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The kidneys are one of the most important organs in our body. Unfortunately, we usually remember them only when there are problems and the first problems with their operation. Nephrolithiasis is one of the most common urinary tract ailments. What signals should worry you, and what are the causes of nephrolithiasis and kidney deposits?
The kidneys do a heroic work in the body every day, filtering almost 1800 liters of blood, but to function well, they must be healthy. Nephrolithiasis is a fairly common disease in which the kidneys build up and build up. Over time, it more and more affects the functions of the kidneys and their work. Can it be prevented?
Deposits in the kidneys. How are stones formed?
Kidney stones are hard aggregates of salts and minerals, often consisting of oxalate, calcium phosphate, or uric acid. Deposits form inside the kidney and can travel to other parts of the urinary system. Over time, these deposits can aggregate into larger crystals, forming kidney stones. When the stones are large enough that the body cannot remove them in the urine, they accumulate in the kidneys. Kidney stones vary in size, and over time they can form so large clusters that they occupy the entire kidney, making it virtually impossible to function.
A kidney stone is formed when too many certain minerals accumulate in the urine. Dehydration and inadequate hydration of the body promote their formation. In this case, urine is more concentrated and the level of minerals is higher. Interestingly, stones are more common in men than in women.
Smaller kidney stones that remain in the kidneys usually don’t cause any symptoms. The unpleasant symptoms begin when the crystal moves to the ureter. If the deposits are small, they will easily pass the urinary tract from the kidney into the bladder and then the urethra and will be excreted during micturition. This natural way of expelling the stones usually takes from one month to 45 days. However, if the deposits have already accumulated into larger clusters, specialist help will be needed, because kidney stones remaining in the organ may increase the risk of kidney damage and generate serious complications.
The elimination of kidney stones is usually very painful. To facilitate their natural removal, you should drink enough water. Sometimes a medical intervention is required, consisting in breaking the stones into smaller parts or removing them.
Deposits in the kidneys. Symptoms of kidney stones
If you have a very small kidney stone, you may not experience any symptoms as the stone can pass naturally and without resistance through the urinary tract. However, if your kidney stone is larger, you are likely to experience any of the eight common symptoms of kidney stones.
1. Pain in the back, stomach or side
The pain associated with kidney stones – also known as renal colic – is one of the most bothersome and difficult types of pain. Some people jokingly call it male childbirth, others compare it to a stabbing. The pain is sharp and intense.
Typically, this symptom is caused by a stone sticking in the ureter, causing it to block and increasing pressure in the kidneys. Pain from kidney stones often begins suddenly. It can come and go, caused by contractions of the ureters trying to get rid of the residual obstruction. Pain may radiate to the groin.
Do blood and urine tests for kidney stones
2. Pain or burning sensation when urinating
After the deposits pass from the ureter to the bladder, dysuria, which is pain when urinating, may occur. The pain may be sharp or burning, similar to acute cystitis.
3. Frequent use of the toilet
Having to go to the toilet more often is another sign that the stone has moved to the lower urinary tract. The need to urinate and a feeling of sudden urge to urinate may also appear at night.
4. Blood in the urine
Blood in the urine, i.e. Hematuria is a common symptom in people with kidney stones. Blood may be red, pink, or brown. Sometimes the blood cells are too small to be seen, however urine tests will identify their presence.
5. Cloudy or smelly urine
Healthy urine is clear, straw yellow, and does not smell strongly. Cloudy or smelly urine can be a sign of an infection in the kidneys or other part of the urinary tract. Very often, nephrolithiasis can be associated with a urinary tract infection. Cloudy urine is a sign of pus in the urine, and the smell may be due to the presence of bacteria. Another cause of an intense odor can be concentrated urine.
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6. Passing small amounts of urine
Large kidney stones sometimes get stuck in the ureter. This mechanical blockage can obstruct or stop the flow of urine through the urinary tract. A characteristic symptom of kidney stones is difficulty urinating despite the feeling of urgency. Patients often complain that they are literally urinating by droplets.
7. Nausea and vomiting
This is another common symptom of kidney deposits. These symptoms occur because of the joint nerve connections between the kidneys and the digestive tract. Stones in the kidneys can trigger a reaction in the digestive tract, causing stomach upset. Nausea and vomiting can also be the body’s response to severe pain.
8. Fever and chills
Fever and chills are symptoms of a kidney or urinary tract infection. This could mean a serious complication of kidney stones. The fever that occurs with an infection is usually high. This condition requires medical attention.
Nephrolithiasis risk factors
Although kidney deposits and then kidney stones can develop in anyone, there are certain factors that may increase your risk. Some of them can be minimized and controlled.
Stones in the kidneys – risk factors:
- male gender,
- occurrence of kidney stones,
- family history of kidney stones
- low fluid intake or dehydration,
- a diet rich in protein, salt (sodium) and / or sugar
- overweight or obesity,
- diabetes,
- gout,
- polycystic kidney disease,
- taking antacids,
- taking calcium-based diuretics (so-called dehydrating drugs, for swelling),
- condition after bariatric surgery or other gastrointestinal surgery,
- childbearing age and more than one pregnancy in a gynecological history,
- you are of childbearing age and have had one or more pregnancies,
- high levels of cystine, uric acid, calcium or oxalate in the urine.