Common Signs and Symptoms of Kidney Stones

The pain associated with kidney stones can compare to giving birth. No doubt, the mere thought of having to pass one or more is stress and anxiety-inducing. Common questions and concerns arise with the diagnosis of the dreaded mineral composites. This article will seek to address the common signs and symptoms of kidney stones.

What Are Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones are hard, stuck-together deposits of minerals and salts created inside your kidneys, usually due to concentrated urine. Sizes may vary, ranging from a fraction of an inch to the size of an entire kidney collection system! They can affect any part of your urinary tract.

What Are Possible Causes?

Many potential causes of kidney stones exist. Diet, dehydration, extra weight, medications, certain supplements, and certain medical conditions can all be culprits.

Four main types of stones can occur. Each one has different causes and profiles, and the analysis of stones passed can give clues to treatment and prevention. Types include:

• Calcium stones. The most common type of stones is usually calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate. Your liver produces oxalate, and certain fruits, vegetables, nuts, and chocolate have high oxalate content. This stone is likely due to dietary factors, metabolic disorders, intestinal bypass surgery, medication for migraines or seizures, and vitamin D in high doses. This type also does not respond to medication.
• Struvite stones. These stones can grow fast, become rather large, and have few symptoms. They generally form as a result of a urinary tract infection.
• Uric acid stones. When people lose too much fluid due to chronic diarrhea, or malabsorption, eat a high-protein diet, have diabetes, or have metabolic syndrome, they are at an increased risk of developing these stones. Genetic factors may also be a cause.
• Cystine stones. Individuals with cystinuria, a hereditary disorder that causes the kidneys to excrete too much of certain amino acids, are prone to this stone.

Who Can Develop Kidney Stones?

While anyone can develop kidney stones, some people are at higher risk:

• Men are almost twice as likely as women to develop stones.
• Diabetics or obese people.
• Those with cystinuria, a genetic condition.
• People that live in the Southeastern United States.
• Individuals between 30 and 50 years of age.
• Certain medical conditions, such as urinary tract infections or gout.
• Certain medicines or supplements, including migraine or seizure medications, and cancer treatment drugs.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Kidney Stones?

According to Healthline.com, the eight most common signs and symptoms of kidney stones are:

• Pain in the back, abdomen, or side; often in waves of intensity
• Painful urination
• Urgent urination
• Blood in the urine which indicated by red, pink, or brown coloring
• Cloudy or smelly urine
• Slow or stopped urine stream with a decreased amount of urine passed.
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever and chills

You should call your doctor if you have any of these symptoms, if they increase in severity, or if they persist for more than a few days.

How Are They Diagnosed?

If your medical team suspects you may have kidney stones, several possible tests and procedures may be ordered. According to Mayo Clinic, these can include:

• Blood testing to determine if too much uric acid or calcium is in your bloodstream. This may also reveal other medical conditions.
• A 24-hour urine collection test can see if you are excreting too many minerals that could cause stones or too few substances that could prevent stones from forming.
• Imaging tests such as a CT scan may be used instead of simple abdominal X-rays as they frequently miss small stones. Ultrasound may also be used, which is very quick and easy to perform.
• Detailed family history may also provide insight into possible genetic causes.

What are some effective treatments for kidney stones?

Often, kidney stones are small enough to naturally pass through your body through urination in about 31 to 45 days. After that, an over-the-counter pain reliever and lots of water may be all it takes.

Other times, kidney stones are too large to be passed comfortably. Or they aren’t passed in the four to seven-week time frames. In that case, medical assistance should be considered. However, when addressed early, serious complications from kidney stones are rare.

Besides OTC pain reliever and hydration, other treatments may include medication or procedures to break up or remove the stones. Your medical team may have you strain your urine to catch the stones. Analyzing the possible underlying cause of the stone’s development can guide prevention options.

Surgery may be the only option when other treatments have failed to remove the stone. With the advancement of technology, the once extremely painful procedure with a long recovery time can now be accomplished without major surgery.

What Are Some Preventative Measures?

The American Urological Association has guidelines for dietary and medicinal treatment guidelines. The AUA dietary recommendations include:

• Increase fluid intake to achieve 2.5 liters of urination volume.
• Limit oxalate-rich foods and consume 1,000-1,200 mg of dietary calcium daily.
• Increase consumption of fruits and vegetables.
• Limit intake of non-dairy animal protein.

Pharmacological or medical treatments may be considered if symptoms persist or dietary measures are not enough to ease symptoms or frequency. For example, a diuretic or potassium citrate may be prescribed.

Although kidney stones are not linked to causing cancer, they can result from the treatment and therapies associated with certain cancers.