Summary about Disease
Kidney stones are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. They can cause significant pain when passing through the urinary tract. Stone formation occurs when there is a decrease in urine volume and/or an excess of stone-forming substances in the urine.
Symptoms
Severe pain in the side and back, below the ribs
Pain that radiates to the lower abdomen and groin
Pain that comes in waves and fluctuates in intensity
Pain on urination
Pink, red or brown urine
Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
Nausea and vomiting
Persistent need to urinate
Urinating more often than usual
Fever and chills if an infection is present
Causes
Dehydration: Not drinking enough water.
Diet: High intake of protein, sodium (salt), and sugar.
Obesity: Being overweight.
Medical Conditions: Renal tubular acidosis, cystinuria, hyperparathyroidism, urinary tract infections.
Family History: Having a family history of kidney stones.
Certain Medications: Some diuretics, antacids, and HIV drugs.
Other factors: Inflammatory bowel disease, gastric bypass surgery.
Medicine Used
Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter or prescription pain medication (ibuprofen, naproxen, opioids) to manage pain.
Alpha Blockers: Medications like tamsulosin to relax the muscles in the ureter, helping stones pass more quickly.
Potassium Citrate: Potassium citrate to help prevent calcium stones from forming.
Thiazide Diuretics: These medicines can help prevent calcium stones from forming by reducing the amount of calcium released into the urine.
Allopurinol: Used to treat uric acid stones.
Antibiotics: If there's an infection associated with the kidney stones.
Is Communicable
No, kidney stones are not communicable. They are not caused by an infectious agent and cannot be spread from person to person.
Precautions
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Dietary Changes: Follow a diet low in sodium, animal protein, and oxalate-rich foods (spinach, rhubarb, nuts).
Maintain a Healthy Weight: Being overweight increases the risk.
Limit Sugary Drinks: Avoid sodas and sweetened beverages.
Consult a Doctor: If you have a family history or recurrent kidney stones, work with a healthcare professional to identify and manage underlying causes.
How long does an outbreak last?
The duration of a kidney stone "outbreak" (episode of symptoms) varies. It depends on the size and location of the stone. Small stones may pass within a few days or weeks. Larger stones may take weeks or months to pass, or may require medical intervention.
How is it diagnosed?
Urine Test: To check for infection and stone-forming substances.
Blood Test: To check kidney function and calcium levels.
Imaging Tests:
CT Scan: The most common and effective method for detecting kidney stones.
X-ray: Can detect some types of kidney stones.
Ultrasound: Can detect kidney stones and assess for kidney blockage.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of symptoms can vary:
Initial Stage: Sudden, severe pain in the back or side.
Progression: Pain may radiate to the lower abdomen and groin. Nausea, vomiting, and frequent urination can occur.
Passing the Stone: Pain may decrease as the stone moves closer to the bladder.
After Passing: Relief from pain once the stone has passed.
Important Considerations
Seek Medical Attention: If you experience severe pain, blood in the urine, fever, or difficulty urinating, seek immediate medical attention.
Stone Analysis: If you pass a stone, try to collect it for analysis to determine its composition. This can help guide future prevention strategies.
Underlying Causes: Addressing underlying medical conditions or lifestyle factors is crucial for preventing recurrent kidney stones.
Follow-Up: Follow up with your doctor as advised to monitor your kidney health and prevent future stone formation.