Kidney stones are a common yet painful urological condition affecting millions globally. Whether you’re experiencing sharp pain in your lower back or spotting blood in your urine, you might be dealing with a kidney stone.
Kidney stones have a variety of causes. These include food, excess body weight, various health conditions, and certain supplements and medications. Kidney stones can harm any organ involved in producing or removing urine from the body, ranging from the kidneys to the bladder. Stones frequently occur when urine contains less water. This allows minerals to form crystals and stick together.
Passing kidney stones can be extremely painful. However, quick treatment can help prevent long-term damage. Sometimes, the only treatment required to pass a kidney stone is to take pain relievers and drink plenty of water. At other times, surgery or other therapies may be necessary. It depends on size, location and the type of stone you have.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the causes, symptoms, and the latest treatment options for kidney stones, along with the FAQs people often search. We’ll also share what makes True Hospitals a trusted name in kidney stone care.
What Are Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones are hard mineral and salt deposits that form in the kidneys when your urine becomes concentrated, allowing minerals to crystallize and stick together. These stones may remain in the kidneys or travel down the urinary tract, causing severe discomfort.
How are kidney stones formed?
These forms occur when there is a low concentration of liquid fluid urine, which increases the amount of toxic waste. As we know, our kidneys filter all the waste present in our body and flush it out through urine. However, as the concentration of harmful waste in the urine increases, it aggregates to form kidney stones.
Excessive concentrations of specific salts and minerals can also cause kidney stones. Calcium stones are among the most frequent forms of kidney stones, accounting for around 80% of all cases. A diet high in calcium or oxalate is absorbed by the kidneys, increasing the amount of calcium oxalate in the urine.
Apart from that, Kidney stones can result from a variety of circumstances. Recurring urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common reason. Elevated uric acid levels, which are frequently caused by a diet heavy in animal protein, also contribute to their production. Certain lifestyle habits might also significantly increase the risk of acquiring kidney stones.
Types of kidney stones?
- Calcium stones – The most common type of stone (80%) is calcium oxalate (from calcium and oxalate in urine, impacted by low calcium/fluid or medical concerns) or, less frequently, calcium phosphate.
- Uric stones -. These stones occur when the urine contains too much uric acid, making it acidic. This can be altered by a purine-rich diet (found in organ meats, shellfish, and red meat), gout, obesity, diabetes, and chronic diarrhea.
- Struvite Stones – These, often known as “infection stones,” are less prevalent and virtually usually produced by certain bacterial urinary tract infections (UTIs).
- Cystine Stones – These are uncommon and caused by a hereditary condition known as cystinuria, in which the kidneys excrete excessive amounts of the amino acid cystine into the urine, which can result in the production of stones.
Common Causes of Kidney Stones
Understanding the cause is key to prevention and treatment. The most frequent contributors include
- Dehydration: Not drinking enough water concentrates urine and promotes stone formation.
- High Oxalate Diet: Foods like spinach, beets, and nuts can increase oxalate levels.
- Excess Salt and Protein: High sodium and protein intake can lead to certain stone types.
- Obesity: Overweight individuals are more prone to metabolic changes that promote stones.
- Genetic Factors: A family history of kidney stones increases your risk.
- Certain Medical Conditions: Conditions like hyperparathyroidism, gout, or urinary infections can contribute.
Recognizing the Symptoms
Kidney stone symptoms vary depending on the stone’s size and location, but common signs include
- Severe pain in the side or back (radiating to the lower abdomen or groin)
- Pain during urination
- Pink, red, or brown urine (blood in urine)
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
- Persistent urge to urinate
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever and chills (may indicate infection)
If you notice these symptoms, especially intense flank pain or blood in urine, it’s critical to seek medical attention immediately.
Potential Problems from Kidney Stones
What complications can arise from kidney stones?
Certain complications that arise after detecting kidney stones include:
- Intense Pain: Severe pain (renal colic) in the back, side, abdomen, or groin.
- Urinary Tract Obstruction: Blockage of the ureter, preventing urine flow and potentially leading to kidney swelling.
- Infection: Kidney stones can trap bacteria, leading to urinary tract infections (UTIs), which can escalate to kidney infections or even sepsis.
- Kidney Damage: Persistent obstruction and infection can cause permanent damage to the kidneys, potentially leading to chronic kidney disease or kidney failure.
Bleeding: Stones can irritate or damage the urinary tract lining, causing blood in the urine. - Recurrence is a high danger, even after existing stones have been treated.
- Ureteral Stricture: When stones are passed repeatedly or surgical treatments are performed, the ureter narrows.
Hydronephrosis is the swelling of the kidney induced by a blockage in the flow of urine.
What if Stones are left untreated?
Kidney stones do not usually produce instant signs; they can be silent, giving no pain or discomfort. However, when these untreated stones grow in size, the risk of catastrophic consequences grows considerably. That is why seeking medical attention for kidney stone therapy is critical to avoiding these potential complications. If left untreated, kidney stones can cause several issues, including:
1. Loss of kidney function can result in the removal of the kidney.
2. Severe infections in the blood can cause septicemia, which can be fatal.
3. Urine Blockage: Complete obstruction of urine flow, a medical emergency.
4. Renal scarring and damage to the kidneys result in kidney failure.
5. Hydronephrosis is the enlargement of the kidney caused by the accumulation of urine that fails to drain from the kidneys.
Complications After Kidney Stone Removal
Kidney stone removal surgery can often provide relief from pain and suffering. However, it, like any other surgical technique, has the potential to cause complications. These can be caused by pre-existing medical disorders, co-morbidities, or the surgeon’s level of experience. While the operation is generally safe, there may be some unusual problems. Such as-
The risks of URSL, PCNL, and ESWL include bleeding, infection, organ injury, remaining stone fragments, and the need for additional treatments. Specifically these have some specific risks which are as follows –
Risks of ESWL surgery
- Pain
- Bruising
- Bleeding
- Kidney injury
- Hypertension (rare)
Risks of URSL surgery
- Pain
- Bleeding
- Injury (ureter)
- Stricture
- Stent discomfort
- Residual fragments
Risks of PCNL surgery
- Leakage (urine)
- Fragments (residual)
- Blockage (ureteral)
- Sepsis (rare)
- Transfusion (rare)
What are the prevention of Kidney Stones?
Preventing kidney stones typically entails dietary changes, lifestyle changes, and staying hydrated. However, effective preventative techniques differ greatly from person to person. Consult your doctor for specific advice.
Finally, prevention seeks to reduce risk factors such as obesity and dehydration. Your urologist may also propose particular measures tailored to the stone’s composition to prevent future recurrences. Below are some popular preventive strategies:
- Hydrate Well: Drink 7-8 glasses of water daily, plus nourishing fluids like coconut water or fresh fruit juice.
- Lower Sodium: Reduce salt intake in your diet.
- Natural Calcium: Get calcium from food, not supplements, unless your doctor says otherwise.
- Limit Animal Protein: Cut back on or avoid animal protein.
- Boost Citrus: Eat more lemons and oranges; citrate helps prevent stones.
- Watch Oxalates: Moderate high-oxalate foods (spinach, nuts, chocolate) if you form calcium oxalate stones.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Manage obesity, a key risk factor.
- Skip Sugary Drinks: Reduce sodas and other sweet beverages.
- Careful with Vitamin C Supplements: High doses can increase oxalate.
- Take Prescribed Meds: Follow your doctor’s medication plan for prevention.
- Exercise Regularly: Stay physically active.
Modern Treatment Options at True Hospitals
At True Hospitals, we combine state-of-the-art technology with personalized care to deliver superior outcomes in kidney stone management.
1. Conservative Management
For small stones (<5mm), we recommend:
- Increased hydration
- Pain management medication
- Alpha-blockers to relax the ureter muscles
We monitor the stone’s progress using ultrasound or CT scan.
2. ESWL (Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy)
A non-invasive treatment that uses sound waves to break the stone into passable fragments.
- Outpatient procedure
- Minimal discomfort
- No cuts or stitches
3. Ureteroscopy (URS)
A thin scope is inserted via the urethra to locate and remove or break up stones using laser energy.
- Ideal for mid-to-lower tract stones
- Quick recovery time
- Daycare procedure
4. PCNL (Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy)
Used for large or complex stones. A small incision in the back is made to directly remove the stone.
- Highly effective
- Short hospital stay
- Performed under anesthesia
5. Laser Lithotripsy
Advanced holmium laser technology is used to precisely fragment stones, even in hard-to-reach areas.
- Minimal complications
- Fast recovery
- Safe and precise
Why Choose True Hospitals for Kidney Stone Treatment?
True Hospitals is not just another healthcare provider; we are your partner in recovery and prevention.
Our USPs:
- Urology Specialists with 15+ years of experience
- 24×7 Emergency Care for severe kidney stone pain
- Advanced Laser & Minimally Invasive Facilities
- Dedicated Kidney Care Units with real-time diagnostics
- Affordable & Transparent Pricing
- Comprehensive Follow-Up Plans for Prevention
We believe in treating not just the symptoms but the root cause, offering lifestyle guidance, diet consultation, and preventive strategies to help you stay stone-free for life.
Preventive Tips to Avoid Kidney Stones
Get routine kidney screenings if you have a family history that deserves nothing less than the best. Trust True Hospitals because your kidneys deserve true care.
Drink at least 3 liters of water daily
Limit oxalate-rich foods
Reduce salt and animal protein
Maintain a healthy weight
Take medications as prescribed (if you’re prone to stone formation)