Kidney Stones

Several factors can contribute to the formation of kidney stones:

Dehydration: Insufficient water intake can lead to concentrated urine, which promotes the crystallization of minerals and salts into stones.

Diet: Consuming a diet high in oxalate (found in foods like spinach and nuts), calcium, or salt can increase the likelihood of stone formation. These substances can crystallise and form stones when present in excessive amounts.

Genetic Predisposition: A family or personal history of kidney stones can indicate a higher genetic risk. If your relatives have had kidney stones, you might be more susceptible.

Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as urinary tract infections or metabolic disorders, can elevate the risk of developing kidney stones. These conditions can alter the composition of urine, making stone formation more likely.

Obesity: A high body mass index (BMI) and obesity can contribute to the development of kidney stones. Excess body weight can alter the balance of minerals in the body, leading to stone formation.

Medications: Some medications can increase the levels of substances in the urine that contribute to stone formation. It's essential to be aware of the side effects of any medications you are taking.

Their formation occurs when there is an imbalance in the substances that make up urine, meaning there are several types of kidney stones, each with distinct characteristics and causes:

Calcium Stones: These are the most common type and are often composed of calcium oxalate. They can also be made of calcium phosphate. High levels of calcium in the urine can lead to the formation of these stones.

Uric Acid Stones: These stones form when urine is too acidic. Diets high in purines (found in red meat, shellfish, and certain fish) can contribute to uric acid stone formation.

Struvite Stones: These stones can form in response to an infection, such as a urinary tract infection. They are often large and can cause significant discomfort.

Cystine Stones: These are rare and form due to a hereditary condition called cystinuria, which causes the kidneys to excrete too much of the amino acid cystine.

Kidney stones can be an incredibly painful condition, presenting with several characteristic symptoms. The most common symptom is severe pain, often described as sharp and stabbing, typically starting in the side or back and radiating to the lower abdomen and groin. This pain, known as renal colic, can come in waves and vary in intensity. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, frequent urination, and a persistent urge to urinate. Some individuals may also experience blood in the urine, which can appear pink, red, or brown.

Diagnosis of kidney stones involves a combination of a thorough medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. Initial diagnosis often includes a discussion of symptoms and any relevant personal or family history of kidney stones. Imaging tests, such as X-rays, CT scans, or ultrasounds, are commonly used to visually confirm the presence, size, and location of stones. Additionally, urine tests can detect high levels of stone-forming substances and any urinary tract infections. Blood tests may also be conducted to identify metabolic issues contributing to stone formation.

Kidney stones are often treated based on their size, composition, and location within the urinary tract. Dr Deanne typically begins the treatment process with a thorough diagnostic assessment, including imaging tests such as an ultrasound or CT scan. For smaller stones, we may recommend increased water intake to help flush the stones out of the urinary system naturally. Pain management is also a crucial part of the treatment, with medications prescribed to alleviate discomfort as the stone passes.

For larger kidney stones that are unlikely to pass on their own, there are a number of procedures available. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is a common non-invasive procedure where shock waves are used to break the stones into smaller fragments that can be passed more easily. In more severe cases, surgical options like ureteroscopy or percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) may be necessary to remove the stones directly. Regardless of the method, Dr Deanne's treatment plan is always tailored to the specific needs of the patient, ensuring effective and compassionate care.