It is estimated that one in ten people will have a renal stone during the course of their lives – and up to half a million people go to the emergency room every year with kidney stone symptoms. What is the cause of kidney stones and, most importantly, what kidney stone treatment should one pursue for relief?
Kidney Stones Causes
Kidneys are hardworking organs, acting as highly effective filters for waste and toxins in the body – and returning essential elements such as vitamins, amino acids, hormones, and glucose into the bloodstream.
No-one is immune from getting kidney stones. At the same time, men are more likely to get kidney stones than women. Additionally, certain factors increase your risk of kidney stones:
– Family history of kidney stones
– Personal history of kidney stones
– If you are in heavy weight categories
– If your diet is high in sodium, protein, and/or sugar
– If you’ve had intestinal surgery
– If you suffer with certain pre-existing conditions, such as kidney diseases, bowel problems, hyperthyroidism, or gout
– If you don’t drink enough water
– Certain medications, such as diuretics and some antacids.
How To Prevent Kidney Stones
– Most importantly, keep hydrated. Be especially mindful of drinking enough water when working up a sweat – during strenuous exercise during hot summer months in particular.
– Adjust your diet. Cut back on sodium and animal proteins. Oxalate can also be a contributor to the most common form of kidney stones and it may be advisable to avoid some oxalate-rich foods like beets, tea, spinach, chocolate, and rhubarb.
– Studies have linked high intake of Vitamin C in the form of supplements to the development of oxalate in the body, which in turn increases your risk of developing kidney stones.
Kidney Stones Symptoms:
What are the first signs of kidney stones?
Even small kidney stones are the source of a lot of pain – and kidney stones will be experienced differently by different people. Some people will have kidney stones without knowing it during the course of their lives.
– Pain is one early symptom of kidney stones, but can be experienced in the back or side, sporadically or constantly, with varying intensity
– Nausea and vomiting
– Blood in the urine
– Dark, cloudy, or smelly urine
– An urgent need to urinate more regularly
– Pain when urinating
– Fever
If you suspect you may have kidney stones, consulting with a urologist gives patients an outlet to explore their symptoms, secure a diagnosis, and devise a treatment plan.
Kidney Stone Symptoms in Women
The risks and symptoms of kidney stones differ between men and women. Men tend to be more likely to develop kidney stones and have been known to experience pain in their testicles, while some women have likened the pain they experience to menstrual cramps. The symptoms of kidney stones in women are quite easily confused with urinary tract infections, which is why it is important to be alert to the symptoms of kidney stones to treat them quickly and effectively.
Kidney Stones Treatment:
Your Urologist Recommends: Lithotripsy
The treatment of your kidney stones will depend on the specifics of your body. However, for larger kidney stones, one form of treatment is laser lithotripsy. Using a laser, the kidney stone is broken down into smaller pieces, allowing it to pass or be surgically removed with greater ease. This procedure is performed without the need for incision.
If you suspect you have kidney stones, arrange to see a doctor
Dr Bugwandin is a specialist urologist in KZN, based in Pietermaritzburg, who works with patients around the province. If you have any of the above symptoms, set up a consultation to discuss your needs and partner with one of the top urologists in KZN.
