Summary about Disease
Nephrolithiasis, commonly known as kidney stones, is a condition characterized by the formation of hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside the kidneys. These stones can cause significant pain when they pass through the urinary tract.
Symptoms
Severe pain in the side and back, below the ribs (renal colic)
Pain that radiates to the lower abdomen and groin
Pain that comes in waves and fluctuates in intensity
Nausea and vomiting
Hematuria (blood in the urine)
Frequent urination
Painful urination
Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
Urinary urgency
Fever and chills (if an infection is present)
Causes
Dehydration: Insufficient fluid intake.
Diet: High intake of protein, sodium (salt), and sugar.
Obesity: High body mass index, large waist size and weight gain.
Medical Conditions: Renal tubular acidosis, cystinuria, hyperparathyroidism, and recurrent urinary tract infections.
Family History: A family history of kidney stones.
Certain medications: Diuretics, calcium-based antacids.
Medicine Used
Pain relievers: NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen), opioids (oxycodone, hydrocodone)
Alpha-blockers: Tamsulosin (Flomax) to relax the ureter muscles
Thiazide diuretics: To prevent calcium stones
Allopurinol: To prevent uric acid stones
Sodium bicarbonate or sodium citrate: To make the urine less acidic
Potassium citrate: To prevent calcium stones and uric acid stones
Antibiotics: If there is a kidney infection
Is Communicable
Nephrolithiasis is not communicable. It is not an infectious disease and cannot be spread from person to person.
Precautions
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Dietary changes: Reduce sodium, animal protein, and oxalate intake.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Limit sugary drinks.
Increase citrate intake: Lemon juice or lemonade can help.
Follow medical advice: Adhere to prescribed medications and recommendations from your doctor.
How long does an outbreak last?
The duration of a kidney stone "outbreak" (an episode of kidney stone passage) can vary significantly. It depends on the size and location of the stone:
Small stones (less than 5mm): May pass within a few days to a few weeks.
Larger stones (greater than 5mm): Can take weeks or even months to pass, and may require medical intervention.
The pain associated with the stone can be intermittent, lasting for a few hours at a time as the stone moves through the urinary tract.
How is it diagnosed?
Medical history and physical exam
Urinalysis: To check for blood, crystals, and infection.
Blood tests: To assess kidney function and calcium, uric acid, and phosphorus levels.
Imaging tests:
CT scan (non-contrast spiral CT): Most sensitive test for detecting kidney stones.
Kidney, ureter, and bladder (KUB) X-ray: Can detect some types of stones.
Ultrasound: Useful for detecting stones, especially in pregnant women and children.
Timeline of Symptoms
The onset of symptoms can be sudden. The timeline can vary for each person, depending on the size and location of the kidney stone.
Initial stage: Severe pain in the back or side (renal colic), often radiating to the groin.
Progression: Pain may come in waves. Nausea, vomiting, and blood in the urine may develop.
Later stages: As the stone moves down the urinary tract, pain may shift to the lower abdomen and groin. Frequent and painful urination can occur.
Resolution: Symptoms subside once the stone passes.
Important Considerations
Not all kidney stones cause symptoms.
Kidney stones can cause kidney damage or infection if left untreated.
Recurrence is common, so preventive measures are important.
Consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Self-treating can be dangerous.
People with one kidney or other kidney problems are at higher risk for complications.