Kidney stones are hard deposits that form when crystals build up in the kidney or elsewhere in the urinary tract. These crystals are made from minerals such as oxalate, calcium and uric acid. Once they form, kidney stones can vary greatly in size, from as small as a grain of sand to as large as a golf ball. The condition can cause intense pain and discomfort and affect your quality of life.
Key Takeaways
- A diet high in sugar, salt and animal protein can encourage stones to form.
- Certain medical conditions, such as gout and inflammatory bowel disease, raise the risk.
- Kidney stones can run in families, so genetics play a part.
What causes kidney stones?
Several factors contribute to the formation of kidney stones, including the following.
- Dehydration: Dehydration is one of the main causes of kidney stones. Not drinking enough water allows minerals to build up in the kidneys and increases the chance of stones forming.
- Diet: Some foods, particularly those high in sugar, salt and animal protein, can encourage stones to form.
- Medical conditions: Kidney stones can also result from certain medical conditions, such as gout and inflammatory bowel disease.
- Genetics: In many cases, children inherit a tendency to form stones from their parents.
- Medication: Overuse of certain medicines, such as antacids and diuretics, can occasionally increase the risk of kidney stones.
10 early signs you might have a kidney stone
The signs and symptoms of a kidney stone can vary from person to person. It is always best to stay alert to them and see a doctor if you notice any of the following early signs.
1. Continuous pain
If you have persistent pain in the back or lower body that does not ease when you move, you may have a kidney stone. No matter how often you change position, the pain tends to remain.
2. Severe pain
Kidney stones can cause intense pain and discomfort. The pain can be so severe that many doctors compare it to childbirth. It may come in waves in some cases, but in most it is persistent.
3. Blood in the urine
Kidney stones can cause blood in the urine. Sometimes the blood is visible and may turn the toilet water pink, red or brown; in other cases it is only detected by a urine test or under a microscope. Although blood in the urine can be a sign of a kidney stone, it may also have other causes, such as injury to the kidney or bladder, tumours or prostate bleeding in men. It is best to confirm the cause with a diagnostic test.
4. Painful urination
A kidney stone can cause pain and discomfort when you pass urine, often with a burning sensation. You may feel pain in different parts of the urinary tract, usually caused by inflammation or infection.
5. Frequent urination
A frequent, urgent need to pass urine can be a sign of a kidney stone and should be checked so you can be treated early. This urge often suggests that the stone has moved into the lower part of the urinary tract.
6. Changes in the appearance of the urine
A kidney stone can change how your urine looks. These changes are not always due to stones, however, and may also point to a urinary tract infection.
7. Nausea and vomiting
If the symptoms above are accompanied by nausea or vomiting, you may have a kidney stone. That said, nausea and vomiting do not always indicate a stone; they can also be caused by infection in the bowel or stomach.
8. Fever and chills
Kidney stones can cause severe back pain that is sometimes accompanied by fever and chills. The fever may be mild or high, depending on the degree of any infection caused by the stone.
9. Foul-smelling urine
Kidney stones can change not only the appearance of your urine but also its smell. A persistent foul odour when you pass urine may be a sign of a stone, or of the bacteria causing an associated infection.
10. Urinary incontinence
Some people with kidney stones experience an involuntary leakage of urine, which can be another early sign of the condition.
When should you see a doctor?
Stay watchful for the symptoms above. It is important to note that they do not necessarily mean you have a kidney stone. However, if you experience several of them together over a period of time, it could indicate a stone, and you should see a doctor to confirm the diagnosis. Our Kidney Stone Guide explains the condition and its treatment in more detail.
Takeaway
Kidney stones are a common condition that usually come with early warning signs. If you are diagnosed with one, follow your doctor's treatment and advice to clear it from your body. Modern treatments such as keyhole (PCNL) surgery can remove stones effectively when needed. Living with kidney stones for a long time can be harmful to your overall health, so seeking prompt treatment is always the best course of action.
Every treatment plan starts with a proper assessment, so you only get the care your condition actually needs. If you have symptoms or a question about your health, book a consultation with Dr. Anish Gupta.