Renal stone

Overview:
Renal stones, commonly known as kidney stones, are hard mineral and salt deposits that form inside the kidneys. They can vary in size and often cause severe, sharp pain, sometimes described as one of the most intense types of pain. If left untreated, kidney stones can block urine flow, leading to complications such as urinary tract infections, bleeding, or kidney damage.

Causes:
Kidney stones develop when the concentration of certain substances in the urine becomes too high, promoting crystal formation that can grow into stones. Common contributing factors include:

• 1. Dehydration and low fluid intake
• 2. High dietary intake of calcium, oxalates, or uric acid
• 3. Urinary tract infections
• 4. Medical conditions like hyperparathyroidism, gout, or inflammatory bowel disease

Symptoms:

Typical symptoms of kidney stones include:

• 1. Severe, sharp pain in the back, side, or abdomen, often radiating to the groin
• 2. Blood in the urine (hematuria)
• 3. Frequent or painful urination
• 4. Nausea and vomiting
• 5. Fever, particularly if a urinary tract infection is present

Treatment:

Treatment depends on the size, location, and type of stone:

• 1. Small stones: May pass naturally with increased fluid intake and pain management
• 2. Larger stones: May require procedures such as shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) to break the stones, ureteroscopy to remove them, or surgical extraction in severe cases
• 3. Medications: Certain drugs can help dissolve specific stones or prevent recurrence

Precautions:

• 1. Maintain proper hydration to prevent stone formation
• 2. Modify diet by reducing salt, oxalate-rich foods, and excessive animal protein
• 3. Limit unnecessary calcium supplements if advised by a doctor
• 4. Regular kidney function monitoring and follow-ups are essential, especially for individuals with a history of stones

Prevention:
Preventive measures include drinking ample water, following a balanced diet, and avoiding foods high in oxalates (e.g., spinach, nuts) and excessive animal protein. Doctors may also prescribe medications to reduce the risk of recurrent stones for high-risk individuals.

Expert Care in Lucknow:
For specialized kidney stone management, visit Medlife Research & Trauma Center. We provide advanced diagnostic facilities, minimally invasive treatment options, and expert nephrology care to effectively manage and prevent kidney stones.