Kidney Stones – Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention

Kidney Stones – Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention






Kidney stones can occur to anyone, irrespective of age and gender. Nowadays even children are found to have kidney stones. It is reported that 12 out of every 100 men and 7 out of every 100 women are diagnosed with kidney stones in the USA. Kidney stones has become common problem worldwide affecting millions of people.

Whether Kidney Stones Formation Is A Matter Of Concern ?

Stones are nothing but hard deposits of salts and minerals and can form in any part of the body. Often it targets the Kidneys wherein leftover minerals and salts present in the urine gets concentrated forming a crystal which would then join together to form a stone. Passing urine becomes painful act and a person with kidney stones would pass reduced volume of urine.

There are many kinds of kidney stones like uric acid stones, calcium stones, magnesium ammonium stones and mixed stones.

Uric Acid Stones :

Uric acid stones may contain cystine stones, calcium stones and struvite stones. Few particles of calcium and other minerals fuse to form hard mass or stone. Uric acid is a type of acid present normally in the urine and when there is high concentration of acidity in the urine it can lead to formation of uric acid stones.

Uric acid stones can form in the kidneys or urinary tract (a small tube that carries urine from the kidneys and sends it to urethra). Formation of these stones can be acute (short lived) or chronic (continuous) problem. Kidney stone is known as renal calculus in medical terms and when few crystals or stones can accumulate to form a big mass blocking the urine passage. Presence of kidney stones is known as Nephrolithiasis">Nephrolithiasis. Often small sized uric acid stones are discharged through urine and only some of them get crystallized to form a stone.

Size :

Uric acid stone can be of any size ranging from very small to large ones. Stones that are lesser than 2-4mm in size would get expelled through urine but those which are bigger than 5mm in size can obstruct the path of urine. Very large sized stones like 7-9mm can cause complications requiring treatment.

Symptoms Of Kidney Stones :

Not all the kidney stones would cause symptoms since they go unnoticed in urine. At some point uric acid stones get accumulated and moves within the kidney and slowly travels into the ureter tubing. Only then you will notice some of the below mentioned symptoms.

• Mild to moderate pain at your back and in the sides


• Sudden severe pain that proceeds towards the right lower abdomen region


• Pain can be felt in the form of waves or ripples and intensity of pain may differ


• Urine color can change from normalcy to red or brown


• Burning pain while passing urine


• Urine would be foul smelling


• Some people may feel like vomiting


• Sudden urge to pass urine


• Increased number of visits to toilet


• Passing lesser amounts of urine than normal


• Fever may develop if the person develops urinary infection

Kidney Stones Causes :

Not one single factor causes kidney stone formation. Many factors can contribute for the crystallization of calcium deposits in the urine.

Urine is composed of several minerals including that of calcium and oxalate and when the number of crystal like particles exceeds that of fluid particles kidney stones are formed. Normally urine contains substances to check the crystals but due to unfavorable conditions several tiny crystals stick together to form kidney stone.

1. Not Drinking Water

A healthy adult should take at least 2 liters or 8 ounce of water each day. If you are not drinking enough water you are at risk to form kidney stones. Many times you may forget to drink water due to workload or Stress and if you are living in cold climatic zone you may avoid drinking water. People living in warm zones should drink more than 2 liters of water daily to prevent Dehydration.

2. Family History

People with family history of kidney stones have increased risk to get uric acid stones. And people who have had kidney stones already in life are more likely to get it again than others.

3. High Protein Diet

You are at increased risk of kidney stones if you are including high protein diet with high oxalates like beef, pork, chicken, shellfish and organ meats. It is wise to reduce the quantity of animal protein if you are fond of eating it. Diet rich in protein but low in oxalate like dried beans, lentils and plant based foods are recommended. And eating high sodium diet can damage your kidneys causing kidney stones.

4. Increased Weight

People who are overweight and obese are more likely to develop uric acid stones than others.

5. Certain Diseases

People with chronic problems like Inflammatory Bowel Disease or Crohn’s disease or chronic Diarrhea and those who have undergone gastric bypass surgery are at increased risk of kidney stone. Certain kinds of Digestive Disorders can change the level of absorption of calcium in urine leading to the formation of stones.

6. Medications

Using certain drugs like acetazolamide and furosemide which are loop diuretics and some kinds of antacids, and theophylline and dexamethasone can lead to the formation of kidney stones. Certain medical conditions like cystinuria, renal tubular acidosis and hyperparaThyroidism can also cause kidney stones.

7. Increased Uric Acid

If your body produces excess of uric acid due to over-consumption of high purine foods you are likely to develop kidney stones. In case the kidney tissue fails to re-absorb uric acid properly owing to some disease it can increase kidney stone formation.

8. Chemotherapy

People who are undergoing radiation or chemo for Cancer are likely to develop kidney stones.

Diagnosis :

Based on the symptoms your doctor may request for complete blood test and urine analysis to measure the levels of uric acid and calcium. Urine test can be done for two days consecutively to find out whether it contains excess of minerals that forms stones. Further he may order for imaging tests like CT scan or intravenous urography to get clear idea.

Kidney Stones Treatment :

No treatment is needed if you are diagnosed with minimal stones and few symptoms. It is enough if you drink more water and use pain relievers like Tylenol, Advil or similar drugs to get relief from pain. Reduce the sodium intake in daily food and balance the protein diet. If necessary your doctor would prescribe alpha blocker drugs for relaxing the ureter muscles so that crystals can easily pass through the urine.

For people who are diagnosed with large sized kidney stones the above treatment method cannot be a remedy.

• Sound Waves

Controlled sound waves are created and passed through your back area to produce strong vibrations. This procedure is known as ESWL or extra corporeal shock wave therapy which is capable of breaking the stones into tiny pieces that can be expelled through urine. The entire process takes about an hour and the patient would be given light anesthesia to tolerate the pain. This procedure can cause small bruises on your back and it may cause blood leakage in urine.

• Surgery

This is the last option for removing large kidney stones. A small incision is make on your back (under complete anesthesia) through which a tube with mini telescope is sent in for removing kidney stones. The patient will be monitored closely until he/she recovers completely from the surgery.

• Uterteroscope

Under this procedure, small lighted tubing is sent though the urethra (through which you pass urine) and small sized stones can be removed. It can cause pain and discomfort and to tolerate this pain, the patient will be given general anesthesia.

• Excess Of Parathyroid

Parathyroid gland surgery is done for people who are diagnosed to have excess of thyroid secretion causing kidney stone formation. This chemical can drastically increase the levels of calcium causing stones.

Tips For Kidney Stones Prevention :

• Drink more water and check the urine color is clear. Instead of drinking more water at a stretch, spread it throughout the day.


• Reduce the quantity of red meat you eat and use dairy products once a week.


• Take plenty of fresh fruits and veggies


• If you are obese practice workouts to reduce your weight


• Reduce the intake of beets, spinach, sweet potatoes, nuts, chocolates and rhubarb that are rich in oxalates, if you are diagnosed with kidney stones.


• Eat healthy diet and do regular exercises.

Kidney Stones in Women

Kidney Stones in Women

The kidneys are filters for the blood. In fact, if they fail, one will notice rapidly by the distinct odor of urine. Sometimes kidney stones occur. These are calcium oxalate crystals or other types of crystals which typically occur from magnesium deficiency or other metabolic problems due to paraThyroid issues or other disorders. These stones are painful and, as they break apart and travel down the ureters to the bladder, the pain is often blinding, like glass.

Types of Kidney Stones Women Can Get
Frequently, kidney stones are calcium crystals. However, they can be composed of other substances.

• Calcium stones are the most common type, which can be made of phosphate, calcium oxalate or maleate. It all has to do with calcium elimination issues. Reducing your intake of foods high in oxalate, such as potato chips, beets, chocolate, peanuts, and spinach may be of help.


• Uric acid stones are less common in women than in men, which occur when there is too much acid in urine. People with Gout or going through chemotherapy are likely to get this.


• Struvite stones are common in women suffering Urinary Tract Infections. Women with chronic urinary tract infections produce some interesting metabolites and minerals to buffer irritating acids. Struvite stones result and become deposited in the kidneys. They are multiple and can be particularly painful.


• Cystine stones are extremely rare and difficult to detect. They occur in both men and women and are the result of a rare genetic issue called cystinuria.

Kidney Symptoms in Women
Symptoms of kidney stones in women are similar to those in men. Typically, the pain is in the back and there will be blood in the urine. The pain can be blinding, agonizing, and disabling regardless of gender.

The stones themselves, though they do form in the kidneys, don’t cause the pain. It is when they break down into smaller shards and begin to pass through the ureters that the pain begins. Then comes the presence of stones in the bladder and the passage through the urethra. For women, this is an inch passage. Movement of stones can cause the following:

• Rapid onset pain, which worsens in waves, intensifying like rock music, in the abdomen, genitals, groin, sides, or the back and the pain is often described as the worst ever experienced in one's life.


• Nausea and vomiting due to extreme nature of pain


• Blood in the urine


• Urination will become frequent and urgent. It will be painful as the body is trying to push out the stones through the spasms of the urethra. Urinary tract infections may accompany this and make the pain more severe.

When Kidney Stones Can Be a Problem?
When kidney stones in women or men are small, they will pass without intervention. 90% of kidney stones that are less than 5mm will pass on their own. When they are larger, the odds of painless passing lessen (50%) and infection risks increase.

Sometimes larger stones make it out of the kidney into the ureters but don’t make it to the bladder to actually come out of the urethra, thus blocking urinary flow. This is a medical problem which results in blood in the urine and intense pain. Urinary obstruction is no joke and could result in kidney damage. It requires medical attention, but many physicians can remedy the situation with surgery and some amazing sonic techniques. Primarily, concerns will be focused on watching for nephritis; a kidney infection. Signs of infection include:

• Elevated body temperature over 100.5 degrees F


• Chills and sHivering


• Persistent weakness and fatigue


• Diarrhea


• Foul-smelling and dark or Cloudy Urine

How Are Kidney Stones in Women Treated?
The type of treatment depends on the type of kidney stones involved. Urine is collected to determine the stone type and this defines treatment options. Ultrasounds and other tests will be used as well. Primarily, hydration will be advised to promote optimal urine flow, as chronic Dehydration is a strongly contributing factor. Other treatments include:

1. Medications

• If infection is present, antibiotics may be prescribed.


• Allopurinol may be prescribed to dissolve uric acid stones.


• To increase urination, diuretics may be prescribed.


• Bicarbonate of sodium or sodium citrate


• Solutions of phosphorus

2. Lithotripsy
This is where ultrasonic sound waves are used to break larger stones into smaller stones so that the stones will naturally pass. There may be bruising to other organs. Pain medications and antibiotics will be prescribed accordingly.

3. Tunnel Surgery (Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy)
For this procedure, a small incision will be made in your back and the stones will be removed that way. This invasive procedure is used in cases when stones are too large to pass naturally, where stones are interfering with or damaging kidneys, and when pain levels can't be effectively controlled.

4. Ureteroscopy
An ureteroscope is a small tool that can be used to help dislodge kidney stones in women that may be stuck. Using a small camera, doctors can see where the stone is stuck, and then they can use a cage-like instrument to remove it.

Is There a Way to Prevent It?
Luckily, you can reduce the likelihood of developing kidney stones with some healthy lifestyle changes. Since stones build in the kidneys – the area of the body responsible for flushing out toxins – you can start by making sure they keep doing their job by increasing intake of the right minerals while decreasing the wrong ones.

• Drink plenty of water daily. Water is vital. The more water you drink, the better your kidneys can filter the minerals and acids in your body and prevent kidney stones. Experts recommend drinking 12 glasses everyday to pass the recommended 2.5 liters of urine, ensuring your kidneys are flushed.


• Eat less salt and reduce animal proteins. Since we know animal proteins contribute to kidney stones and salt does too, try a mostly vegetarian diet and reduce your salt intake while increasing your fruit and vegetable intake.


• Eat foods rich in calcium, but be careful with calcium supplements. Though calcium stones are related to calcium elimination issues, eating foods rich in calcium wouldn't increase your risk. However, with calcium supplements, you should consult your doctor before doing so as they might increase your risks of getting kidney stones.

What Do Kidney Stones Feel Like?

What Do Kidney Stones Feel Like?

One of the most commonly occurring disorders of the urinary tract are kidney stones. The reason behind the formation of the stones in kidneys is the increase in concentration of natural substances in the urine. With the increase in concentration, the chances of the solid substances staying in the kidney become greater. To know whether you are suffering from a similar condition, read on to see experiences of people about what kidney stones feel like.

What Do Kidney Stones Feel Like?
Some people experience no symptoms while suffering from kidney stones. If they are small in size, then it is possible that they would pass out without causing any pain. If the stones are larger in size, then they would cause problems in urine flow and lead to symptoms that can cause severe pain. Blockage of the urine flow usually occurs when a kidney stone gets stuck in the ureter, the tube connecting the kidneys and bladder.

What the Pain Feels Like
Most people who have suffered from kidney stones answer that they experienced a sharp pain either in the lower abdomen or on either side of their back when asked about what do kidney stones feel like. The pain shoots up without a warning and keeps on increasing in intensity with time. The area where the pain is experienced continues to grow with time too.

The pain experienced by some individuals stays constant while the pain comes and goes in waves for others. The pain usually lasts for longer periods of time though its intensity varies a lot within that time period. This usually happens when the stone keeps changing its position in the urinary tract.

Other Symptoms of Kidney Stones

• An overwhelming feeling of nausea


• Appearance of blood when passing urine (this can happen with both the presence of stones in the kidney and the travelling of stones through the ureter).


• Change in color of the urine (appearing reddish or pinkish or brownish in color)


• A really foul-smell accompanying the urine


• Consistent pain while urinating (this may happen when the stone sets up camp in the ureter or when the stone moves into the urethra from the bladder).


• Increase in frequency of urge to urinate


• Decrease in the amount of urine passed in each urination

Is It Kidney Stone or a Different Problem?
There is no way to be exactly sure whether you are having pain because of kidney stones or something else. This is why it’s best to get in touch with a doctor when you start experiencing sudden abdominal pain as it can be indicative of a number of emergencies like Prostatitis, Appendicitis hernia etc.

What Others Say

The pain I experienced was usually concentrated towards my lower back with my right side the main problem area. The pain came and went and was always intense. The intensity of the pain was very high and it was a nightmare once the pain started. Taking a hot shower when the bout of pain arrived usually helped.

If you are asking me about what do kidney stones feel like, I can say from my experience that it feels like someone is putting a lot of pressure on the bladder. I felt that it was some sort of Urinary Tract Infection at first but since there was no burning sensation I had a feeling it was different. I always had an urge to urinate during the time. I was put on Amoxicillin along with Acetaminophen. The medications worked like a charm. To make the passing of the stone easier, you should drink as much fluid as possible.

I have suffered from kidney stones twice and I know about what do kidney stones feel like because of my experiences. During the first time, there was just one sudden bout of pain in my side and I was taken to the hospital. During the second time, it was different and the pain was dull but lingered on for quite some time. After a week or two the intensity of pain increased and problems in urination started.

Treating Kidney Stones
Normally, the kidney stones are small in size (around 0.2 inches diameter wise) and can therefore, pass out through urine. The pain can be tough to bear even with small sized kidney stones though it shouldn’t last for more than two day.

If the pain is too much, the GP may give you a painkiller injection. If the pain persists, you would also be given a second dose soon after. To counter nausea and vomiting symptoms, anti-sickness medication is provided.

What to Do at Home
You already know what do kidney stones feel like and if you suspect you have kidney stones, medical advice should be sought.If the GP tells you to go home and to simply look out for the passing of kidney stone through your urine, you should actually make sure that you filter out the stone from the urine. This can help the GP in understanding whether you need any further medication or not.

Getting Admitted into a Hospital
If the stone moves into the ureter and causes unbearable pain, the GP would most likely ask you to get admitted. Admission to the hospital normally becomes necessary if:

• There is a great risk of kidney


• The symptoms do not go away at all even after one or two doses of painkillers


• You continue to vomit and have issues in keeping fluids in your body


• You are carrying a baby


• You are aged 60 years or more

What If the Kidney Stone Is Large in Size?
If the size of your kidney stone is too large (six to seven mm in diameter) and can’t be passed through urine normally, then the normal course of treatment is to remove it in a different manner.

The treatments in such a case include:

• ESWL


• PCNL


• Ureteroscopy

The treatment chosen from the three would depend on the location as well as the size of the stones.

Kidney Stones

Kidney Stones






Tiny crystals of stones bundle up on your kidney forming a big mass called kidney stones. In medical terms they are called Nephrolithiasis. It is formed either in the urinary tract or kidney. The affected person will get intense pain on the abdomen or groin and there is every chance for the person to undergo dehydration. He or she may run out of fluids creating an imbalance. They will not be able to pass urine as before due to excess of stone formation. It is good to note that very often these kidney stones will enter the ureter tube through the bladder over time, requiring no treatment.

Causes :

Kidney stones are formed due to reduction in urine volume and very often these stones are made of calcium. Sometimes, there may be phosphate stones and oxalate stones. Some chemical compounds combine to form kidney stones.

The persons who are in dehydrated form due to reduced fluid consumption are at risk of developing stones in their kidney. Similarly, people who live in hot areas will not pass more urine and stay dehydrated.

If there is infection in urinary tract, you may get infection stones in the kidney.

This apart, certain medical conditions like Gout, hypercalcuria, chronic diseases like diabetes, Hypertension may also give room for kidney stones. People who have problems in bowel movements are likely to get stones. Persons who have done with intestinal bypass surgery have chance for getting kidney stones.

Taking powerful drugs like diuretics, protease inhibitors and calcium antacids would also increase the risk of stone formation.

Symptoms :

There would be sudden intense pain in the abdomen, back, or in groin area. You will feel pain only when the stones move down the ureters and enter the bladder. It may block the free flow of urine. Pain is not continuous and it may vanish all of a sudden.

Some of the other signs for kidney stone formation are blood in the urine, fever, chills, change in color of urine, nausea and vomiting.

Diagnoses :

Your doctor will do kidney function test, blood test and urine analysis for checking the stone. For confirming, he may also ask you to undergo CT scan, IVP test, kidney ultrasound test, X-ray of abdomen, and pyelogram test.

Treatment :

The method of treatment depends on the intensity of stone formed and also on its type. Normally smaller stones will pass through urine giving no problem. You need to drink plenty of water daily.

For subsiding severe pain you can take narcotic drugs. Allopurinol is prescribed for uric acid stones and antibiotics are given for treating struvite stones. Medicines that contain sodium bicarbonate and diuretics are also prescribed.

Surgery will be done if the stone is too big or is growing further or if the pain is unbearable or if the person cannot pass urine.

Nowadays, lithotripsy shock wave therapy is given for removing stones of small size. This wave will eventually break the stones which then passes through urine. Ureteroscopy is done for clearing the stones in urinary tract.

Pictures of Kidney Stones :

Images, Pics, Pictures and Photos of Kidney Stones

Complications :

Formation of kidney stones may interfere with the functions of kidney causing potential danger. It may damage or scar the kidney or may cause infection in the tract. You can prevent getting stones by having plenty of water daily for discharging enough urine.