If kidney stones are not treated, they may lead to severe complications, including:

  • Hydronephrosis: Kidney swelling due to urine buildup.

  • Recurrent UTIs: Frequent infections caused by obstructed urine flow.

  • Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Long-term damage from recurrent stones.

  • Sepsis: Infection spreading into the bloodstream.

Preventing Kidney Stones

Diet and Lifestyle Modifications

  • Drink enough water daily to maintain clear urine.

  • Reduce salt and animal protein intake.

  • Consume more citrus fruits (lemon, orange) to prevent stone formation.

  • Limit oxalate-rich foods (spinach, nuts, tea, and chocolate).

Medications for Prevention

  • Diuretics help control calcium levels.

  • Potassium citrate prevents uric acid and calcium oxalate stones.

  • Allopurinol reduces uric acid production.

Final Words

Kidney stones can be extremely painful, but minimally invasive treatments like RIRS, URS, and Mini PCNL provide safe and effective solutions. Dr. Shwetank Prakash, a leading kidney stone specialist in Agra, offers expert care using advanced laser and laparoscopic techniques, ensuring faster recovery and long-term relief.