What are kidney stones?
Kidney stones are hardened salt and mineral deposits inside the kidney. Other names include renal calculi, urolithiasis, or nephrolithiasis. The stones can originate anywhere in the urinary tract, i.e., the bladder or the kidney. Common causes include particular medical conditions, obesity, certain dietary choices, and usage of some medications and supplements. The urine concentration in one area results in crystallization and accumulation of minerals into stones.
Risk Factors of Kidney Stones
Often, there are no absolute kidney stones causes. Particular risk factors do increase the likelihood of getting this condition. The factors include:
1. Dehydration
Patients are at a higher risk of kidney stone disease if they do not consume enough water quantity every day. The climate in India is comparatively dry and warm in particular areas. The inhabitants of these regions have a higher risk of kidney stone disease. One 2015-2016 hospital-based study in Ujjain, India, showed 70% of participating children having severe dehydration symptoms. Plus, people with a high sweating predisposition are also at a higher risk.
2. History of KSD in the family
Having kidney stone patients in a family increases the possibility of this disease appearing in other direct relatives. Also, patients who previously developed kidney stones can get this condition again.
3. Weight gain
Another risk factor for kidney stones is having a high BMI count, sudden weight gain, or a broader waist size.
4. Dietary changes
Some Indian diet options are common causes of kidney stones in the region. Indian diet generally consists of high amounts of sodium (salt), protein, calcium, and oxalate-rich food. Calcium constitutes 80-90% of the urinary stone content; people with high calcium consumption are at higher risk. Also, an increase in sugar consumption can develop stones in the kidneys.
5. Digestion issues/surgery
Conditions like chronic diarrhoea and inflammatory bowel disease can change the natural digestive process. Also, prior surgeries like gastric bypass surgery enhance the water and calcium absorption ratio in people.
6. Specific medications and supplements
These include dietary supplements, vitamin-C supplements, calcium-based antacids, excessive laxative usage, and medications for depression/migraine (particular options).
7. Pre-existing medical conditions
Patients with conditions like cystinuria, renal tubular acidosis, urinary tract infections (multiple), and hyperparathyroidism have higher odds of getting kidney stones.
The common signs of kidney stones in the early stages include the following:
1. Pain originating in the groin and lower abdomen region
2. Sharp, sudden pain in the back and the sides, mainly under the ribs
3. Pain that comes in surges, and the intensity shifts continuously
4. A burning feeling or pain during urination
5. Foul smell in the urine
6 Cloudy appearance of urine
7 Brown, red, or pink urine color
8. Vomiting or nausea
9. Small spurts of urination
10. Frequent or persistent urge to urinate
11. In cases of infections, patients may experience chills and fever
