Kidney stones refer to the formation of crystals in the kidney or other parts of the urinary tract. These crystals are made from minerals like oxalate, calcium, and uric acid. Once the formation takes place, kidney stones may vary in size, ranging from as small as a grain of sand to as large as a golf ball. The condition may lead to immense pain and discomfort and affect your quality of life.
Several factors contribute to the formation of kidney stones, including the following:
- Dehydration: Dehydration is one of the primary causes of kidney stones. Not drinking enough water leads to a build-up of minerals in the kidneys and increases the chances of stone formation.
- Diet: Some food items, such as high sugar, salt, and animal protein, may lead to the formation of stones in the kidney.
- Medical Conditions: Kidney stones may also be the result of some medical conditions, such as gout and inflammatory bowel disease.
- Genetics: In many cases, children inherit this problem from their parents.
- Medication: Relying too much on certain medications, such as antacids and diuretics, can occasionally increase the risk of kidney stone formation.
10 Early Signs You Might Have a Kidney Stone
The signs and symptoms of a kidney stone may vary from person to person. In best practice, you must always be vigilant about them and visit the doctor if you experience any symptoms. The following are the early signs that suggest you may have a kidney stone.
Continuous Pain
If you experience continuous pain in the back or lower body that doesn’t go away when you move, you may be suffering from a kidney stone. No matter how many times you change your position, kidney stone pain doesn’t go away.
Severe Pain
Kidney stone leads to immense pain and discomfort. The degree of pain is so severe that many doctors compare it to that of childbirth. The pain may come in bouts in some cases. However, in most situations, it is persistent.
Bloody Urine
Kidney stone leads to blood in the urine. In some cases, the blood is visible and can even turn your toilet water pink, red, or brown. In other cases, it may be detected by urine testing or under a microscope. Although bloody urine is a sign of a kidney stone, it may be the cause of other issues as well, such as injury to the kidney or bladder, tumors, prostate bleeding in men, and more. It is best to confirm it with a diagnostic test.
Painful Urination
Kidney stone may lead to discomfort and pain when you urinate. The degree of pain is severe, and it is often accompanied by a burning sensation. You may experience pain in different parts of the urinary tract. The pain is caused by inflammation or infection in the urinary tract.
Frequent Urination
If you have been experiencing an urge to use the toilet frequently, it may be a sign of a kidney stone, and you should get the condition diagnosed to get yourself treated at the earliest. The urge to urinate suggests that the stone has moved into the lower part of the urinary tract.
Changes in the Appearance of the Urine
Kidney stone also changes how your urine looks. However, these symptoms are not always the reason for stones and may also suggest a urinary tract infection.
Nausea and Vomiting
If the above-listed symptoms are accompanied by sickness in your stomach, you may be having a stone in your kidney. That said, vomiting and nausea do not always suggest a kidney stone, they may be caused by allergies and infection in the bowel or stomach.
Fever and Chills
Kidney stones lead to severe back pain, which is often accompanied by chills and fever. You may have a mild or high fever, depending on the level of infection caused by the stone in your body.
Foul-Smelling Urine
Kidney stones not only change the appearance of your urine, but also how it smells. If you have been smelling a foul odor every time you use the washroom, it may be a sign of a kidney stone. The foul smell could also be due to the bacteria causing the infection.
Urinary Incontinence
Some people with kidney stones often experience involuntary release of urine, making it one of the early signs of this condition.
When to Visit a Doctor?
Be watchful of the above-listed symptoms. It is vital to mention that these symptoms do not necessarily mean you have a kidney stone. However, if you experience them together for a long time, it could be a sign of the condition, and you must visit the doctor to confirm the diagnosis.
Takeaway
Kidney stone is a common condition and come with early signs and symptoms. If you have been diagnosed with it, follow the treatment and instructions of the doctor to release it from your body. Living with kidney stones for a long time may be risky for your overall health. Seeking prompt treatment is the best advice.
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