The kidneys are integral to keeping the chemical composition of the body in check as they remove, among other things, excess water and minerals or salts produced by the body. It is this which leads to the excretion of urine. However, there are times when excretory substances such as calcium, oxalate or phosphate which are usually in dissolved form in urine, become too concentrated and cannot remain dissolved. Hence, these substances crystallize and stick together, eventually developing into a hard lump or kidney stone.
Symptoms Of Kidney Stones
Calculi can create irritation and in some cases pain as they try to stretch or block any flow of water in the system. The pain tends to increase in intensity and vary when stones are located at different sites. It is worth noting that while several kidney stones may be passed with little or no pain, those of a larger size are associated with severe pain and may cause tissue destruction. Perhaps one of the most common signs experienced by the patients is hematuria, which presents as a slight, bright or dark red discoloration in urine. There are instances when a kidney stone may also get lodged in the urethra resulting in difficulty in urinating and low volume of urine being produced. In very extreme cases, an operation may have to be performed on the patient.
Causes Of Kidney Stones
A sedimentary formation, for example, is a condition caused by the presence of excessive calcium, oxalate, and uric acid in the urine. These substances are capable of crystallization and precipitation in the urinary tract.
The main cause of this condition is also decreased hydration, which results in reduced urination frequency. This causes the output to become concentrated with less water, providing the ideal condition for crystal development and growth.
There exists many patterns and foods which increase the likelihood of developing kidney stones:
Low physical activity, which can mean either sedentary lifestyle (resulting in poor metabolism and inconsistencies) or overexertion (leading to lack of fluids).
Obesity – as this impairs the normal functioning of the body leading to formation of stones.
Weight-loss procedures like Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery which affect the way various nutrients and minerals are processed within the body, thus increasing risks of forming kidney stones.
High intake of different foods add salt and sugar, which in turn can increase the amount of calcium and other stone forming elements in urine.
There are other additional complications that can make one more prone to suffer from kidney stones.
Such as a bladder infection, which could interfere with the normal composition of the urine and lead to stone formation.
Genetics, which means that the family tree can determine the probability of one getting kidney stones.
High sugar and fructose consumption – as the intake of high amounts of the simple sugar fructose, which is attained from table sugar or its syrup, encourages the harmful effects of uric acid and is a contributor to kidney stone development.
Why Is Kidney Surgery Required
Without medical treatment, the negative effects of kidney stones can go beyond recurrent episodes of obstructive uropathy. They can result in complications such as recurrent urinary tract infections, kidney atrophy, and other health hazards that may prove to be very serious. Where conservative treatment has been tried but failed, surgery is proposed as the most effective way of eliminating kidney stones, reinstating normal urine flow, and improving the patient’s health in general.
Doctors | Team For That Service | Surgery
In order to remove kidney stones, the treatment must be done urgently but it is not easy. Urologists are medical doctors who treat diseases involving the kidneys, the urinary system, and the male reproductive system. They use ureteroscopy, percutaneous nephrolithotomy, and shock wave lithotripsy, among other procedures, to remove stones from the kidney. In this way, they work as a team including radiologists, anesthetists, and appropriately qualified nurses to supply full services.
Kidney stones are visible on x-rays and therefore can be treated by various methods. Urologists study the paths of human water and reproduction. Ilize also assisted in various procedures such as ureteroscopy, percutaneous nephrolithotomy, and shock wave lithotripsy to remove kidney stones. However, they are not on-call nurses, which is the case in this service delivery.
Preventions After A Kidney Stone Surgery
Even after you got your kidney stone removed, you still need to go through some preventive measures to ensure good health.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water daily (2-3 liters) to dilute urine and prevent stone formation.
Follow a Balanced Diet: Limit salt, sugar, and oxalate-rich foods (like spinach and nuts) while maintaining calcium intake as per your doctor’s advice.
Take Prescribed Medications: Use medications as directed to manage urinary pH or reduce stone-forming substances.
Maintain Regular Check-Ups: Visit your urologist for follow-up tests and imaging to monitor for new stones.
Stay Physically Active: Regular exercise can help maintain overall health and reduce risk factors for stone formation.
Conclusion
Kidney stones are an extremely uncomfortable and troublesome state, however, through good care it is possible to reduce the recurrence of the condition to a certain extent. In controlling and preventing kidney stones, it becomes vitally important to know the causes of such stones including; lack of adequate water intake, unwholesome diets among others, and diseases. After the kidney stone operation, some preventive measures like drinking a lot of water, proper feeding habits, and taking the medicine as instructed an individual after a while the chances of getting the stones again reduces. Other aspects that help in keeping the kidneys healthy include visiting the doctor from time to time and engaging in physical exercises. Infact, with proper management, it is illness that one can live with and be in good health for many years.
Why Choose Sahyadri Hospitals?
Sahyadri Hospitals is a trusted choice for kidney stone treatment, offering comprehensive care for both prevention and management. With a team of experienced urologists and advanced medical technology, we ensure accurate diagnosis and effective treatment options, including minimally invasive surgeries like ureteroscopy and shock wave lithotripsy. Our patient-centric approach ensures that each treatment plan is tailored to the individual’s needs, promoting faster recovery and reducing the risk of recurrence.
FAQ’s
What causes kidney stones? Kidney stones are caused by dehydration, poor diet, obesity, certain medical conditions, and genetics.
What are the symptoms of kidney stones? Symptoms include severe pain, blood in urine, nausea, difficulty urinating, and reduced urine output.
How are kidney stones treated? Treatments include hydration, medication, and surgical options like ureteroscopy, lithotripsy, and PCNL.
Are kidney stones dangerous? Untreated kidney stones can lead to infections, kidney damage, or other complications.
What should I eat to prevent kidney stones? Maintain a balanced diet, limit salt, sugar, and oxalate-rich foods, and stay hydrated.
How can I avoid recurring kidney stones? Follow preventive measures like drinking plenty of water, a healthy diet, and regular check-ups.
Is kidney stone surgery painful? Modern surgical techniques are minimally invasive and typically involve little discomfort.
Why choose Sahyadri Hospitals for kidney stone treatment?
Sahyadri Hospitals provides expert urologists, advanced technology, and personalized care for effective treatment and recovery.
For a quick response to all your queries, do call us.
