What Is a Kidney Stone? What Are the Symptoms? How Is It Treated?

A kidney stone is a hardened mass formed by the aggregation of deposits inside the kidneys. Kidney stones form as a result of the accumulation and crystallization of substances found in urine, and these stones can vary in size. While the stones that form may pass out of the kidneys through urine in some people, in others they may become lodged in the urinary tract. Insufficient fluid intake, excess weight, recurrent urinary tract infections, side effects of certain medications, or genetic predisposition may cause this.

Among the common symptoms of kidney stones may be pain in the back, abdomen, or groin area, blood in the urine, frequent urination, and a burning sensation when urinating. The size and location of kidney stones may also affect the severity of symptoms. The treatment approach may be determined by the physician's evaluations and the patient's condition. Treatment may primarily require increasing fluid intake and using medication to control pain. In advanced cases, surgical procedures such as shock wave lithotripsy, ureteroscopic stone fragmentation, and percutaneous nephrolithotomy may be considered.

What Is a Kidney Stone?

A kidney stone, called nephrolithiasis or urolithiasis in medical terminology, is a hard particle formed by the hardening of mineral deposits in the kidneys. Kidney stones form when various substances in urine come together at high concentrations and crystallize. These stones can grow over time and may be of various sizes. Kidney stones are generally more common in people between the ages of 30 and 60. Factors affecting the formation of kidney stones may include poor dietary habits, genetic predisposition, dehydration, certain health problems, and hormonal changes. Kidney stones can cause sudden, severe pain, and if left untreated, they may lead to kidney infections, impaired kidney function, or permanent kidney damage.

What Are the Symptoms of a Kidney Stone?

In most people, a kidney stone usually causes no symptoms and may pass unnoticed on its own. Severe pain may occur when stones grow larger and begin to move within the kidney, or when stones become lodged in the urethra. The following are some symptoms that may indicate the presence of a kidney stone:

Severe pain: Kidney stones may cause severe back and groin pain as they pass from the kidneys into the urinary tract. This pain usually starts in the back or groin area and may radiate to the abdomen and genital area. The pain may come in intermittent waves or be constant.

Blood in the urine: Kidney stones may cause bleeding in the urine as they pass through the urinary tract. This can result from irritation and injury to the urinary tract.

Urination problems: Stones may cause obstruction in the urinary tract, and various urination problems may occur. These include the need to urinate frequently, urinating in an interrupted manner, and burning, pain, and a feeling of discomfort when urinating. In addition, a foul odor or cloudiness in the urine may also be observed due to kidney stones.

Other symptoms: If severe pain caused by kidney stones or obstruction in the urinary tract is present, nausea and vomiting may occur. If there is an infection in the kidney, other symptoms such as fever and chills may appear.

If you suspect that you have any of the above-mentioned symptoms related to a kidney stone, you should consult a healthcare professional. A healthcare professional can carry out the necessary examinations for accurate diagnosis and recommend an appropriate treatment method.

What Are the Causes of a Kidney Stone, Why Does It Form in the Body?

Although there is no single definite cause of kidney stones, this condition is usually caused by the concentration and crystallization of substances such as calcium, oxalate, and uric acid in the urine. Substances that cannot dissolve in urine may come together at high concentrations and form stones. These stones may grow over time and become more difficult to pass out of the kidneys in urine. Other possible causes of kidney stones may include the following:

Not drinking enough water

Use of certain medications

Having a family member who has had kidney stones

Presence of certain metabolic diseases

Heavy salt use or excessive meat consumption in dietary habits

These factors can be considered common causes that may lead to the formation of kidney stones. If you have such risk factors, you can learn about preventive measures by consulting a healthcare professional.

What Are the Types and Varieties of Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones can be of different types and may arise from different components. Knowing the type of kidney stone can help reduce the risk of this condition occurring and help determine the form of treatment. Some of the commonly seen types of kidney stones are:

Calcium stones: Calcium stones are the most common type of kidney stone and are usually found in the form of oxalate or phosphate. Oxalate stones form due to foods such as fruits and vegetables, chocolate, and hazelnuts. Phosphate stones may be associated with medications used for conditions such as migraine and seizures.

Struvite stones: Struvite stones form in cases of urinary system infections. These stones are usually a type that causes no symptoms and grows rapidly.

Cystine stones: Cystine stones are a rare type and form due to a genetic disorder called cystinuria.

Uric acid stones: Uric acid stones form as a result of increased uric acid in people with chronic diarrhea, those who lose a large amount of fluid, or those who eat a protein-rich diet.

How Is a Kidney Stone Diagnosed? What Are the Diagnostic Methods?

Kidney stone diagnostic methods are used to detect the presence of kidney stones, determine their size, and identify the location and type of the stones. For the diagnosis of this condition, the following are some diagnostic methods used after evaluation of symptoms and physical examination:

Blood test: Blood tests can be used to evaluate uric acid and calcium levels and other kidney functions. Blood tests are among the important diagnostic methods that allow monitoring of kidney health.

Urine test: Analysis of a urine sample can examine the presence of blood, infection, or other abnormalities in the urine that indicate stone formation.

Imaging tests: Imaging techniques such as CT (computed tomography) and ultrasound may be used to determine the size, location, and number of kidney stones and to detect obstructions in the urinary tract.

What Methods Are Used to Treat Kidney Stones?

Treatment of kidney stones may vary depending on the size, location, and type of the stone, as well as the symptoms. Treatment aims to help stones pass with less pain and more quickly. For small stones, home-based methods may be recommended, while for larger stones, medications, stone-breaking procedures, or surgical methods may be used. Some of the methods used in kidney stone treatment are:

Drinking an average of 2-3 liters of water per day.

Using analgesic or anti-inflammatory pain relievers to control pain.

Using alpha-blocker type medications, prescribed by a doctor, that help kidney stones pass.

There are many treatment options for kidney stones, such as increasing water intake, medication use, shock wave therapy, and surgery. Therefore, consulting a urology specialist to evaluate suitable treatment options is necessary.

In Which Cases Is Surgery Required for Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones may require surgery if they do not pass on their own or continue to grow despite treatment. Surgery may also be performed in cases of recurrent urinary tract infections, blood in the urine, and kidney damage. Some of the situations requiring kidney stone surgery are as follows:

Stones larger than 2 cm

Severe symptoms such as severe pain, recurrent infection, vomiting, high fever, or deterioration of kidney function

Urinary tract obstruction that blocks the flow of urine

Recurrence of kidney stones after recovery

These situations are some examples in which kidney stone surgery may be necessary. Whether surgery is required can only be determined by a physician, based on the patient's health condition, the characteristics of the stones, and the severity of symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kidney Stones

The answers to some questions that people with kidney stones commonly wonder about are as follows: People with kidney stones should primarily pay attention to drinking plenty of water and fluids. They should also stay away from overly salty foods and caffeinated, acidic, and alcoholic beverages, which may trigger the formation of kidney stones. Such individuals are also advised not to overdo it when consuming foods containing calcium and protein. Passing kidney stones can be facilitated by drinking plenty of water, exercising, or taking a warm water bath. Small kidney stones may pass on their own or with some methods that can be applied at home. The process of passing a kidney stone may vary depending on the size and location of the stone. Small kidney stones can usually pass on their own within a few days to a few weeks. Larger stones or stones lodged in the urinary tract may take longer to pass. A urinalysis may show some signs or complications associated with kidney stones. However, a urinalysis alone may not be sufficient for diagnosis. For health problems related to kidney stones, it is necessary to consult a urologist. Urologists are healthcare professionals specialized in the urinary tract and the reproductive system. Kidney stones may arise as a result of genetic predisposition, but genetics is not the only cause. Many factors, from unhealthy dietary habits to certain metabolic diseases, may contribute to this. If kidney stones are left untreated, they may cause various urination problems, recurrent urinary tract infections, or kidney damage, including chronic pain. When kidney stone disease is not treated, it may lead to serious complications that negatively affect daily life. If you are experiencing symptoms of a kidney stone, you can apply to a healthcare facility and receive the necessary treatment.