Types of Kidney Stones and Their Treatments
Have you ever experienced that sudden, stabbing pain in your back when you’re picking something up, only to discover it’s not just a muscle spasm? It could be a kidney stone—a hard mineral deposit that forms in your kidneys and causes severe pain. But did you know there are specific types of kidney stones, which can be the result of dehydration, poor diet, and medical issues? Knowing what type of stone you have, it is going to be beneficial to select the treatment early.
So, let’s start the blog and find out about the various types of kidney stones with symptoms in detail.
What are kidney stones?
A kidney stone is a small, hard pebble that forms in your kidney when some of the minerals and acids in your urine become concentrated and crystallize. Your kidneys typically filter waste and fluid from your blood to create urine. But when there is too much waste and too little fluid, crystals can develop. These crystals can, with time, grow into stones. They can be as small as a grain, pea-sized, and even bigger.
What are the types of kidney stones?
Calcium oxalate stones
The most common type of kidney stone. It occurs when there is too much calcium and oxalate in your urine. Oxalate is a natural compound found in a variety of foods, including spinach, nuts, tea, chocolate, and beets. A stone takes shape when calcium and oxalate mix and bind, sticking together.
Symptoms:
- Sharp, stabbing pain in the side or back (called flank pain)
- Pain that travels to the lower belly or groin
- Pain while passing urine
- Cloudy or bloody urine
- Feeling like you always need to pee
- Nausea or vomiting.
Uric acid stones
The stones develop when your urine contains too much acid. Uric acid is a waste product our bodies make when they break down substances called purines—found in foods such as red meat, organ meats (such as liver), and seafood.
Symptoms:
- Burning or discomfort during urination
- Pain in the belly, lower back, or groin
- Red or dark-colored urine
- Needing to urinate more often
- Nausea
Struvite stones
These stones are less frequent and typically occur due to urinary tract infections (UTIs). Substances produced by bacteria from the infection can cause stones to form. Some stones can grow to be quite large and can fit the shape of the entire kidney.
Symptoms:
- Sudden pain in the side or lower back
- High fever with chills (if infection is still there)
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
- Painful and urgent urination
- Feeling weak or tired
Cystine stones:
Cystine stones are uncommon and result from a genetic disorder known as cystinuria. In this condition, the kidneys of an individual spill out into the urine, which is a natural chemical called cystine, and then it forms into stones.
Symptoms:
- Recurring kidney stones at a young age
- Dull or sharp pain in the side or lower belly
- Difficulty or pain while passing urine
- Blood in the urine
- Frequent urination.
What are the treatments for kidney stones?
If the stone is small and not severe:
If the kidney stone is small and causing mild pain, then the doctor will prescribe more water intake, medicine to manage pain, and medicine to pass the stone.
If the stone is medium to large or causing pain:
- Shock wave therapy: It’s a non-invasive procedure in which sound waves are used to break the stone into small pieces. And then it passes out through urine.
- Ureteroscopy: It is done under light anesthesia. In this, a thin tube is inserted to reach the stone. A laser breaks the stone, and then it removes it directly.
If the stone is large, painful, or causing infection:
PCNL (Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy): In this procedure, when a kidney stone is too large or has too many stones, the doctor will make small cuts and remove the larger stone from the kidney. It is performed under anesthesia and shorter hospital stays.
Laparoscopic kidney stone surgery: It is a less invasive method in which small incisions are made and the stone is removed with the camera’s help. Complications are few, and healing is rapid and less painful. It is generally reserved for more complex cases.
Final thoughts
Pain from a kidney stone isn’t just a pain in the back; it’s a signal from your body screaming, “Help!” Do not allow paint to rob you of your peace or your life. With timely diagnoses and expert care, recovery is just around the corner. Count on one of the best kidney stone specialist in Jaipur to kick-start your journey back to the comfort, confidence, and kidney health that you deserve.
