Kidney stones are hard, tiny, and solid minuscule mineral crystalline matter that are formed in the kidneys. These stones often cause severe pain and discomfort in the lower abdomen and urinary tract when they are passed through the body.

The condition is medically known as nephrolithiasis.

Causes of Kidney Stones

There are a variety of factors that might contribute to the formation of kidney stones within the human body. These factors can include:.

Inadequate water intake
High consumption of salt
High sugar intake
Increased intake of animal protein
Obesity and unhealthy dietary habits
Uncontrolled diabetes
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Genetic or familial history of kidney stones

Symptoms of Kidney Stones

The following symptoms are often experienced by individuals who develop kidney stones:.

Severe and recurrent pain in the abdomen, lower back, and groin region
Painful urination which may be accompanied by a burning sensation
Blood in urine or discolored urine
Nausea and vomiting
Fever, chills, and sweating
Frequent urge to urinate, but with only a small amount of urine discharged

Kidney Stone Diagnosis

When kidney stone symptoms are experienced, it is essential to consult a doctor immediately. The doctor will request that you undertake a few tests to confirm if you have kidney stones. These tests can include:.

Physical examination
Blood tests to check for mineral imbalances and other medical conditions
Urinalysis
X-rays or CT scans
Ultrasound scanning

Kidney Stones Treatment

The treatment of kidney stones will depend on the size, location, and nature of the stone within the body. The following are the treatment options available for kidney stones:.

Pain relief: The doctor may provide you with medication to relieve the pain and discomfort associated with kidney stones
Medical therapy: Certain medication can dissolve small stones with minimal side effects
Sound wave therapy: Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) is a procedure that uses shock waves to blast the kidney stones into small fragments. This procedure may be recommended if the stones are small and are likely to pass easily
Surgical Procedure: In severe cases, surgery may be recommended to remove the stones entirely.

Kidney Stone Prevention

You can adopt the following preventive measures to avoid the formation of kidney stones:.

Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, to keep the urine clear and dilute any mineral concentrations that could form stones.
Avoid high salt, high sugar, and animal protein diets
Reduce the consumption of drinks rich in oxalates such as tea, coffee, and other non-alcoholic beverages
Take appropriate medical advice to manage inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis

When to Seek Medical Help?

You should seek immediate medical care whenever you experience the following severe symptoms:.

Severe pain in your abdomen or sides that steadily increases
Unbearable pain and discomfort when urine passes through your body
Blood in your urine or a pinkish color
Mild fever, chills, and sweating
Difficulty passing urine despite the urge to do so

Conclusion

Kidney stones are painful and discomforting. Fortunately, they can be prevented by adopting appropriate lifestyle measures and preventative strategies.

If you experience any of the symptoms highlighted in this article, please seek immediate medical assistance.