Kidney stones are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form in the kidneys. Diet, being overweight, certain medical conditions, and the use of certain supplements or medications are some of the many causes of kidney stones.
Kidney stones can affect any part of the urinary tract, from the kidneys to the bladder. Often, these ‘stones’ can form when the urine becomes concentrated, so the minerals will crystallize and stick together.
Having kidney stones is very unpleasant, but kidney stones usually won’t cause permanent damage if caught early. It is enough just to take pain medication and drink lots of water to get rid of kidney stones. In some cases, for example if a kidney stone gets stuck in the urinary tract, or causes complications, surgery is necessary as soon as possible.
Recognize the Symptoms of Kidney Stones as Early as Possible
Quoted from the Mayo Clinic, kidney stones usually will not cause symptoms until the stone moves into the kidney or into the ureter, the tube that connects the kidney and bladder. If they get stuck in the ureters, they can block the flow of urine and cause the kidneys to swell. At that time, a person will experience the following symptoms:
- Severe and stabbing pain in the back and under the ribs
- Pain that radiates to the lower abdomen and groin
- Pain that comes periodically
- Pain or burning sensation when urinating
Other signs and symptoms include:
- Pink, red or brown urine
- Urine looks cloudy or smells bad
- Urinating more often than usual or urinating in small amounts
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever and chills if there is an infection
The pain caused by kidney stones can change. For example, moving to a different location or increasing in intensity as the stone moves through the urinary tract.
What Causes Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones can form when urine contains a lot of crystal-forming substances, such as calcium, oxalate, and uric acid. These crystal-forming substances are very numerous and cannot be diluted by fluids in the urine. At the same time, urine also lacks substances that prevent crystals from sticking together, thus creating ideal conditions for kidney stone formation.
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