Kidney stones, as the name suggests, are hard deposits of minerals and salt that build up inside your kidneys, resulting in kidney stones. It is also known as renal calculi or nephrolithiasis, which can lead to unbearable pain in severe conditions. They can travel and affect other parts of the urinary tract as well.
It has become more widespread, and only rapidly increasing, due to unhealthy diets and sedentary lifestyles. It mostly occurs in people who don’t drink enough water. This increases the concentration of certain minerals in your urine and leads to forming of stones. People with diabetes and obesity also have increased chances of developing kidney stones.
Early Signs Of Kidney Stones
Understanding the early signs of kidney stones is crucial to prevent serious issues later on. Here are some symptoms you should look out for:
Severe Pain In Back, Side, And Belly
You may have seen people with kidney stones complaining about severe back, side, and belly pain. The pain arises when kidneys are frequently put under pressure when the stone enters the ureter and blocks it. Kidney discomfort frequently starts abruptly as the stone moves and comes in waves.
Pain While Urinating (Dysuria)
You may experience pain and a burning sensation while urinating as a result of kidney stones. This happens when stones cross the junction between the bladder and the ureter. In addition, you may even have irregular urination and difficulty passing urine as large kidney stones may become impaled in the ureter.
Also Read: When To Consider Surgery For Kidney Stones, Doctor Suggests
Blood In Urine (Hematuria)
Another symptom of kidney stones is having blood in the urine. The colour of the blood can range from pink to brown. This is brought on by the irritation that the stone causes to the interior of the kidney or the ureter.
Nausea And Vomiting
People with kidney stones usually feel nauseous and tend to vomit. This is because kidneys and the gastrointestinal tract share a number of similar nerves.
Foul Smelling Urine
A foul-smelling and cloudy urine can indicate a kidney stone problem or a urinary infection. Therefore, it is advisable to visit a urologist to determine the cause of pungent-smelling urine.
Also Read: Chronic Kidney Disease: Expert Explains Its Stages
Tips To Prevent Kidney Stones
Hydration
You should drink enough water to maintain your urine output so that your urine is less concentrated.
Consume Less Sodium
You should reduce the amount of sodium in your diet to lower the chance of forming kidney stones. As per the Urology Care Foundation, calcium cannot be reabsorbed into the blood from the urine when there is too much salt. The decrease in calcium in urine may lead to the formation of kidney stones.
Eat Less Animal Protein
You should eat less animal protein such as meat, eggs, and seafood as they are highly acidic and lead to increase in urine acid. This leads to the formation of kidney stones.
When To See A Doctor
You should get regular checkups to diagnose kidney stones early to avoid the disease's severity. Visit your doctor immediately if you notice symptoms like severe pain, nausea, fever, or blood in your urine.
