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Kidney stones are a common medical condition, in which stones form in the kidneys or ureter. Kidney stone formation occurs when there is an imbalance in the chemicals in the urine, which causes crystals to form and eventually become stones. These kidney stones can cause severe pain and, in certain cases, can lead to serious complications. Therefore, understanding the symptoms and treatment of kidney stones is important.
Symptoms of kidney stones vary depending on the size of the stone and its location in the urinary system. The following are the symptoms that are often experienced by individuals with kidney stones:
Pain usually occurs suddenly and feels sharp, especially in the back, side of the body, or groin.
Kidney stones that move or get stuck in the urinary tract can cause bleeding, which causes the urine to be red or brown.
Kidney stones can cause frequent urination and pain during urination.
Severe pain from kidney stones can cause nausea and sometimes vomiting.
If kidney stones cause an infection in the urinary tract, the patient may experience fever and chills, which indicates the need for immediate treatment.
Kidney stones form when chemicals in the urine, such as calcium, oxalate, and uric acid, are at very high levels and form crystals. Some factors that increase the risk of kidney stone formation include:
Not drinking enough water causes urine to become concentrated, which facilitates the formation of stones.
Meat and fish can raise uric acid levels.
If there is a family member with kidney stones, the likelihood of getting them is also higher, indicating that hereditary factors play a role.
Diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and kidney disease can increase the risk of kidney stone formation. Individuals with metabolic disorders or other health problems are more likely to experience this problem.
Treatment for kidney stones depends on the size of the stone and the level of pain experienced.
Pain relievers can be used to help reduce pain. This includes over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). You may also be given medications such as tamsulosin to facilitate stone passage.
This treatment uses shock waves to break the kidney stones into smaller pieces, making it easier to be passed in urine.
A minimally invasive surgery where a small incision is made in the back to remove larger stones directly.
A thin scope is passed through the urethra and bladder to reach the ureter or kidney where the doctor can break it into smaller pieces.
To prevent the formation of kidney stones, several preventive measures can be taken:
Untreated kidney stones can cause serious complications, including urinary tract infections, kidney damage, or kidney failure.
Dialysis is a treatment that removes waste, toxins, and excess fluids from the blood when the kidneys fail.
The kidneys filter waste and toxins from the blood, regulate fluid and electrolyte balance.
Yes, untreated UTIs can spread to the kidneys, causing a condition called pyelonephritis, which can lead to permanent kidney damage.
Kidney stones can cause severe pain and serious complications if not treated properly. If you have questions about kidney stones, get in touch with us to book an appointment at your nearest Pantai Hospitals to receive professional advice to help kickstart your health journey. To make an appointment for health screening, please contact the health screening centre at the Pantai Hospitals nearest to you.
Pantai Hospitals have been accredited by the Malaysian Society for Quality in Health (MSQH) for its commitment to patient safety and service quality.
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