Let’s Talk About Kidney Stones

Kidney stone formation is painful and creates problems inside the body. Here is everything you need to know from the causes to the removal therapies available.

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Normally, your kidneys eliminate waste from your blood and excrete it through your urine (pee). In the kidneys, crystals begin to develop when there is an excessive amount of waste in the blood and the body is unable to excrete it quickly enough. 

These crystals attract additional waste products and chemicals, resulting in the formation of a solid item (a kidney stone), which will continue to grow in size unless it is discharged out of your body through your urine.

Kidney stones can range in size from the size of a grain of sand to the size of a golf ball.

In this article, Dr Sumanta Mishra who is one of the best urologists in Bhubaneswar shared his expertise on “What are kidney stones and how can you get rid of them?”.

Dr Sumanta Mishra has expertise in all endourological surgeries for prostate, stone disease, laparoscopic surgeries of kidney, Uro-oncology, gynaecological urology, pediatric urology, and male sexual health. He has a special interest in kidney transplants.

Kidney Stones: Causes and Risk Factors

 A kidney stone can occur in anyone, although some people are more susceptible to developing one than others.

Kidney stones are also more common in non-Hispanic white people than in people of other ethnicities, according to the National Kidney Foundation. 

What are the Reasons Behind Kidney Stones

If you have any of the following characteristics, you may also be at increased risk for kidney stones:

  •  You have previously experienced kidney stones.
  • Kidney stones have been diagnosed in someone in your family.
  • You don’t get enough water in your diet.
  • You consume a lot of protein, salt, and/or sugar in your diet.
  • Body mass index of 30 or above.
  • You have had gastric bypass surgery or another type of intestinal surgery performed on your stomach.
  • Polycystic kidney disease or similar cystic kidney disease is the cause of your condition.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Kidney Stone Formation?

According to Dr Sumanta Mishra, who is a top urologist in Bhubaneswar, If you have a kidney stone that is very small and travels smoothly through your urinary tract, you may not have any symptoms and may not even be aware that you have a kidney stone in the first place.

The following symptoms may occur if you have a large kidney stone, depending on the size of the stone:

  • Urination causes discomfort.
  •  You have blood in your pee.   
  •  You are experiencing sharp pain in your back or lower abdomen.
  •  Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should contact your healthcare practitioner immediately.

Kidney Stones Therapies

When it comes to kidney stones, the therapy is determined by the size of the stone, the type of stone it is composed of, whether it is causing discomfort, and whether it is blocking your urinary tract. 

In order to answer these questions and determine the best course of treatment for you, your doctor may request that you undergo a urine test, blood test, x-ray, and/or CT scanner. 

Contrast dye is sometimes used during a CT scan. In the event that you have ever had an adverse reaction to contrast dye, be sure to inform your doctor prior to having your CT scan.

If your doctor determines that your kidney stone is small, he or she may advise you to take pain medication and drink plenty of fluids in order to assist the stone in passing through your urinary tract more easily.

Depending on the size of your kidney stone and whether it is blocking your urinary tract, you may require extra therapy.

Shock wave lithotripsy is one type of treatment available. Shock waves break up kidney stones into small fragments during this procedure. 

Small fragments of kidney stones will move through your urinary tract and out of your body as a result of the treatment you have received. 

This procedure normally takes 45 minutes to an hour and may be performed under general anaesthesia, which means that you will be sleeping and unable to feel any pain during the procedure.

The procedure known as ureteroscopy is another therapy option. This procedure is also carried out under general anaesthesia in some cases.

 The doctor uses a long, tube-shaped tool to locate and remove the stone, or to locate and break the stone into small pieces, depending on the situation. 

If the stone is small, the doctor may be able to remove it without the need for surgery. If it is particularly huge, it may be necessary to cut it into pieces. 

It will be necessary to use a laser to break the stone into bits that are small enough to flow through your urinary tract.

In rare instances, Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy helps to remove a kidney stone from the patient’s body.

 An endoscopic tube will be placed directly into your kidney during the surgery in order to remove the stone. 

You need to stay in the hospital for two to three days following this procedure in order to receive and recuperate from it, says Dr Sumanta Mishra a leading urologist from Bhubaneswar. 

How to Avoid Kidney Stone

Is It Possible to Avoid This Problem

 The most effective way to avoid kidney stones is to drink plenty of water on a daily basis. The average person should have eight to twelve glasses of fluid every day.

 If you have kidney illness and need to limit your fluid intake, consult your doctor to find out how much fluid you should consume on a daily basis.

 Limiting sodium intake as well as animal protein (meat, eggs) in your diet may also be beneficial in preventing kidney stone formation.

 If your doctor is able to determine the composition of your kidney stone, he or she may be able to provide you with specific dietary suggestions to help avoid future kidney stone formation.

 If you have a medical condition that increases your risk of developing kidney stones, your doctor may recommend that you take medication to manage this issue.

 Never begin or discontinue any treatment or diet without first consulting with your doctor notes Dr Sumanta Mishra a premium doctor in Bhubaneswar.

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