What are the warning signs of having Kidney stones?

Kidney stones are one of the most commonly caused kidney-related issues that people usually face. Kidney stones are also widely known as renal calculi, urolithiasis, and nephrolithiasis; kidney stones are basically hard deposits that are made by the accumulation of salt and minerals inside the Kidneys. There are several factors that are responsible for the accumulation of minerals and salt that result in hard deposits of stones in the kidneys, some of the risk factors include unhealthy dietary habits, excessive body weight, medications, consumption of supplements, etc.

Usually, most people are able to get rid of kidney stones naturally without much problem but in cases where the stones are large it might create a lot of health-related issues that might require kidney surgery or in worse cases, they might even require a kidney removed. Kidney stone affects individuals on many grounds as it primarily affects the urinary tract, urinary bladder, ureter, etc. Small kidney stones can easily pass through the urinary tract but if the stone gets stuck into the urinary tract or ureter, then it might cause a severe urinary infection that may require surgery.

Symptoms of kidney stones

Generally, kidney stones do not show any symptoms unless and until they start to move around the kidney or pass into the ureter. Once it passes to the ureter it becomes painful and may lead to scarring infection and it may even block the flow of urine causing the kidney to swell up which could be very painful and in such cases, one requires immediate medical help.

The symptoms of kidney stones may vary from person to person some of which include:

• Severe pain
• Pain in the groin and lower abdomen
• Burning sensation while urinating
• Pain while urinating
• Pink or brown urine
• Foul-smelling urine
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Chills
• Frequent urination
• Sudden and excruciating pain
• Blood in urine
• Difficulty in passing urine

Also, read - Kidney Infection Symptoms

Types of kidney stones

Identifying the type of kidney stone is important as it helps in determining its cause and the kidney surgery type that may be required.

Different types of kidney stones include:

• Cystine stones
• Struvite stones
• Calcium stones
• Uric acid stone

Also, read - Kidney Infection vs Back Pain

Treatment

The basic treatment for kidney stones that are widely used in order to remove smaller stones is to drink a lot of water that helps the stone to easily pass through while urinating. The doctor may also recommend medications in order to help you with passing the stone.

Non-invasive procedure: Shock wave lithotripsy is one of the most commonly used procedures as it is non-invasive and high energy sound waves in order to break the stone into tiny fragments that can be easily passed through in the urine.

Laparoscopic kidney surgery: Kidney surgery for stones is required when the stone does not pass even after consumption of medicine, if the pain is severe, and the size of the stone is too large, the stone gets stuck into the ureter. Advanced laparoscopic surgery helps in performing the surgery without much pain as it requires small incisions that minimize pain and provide faster recovery.

Also, read - UTI vs Kidney Infection

What are the side effects or risks of having a kidney removed?

In the case of kidney stones generally, the kidney is not removed but if there is a severe infection or the kidney is damaged then kidney removal or Nephrectomy may be required.

Side effects or risks include:

• Infection
• Excessive bleeding
• Hypertension due to reduced kidney function
• Chronic kidney disease
• Risk of kidney failure

Also, read - Kidney Transplant Benefits and Disadvantages

How can we help with the treatment?

If you are looking for a kidney transplant in India then be assured, we will assist you and guide you throughout your medical procedure and will help you through the follow-up consultations as well. The following will be provided to you:

• Expert physicians, doctors, urologists, and surgeons
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• Prior appointments with specialists and follow-up queries
• Assistance with medical tests
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• 24*7 availability
• Rehabilitation
• Travel arrangements
• Assistance for accommodation and healthy recovery
• Assistance in emergencies

Our team offers premium quality health travel and assistance to our patients throughout their course of treatment. We have a team of highly qualified health professionals that will guide you throughout your medical tour.