What Are Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. They can affect any part of your urinary tract, from your kidneys to your bladder.
Common Types of Kidney Stones
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Calcium stones: Most common, usually in the form of calcium oxalate
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Struvite stones: Often related to urinary tract infections
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Uric acid stones: Associated with high-protein diets
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Cystine stones: Rare, hereditary type
Risk Factors
- Family history
- Dehydration
- Obesity
- Certain medical conditions
- High-sodium, high-protein diet
- Some medications
Symptoms
Kidney stones may cause:
- Severe pain in back and side
- Pain that radiates to lower abdomen
- Painful urination
- Pink, red, or brown urine
- Nausea and vomiting
- Frequent urination
Diagnosis
- Medical history review
- Physical examination
- Imaging tests (CT scan, ultrasound)
- Blood and urine tests
Treatment Options
Small Stones
- Drinking extra water
- Pain relievers
- Alpha blockers
Larger Stones
- Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL)
- Ureteroscopy
- Percutaneous nephrolithotomy
Prevention
- Drink plenty of water
- Reduce sodium intake
- Limit animal protein
- Avoid stone-forming foods
- Take prescribed medications
When to Seek Medical Care
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Severe pain
- Fever and chills
- Difficulty urinating
- Bloody urine
Follow-up Care
- Regular check-ups
- Dietary modifications
- Medication compliance
- Lifestyle changes