World Kidney Day Special: Understanding Kidney Stones and How to Prevent Them

By Dr Naveen H N

Kidney stones, medically known as nephrolithiasis, are hard mineral and salt deposits that form in the kidneys. They vary in size and shape and can affect different parts of the urinary tract. Kidney stones come in various types, such as calcium stones, uric acid stones, struvite stones and cystine stones. Each type has unique causes and characteristics, making the understanding of their formation crucial for effective prevention and treatment.

Types of Kidney Stones

Calcium Stones: The most common type, often caused by excess calcium oxalate.

Uric Acid Stones: Form in people with high urine acidity, common in those with gout.

Struvite Stones: Usually form after a urinary tract infection (UTI).

Cystine Stones: Rare and often due to genetic disorders.

Common Causes and Risk Factors: Why Do Kidney Stones form?

Kidney stones form when the balance of water, salts and minerals in the urine is disrupted. Various factors can contribute to this imbalance:

Dehydration – Insufficient water intake leads to concentrated urine, increasing the risk of stone formation.

Diet – High levels of protein, salt and sugar can increase the risk.

Obesity: Linked to changes in urine composition that promote stone formation.

Medical Conditions: Conditions like UTI, cystic fibrosis, gout, diabetes, high BP, besides certain medications play a role in the formation of kidney stones.

Family History: A genetic predisposition can increase the likelihood of developing kidney stones.

How to Know If You Might Have a Kidney Stone

Kidney stones can cause severe discomfort and pain. Common symptoms include:

Intense pain in the back, side, or lower abdomen

Pain during urination

Pink, red, or brown urine (indicating blood)

Cloudy or foul-smelling urine

Nausea and vomiting

 Frequent urge to urinate

 Diagnosis and Treatment

Several diagnostic tools help identify kidney stones and their characteristics. These include:

Imaging Tests – X-rays, CT scans and ultrasounds that can pinpoint the stone's size and location.

Urinalysis – Tests for minerals that could cause stone formation.

Blood Tests – Identify levels of calcium, uric acid and other substances.

Treatment Options – From pain management to surgical procedures

Once diagnosed with kidney stones, it is recommended to seek treatment at the earliest. The treatment for kidney stones varies based on their size, type, and location, including:

Pain Relief – Over-the-counter pain medications to alleviate discomfort.

Medications – Prescriptions to relax muscles or dissolve certain types of stones.

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) – A minimally invasive procedure which uses shock waves to break stones into smaller fragments.

Ureteroscopy – A scope is passed through the urethra and bladder till the point where the stone is located and used to remove or break up the stone.

Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL): It is a minimally invasive surgical procedure to remove kidney stones. It's used when other methods are unsuccessful or not possible.

RIRS: Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery, a minimally invasive procedure used to treat kidney stones by inserting a flexible tube (ureteroscope) through the urethra and into the kidney to locate and remove or fragment stones with a laser. 

Surgery – In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary.

Home Remedies and Natural Approaches

Some natural remedies can help prevent kidney stones or ease symptoms.

Hydration: Drinking plenty of water helps dilute substances that form stones.

Lemon juice: Contains citrate, which may help prevent stone formation.

Dietary changes: Reducing salt, protein and oxalate-rich foods can help.

 The occurrence of kidney stones can be prevented by following a healthy diet and making small lifestyle changes.

Dietary modifications: Limit salt, protein and oxalate-rich foods.

Balanced diet: Include plenty of fruits and vegetables.

Monitor calcium intake: Ensure adequate, but not excessive, calcium intake.

Foods to avoid if you are prone to Kidney Stones

Certain foods can either increase or decrease the risk of kidney stones. Avoid foods like spinach, rhubarb, beets, nuts and chocolate (high in oxalates), excessive salt, red meat and sugary beverages.

Consume more lemonade, water, dairy products and foods rich in calcium and citrate.

Managing Recurrent Kidney Stones

 If you experience recurrent kidney stones, consider these strategies:

Regular Check-Ups –Frequent monitoring with your healthcare provider.

Medications – Prescriptions that prevent stone formation.

Diet and Lifestyle Adjustments – Continuous adherence to preventive measures.

Awareness – Educate yourself about your specific risk factors and triggers.

About the author:

Dr. Naveen H. N. is a Consultant Urologist & Kidney Transplant Surgeon at SS Narayana Super Speciality Centre, Davanagere. He holds an MS and MCh in Urology, along with an MRCS (Edinburgh) and PGDMLE.