Understanding Kidney Stones: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
4/1/2024
"Kidney stones are a painful condition that affects millions of people worldwide every year," says Bruce Harrell, M.D., a board-certified urologist at Lakeside Physicians and Lake Granbury Medical Center. These are hard deposits that form in the kidneys, and when they pass, they can cause extreme pain. Sometimes, medical and/or surgical intervention is needed if the stone can't pass on its own."
Causes of Kidney Stones
- Dehydration: One of the primary factors contributing to kidney stone formation is inadequate hydration. Insufficient water intake leads to concentrated urine, allowing minerals and salts to crystallize and form stones.
- Dietary Factors: Certain dietary choices can increase the risk of kidney stones. Diets high in sodium, oxalates, and animal proteins may promote stone formation. Foods rich in oxalates include beets, chocolate, and nuts.
- Genetic Predisposition: A family history of kidney stones may increase an individual's susceptibility to developing them. Genetic factors can influence how the body processes minerals, making some people more prone to stone formation.
- Medical Conditions: Conditions such as hyperparathyroidism, cystic kidney diseases, and urinary tract infections can contribute to the formation of kidney stones. Additionally, individuals with certain metabolic disorders may have an increased risk.
- Obesity: Obesity is linked to an elevated risk of kidney stones. The increased body weight can lead to changes in urinary patterns and promote the accumulation of stone-forming substances. A previous history of weight loss surgery, such as gastric bypass, may increase the risk of kidney stones by altering dietary absorption of some minerals.
Treatment Options
- Pain Management: Kidney stones can cause intense pain as they pass through the urinary tract. Over-the-counter pain relievers and prescribed medications can help manage the discomfort during this process.
- Medical Expulsion Therapy (MET): MET involves using medications to relax the muscles in the ureter, facilitating the passage of kidney stones. This treatment option is effective for smaller stones.
- Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL): ESWL employs shock waves to break kidney stones into smaller fragments, making them easier to pass through the urinary tract.
- Ureteroscopy: When stones are lodged in the ureter, a thin tube with a camera (ureteroscope) can be used to locate and remove them or break them into smaller pieces.
- Surgical Intervention: For larger or more complex kidney stones, surgical procedures such as percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) may be necessary to remove the stones.
Preventive Measures
- Hydration: Adequate water intake is crucial in preventing kidney stones. Unless specifically advised for fluid restriction for other health conditions, a healthy fluid intake would equal half your body weight in ounces daily. For example, if you weigh 200 pounds, take 100 ounces daily.
- Dietary Changes: Adopt a balanced diet limited in salt intake. Limit the consumption of oxalate-rich foods and maintain a healthy weight through regular exercise.
- Calcium Intake: Ensure an appropriate calcium intake through dietary sources. Calcium-rich foods can help bind oxalates in the intestines, reducing their absorption and lowering the risk of stone formation.
- Limit Soda Consumption: Colas and other sodas contain phosphoric acid, possibly contributing to kidney stone formation. Limiting soda intake can be beneficial in preventing stone recurrence.
- Regular Medical Check-ups: Individuals with a family history of kidney stones or underlying medical conditions should undergo regular check-ups to monitor their kidney health and address any risk factors promptly.
Kidney stones can be a painful and recurrent condition. Still, with proper understanding of the causes, appropriate treatment, and proactive preventive measures, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of developing these troublesome stones.
For more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Harrell, please call (817) 573-5983.
References:
Mayo Clinic. (2022). Kidney stones. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/kidney-stones/symptoms-causes/syc-20355755
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2022). Kidney stones. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/kidney-stones
American Urological Association. (2014). Medical management of kidney stones: AUA guideline. https://www.auanet.org/guidelines/kidney-stones-medical-mangement-guideline
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