Introduction: Are You Ignoring the Warning Signs of Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones are one of the most common urinary tract conditions affecting thousands of people every year. While small stones may pass naturally, larger ones can cause intense pain, infection, and even kidney damage if not treated on time. Understanding the causes, early symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options—including when surgery becomes necessary—is essential for preventing complications.

As Dr. Tanmay Pandya, a leading kidney specialist in South Delhi, explains, timely diagnosis and proper intervention can help patients avoid severe discomfort and preserve long-term kidney health.

What Are Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones are hard mineral deposits that form inside the kidneys when certain waste products in the urine build up and crystallize. These stones can be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball.

Types of Kidney Stones

1. Calcium Oxalate Stones (most common)

2. Uric Acid Stones

3. Struvite Stones (often due to infections)

4. Cystine Stones (rare, genetic)

Each type has different causes, prevention strategies, and treatment approaches.

Causes of Kidney Stones

Kidney stones form when urine becomes too concentrated, allowing minerals to stick together. The major causes include:

1. Low Water Intake (Dehydration)

Not drinking enough water is the leading cause. Low fluid levels make urine concentrated, increasing stone formation.

2. High Salt (Sodium) Intake

Eating salty foods causes the kidneys to excrete more calcium into the urine, raising the risk of calcium stones.

3. Diet High in Oxalate

Foods such as spinach, nuts, beets, chocolate, and tea contain oxalate, which binds with calcium and forms stones.

4. Excessive Protein Consumption

Red meat, fish, and poultry increase uric acid levels, contributing to stone development.

5. Medical Conditions

• Hyperparathyroidism

• Kidney diseases

• Gout

• Diabetes

• Crohn’s disease or IBS

• Recurrent UTIs

6. Certain Medications

Some medicines, including diuretics, calcium supplements, and high-dose vitamin C, can increase the likelihood of stones.

Common Symptoms of Kidney Stones

Kidney stones can cause intense pain and discomfort. Patients should watch for the following symptoms:

• Sharp pain in the lower back or side

• Pain radiating to the lower abdomen or groin

• Burning sensation during urination

• Blood in urine

• Nausea and vomiting

• Persistent urge to urinate

• Cloudy or foul-smelling urine

If symptoms intensify or fever develops, immediate medical attention is necessary.

Risk Factors That Increase Kidney Stone Formation

1. Chronic Dehydration

Hot weather, heavy physical activity, or low water consumption increases risk.

2. High-Sodium Diet

Frequent consumption of chips, packaged snacks, processed foods, pickles, and fast food.

3. Obesity and Sedentary Lifestyle

Obesity changes the acid balance in urine, promoting stone formation.

4. Family History

If a parent or sibling had kidney stones, your chances are significantly higher.

5. Recurrent UTIs

Repeated urinary infections may lead to struvite stones.

6. Digestive Disorders and Surgeries

Crohn’s disease, chronic diarrhea, and gastric bypass surgery increase absorption of stone-forming substances.

7. Certain Medical Conditions

• Diabetes

• High blood pressure

• Metabolic disorders

• Thyroid-related disorders

Patients with these conditions need regular kidney evaluations.

Diagnosis of Kidney Stones

To confirm the presence, size, and location of kidney stones, doctors may use:

• Urine test

• Blood test

• Ultrasound

• CT scan → the most accurate method

• X-ray (in certain cases)

Early diagnosis helps determine whether the stone will pass naturally or requires intervention.

Treatment Options for Kidney Stones

Treatment depends on the stone’s size, location, and symptoms.

1. Home-Based Management (For Small Stones ≤5 mm)

• Drink 2–3 litres of water daily

• Pain relief medication

• Alpha-blockers to relax ureter muscles

• Diet changes (low salt, low protein, low oxalate)

Most small stones pass naturally within days or weeks.

2. ESWL (Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy)

• Non-invasive

• Uses sound waves to break stones into tiny pieces

• Best for stones up to 1.5 cm

• No incision required

3. Ureteroscopy (URS)

• Minimally invasive

• A thin scope is inserted through the urethra

• Laser energy breaks the stone into small fragments

• Best for stones lodged in the ureter

4. RIRS (Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery)

• Endoscopic laser procedure

• Used for stones inside the kidney

• No incision

• Quick recovery

• Suitable for stones up to 2 cm

5. PCNL (Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy)

• Recommended for large stones (>2 cm)

• Performed through a small incision in the back

• Very effective for hard or multiple stones

• Often needed when other treatments fail

When Is Surgery Needed for Kidney Stones?

Surgery becomes necessary under certain conditions:

1. Large Stones That Cannot Pass Naturally

Stones larger than 1.5–2 cm usually require surgical removal.

2. Stones Causing Severe Pain or Recurrent Attacks

If pain becomes unbearable or frequent, intervention is required.

3. Stones Blocking Urine Flow

Blockage can cause swelling in the kidney (hydronephrosis), requiring urgent treatment.

4. Stones Leading to Infection or Fever

Infected stones can be dangerous and require emergency drainage or surgery.

5. Stones Not Passing Despite Medication

If the stone remains in the same position for several weeks, surgery is recommended.

6. Stones Affecting Kidney Function

Prolonged obstruction can lead to reduced kidney performance or permanent damage.

7. Stones in Patients With Repeated Episodes

If you repeatedly develop stones, minimally invasive surgery may be the safest long-term option.

Prevention Tips to Reduce Kidney Stone Risk

• Drink at least 2–3 litres of water daily

• Reduce salt and processed foods

• Limit red meat and animal protein

• Avoid high-oxalate foods

• Maintain a healthy weight

• Include citrus fruits (like lemon water)

• Follow medical advice if you have chronic medical conditions

• Get regular kidney check-ups if you're high-risk

Conclusion

Kidney stones can be extremely painful, but with early diagnosis and the right treatment, most patients recover quickly. Understanding the causes, recognizing symptoms, and knowing when surgery is needed can help prevent complications.

If you are experiencing back pain, difficulty urinating, or repeated urinary infections, don’t ignore the warning signs.

Consult Dr. Tanmay Pandya, leading Kidney Specialist in South Delhi, for expert diagnosis and personalized treatment for kidney stones and other kidney-related conditions.

Your kidneys keep you healthy—take care of them today.