Kidney stones are an increasingly frequently diagnosed disease in which hard deposits form in the urinary tract. It is manifested by severe pain, nausea and sometimes the presence of blood in the urine. Smaller stones may pass spontaneously, but larger ones require medical intervention.
Kidney stones form most commonly from calcium or uric acid when excess minerals build up in the urine. Under normal circumstances, the kidneys excrete these substances, but with insufficient fluid intake or an increased amount of waste substances, they can begin to crystallize and combine into larger formations.
Thick urine, caused by a lack of fluids, promotes the formation of these stones. Deposits can remain in the kidney or move into the ureter, where they can block the flow of urine. The smallest stones usually do not cause significant problems and are expelled, but larger ones can lead to serious complications, including severe pain.
A typical symptom of kidney stones is a sudden, intense pain called renal colic. It often appears on one side of the back under the ribs and can radiate to the abdomen, groin, in men to the testicles and in women to the vaginal area. The pain intensifies in waves, especially when the stone moves through the urinary tract. It can be so severe that it causes nausea, vomiting or restricts movement.
Another symptom is pain or burning when urinating, the so-called dysuria, which appears when the stone is located in the bladder area. This symptom is often confused with a urinary tract infection, but stones can promote infections because they create a suitable environment for bacteria. A frequent or sudden need to urinate is another warning sign, especially if the stone has moved into the lower urinary tract.
The body tries to eliminate the stone, which leads to more frequent visits to the toilet, even at night. However, it should be kept in mind that frequent urination can also have other causes, such as increased fluid intake. During frequent urination, only a small amount of urine is often excreted, which may indicate a partial or complete blockage of the urinary tract by a larger stone. Such a condition requires urgent medical consultation, because even a partial blockage can lead to serious complications.
The presence of blood in the urine, the so-called hematuria is another symptom of the disease. Urine can be red, pink, or brown in color as a result of tissue damage from sharp stones moving through the urinary tract. Sometimes there is so little blood in the urine that only a laboratory test can detect it. Hematuria can also be a sign of a urinary tract infection.
Kidney stones can also cause changes in the appearance and smell of urine. Urine is cloudy or has an unpleasant smell, which is often related to a bacterial infection. Studies show that approximately 16% of patients with acute illness also have a urinary tract infection. Cloudy urine can signal the presence of pus, while an unpleasant odor is related to concentrated urine or infection.
Other symptoms include nausea and vomiting, which are caused by irritation of the nerves connecting the urinary system to the digestive tract. Moving stones can irritate the kidneys, leading to indigestion. Nausea and vomiting can also be the body’s reaction to severe pain.
Symptoms include fever and chills, which often accompany an infection of the kidneys or other parts of the urinary tract. A fever usually exceeds 38°C and signals the immune system’s fight against infection. If these symptoms occur, especially in combination with pain, immediate medical attention is necessary.
In recent years, the incidence of the disease has also increased in children. Research published in 2021 in the “World Journal of Clinical Pediatrics” reports that the cause may be insufficient fluid intake and a diet rich in salt. Experts recommend limiting salty snacks such as chips and fries and avoiding carbonated and sweetened drinks, especially those with glucose-fructose syrup. Children with a family predisposition are particularly at risk of developing kidney stones. Symptoms in children are similar to those in adults.
It is estimated that approximately 11% of men and 9% of women will experience problems with kidney disease in their lifetime. Symptoms can vary in intensity, and some stones are expelled spontaneously. However, if the following symptoms appear, a quick medical consultation is necessary:
- severe pain in the back or abdomen
- blood in the urine
- frequent or painful urination
- fever and chills
- nausea and vomiting
These symptoms may signal the presence of a large stone blocking the flow of urine or an infection requiring immediate intervention. The doctor will perform the necessary examinations to determine the cause and apply the appropriate treatment. Prevention of kidney stones includes a healthy lifestyle, a balanced diet with limited salt and sugar, maintaining an adequate body weight and sufficient water intake.
This article comes from the Ringier publishing partner website. The content and data contained in it were taken without editorial intervention.
