TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Kidney stones is a hard collection of salts and minerals often composed of calcium or uric acid. They form in the kidneys and can travel to other parts of the urinary tract. Kidney stones are the third largest disease in urology after urinary tract infections and prostate enlargement.
Kidney stones or nephroliths are the most common health conditions associated with the urinary system. Currently in Indonesia, kidney stone sufferers are 0.6 percent or six per 1,000 population.
Kidney stones are hard mineral fragments that can form in the kidneys. They are often small enough to pass out of the body in the urine. However, if it is too large, you may need medical assistance to separate or remove it.
Stone sizes vary. There are some that are only as small as a dot or a fraction of a centimeter, some can grow a few centimeters. Some stones can be so big that they can fill the whole kidney.
Kidney stones form when too much of a certain mineral is in the body and builds up in the urine. When the body is not properly hydrated, the urine will be more concentrated with higher levels of certain minerals. When mineral levels are higher, it is more likely that kidney stones will form.
Kidney stones are also more common in people with diabetes or obesity. Kidney stones can also be caused by a genetic condition called cystinuria. If the stone is small enough it will travel from the bladder to the urethra and out of the body in the urine. The smaller the stone, the more likely it is to pass by itself and the faster the process will occur.
Most naturally passing stones will take 31-45 days. If the stone has not passed within this time period, it is important to get medical attention because it can increase the risk of kidney damage and other complications.
Kidney stones are usually very painful. Most stones will go away on their own without treatment. However, you may need a procedure to break up or remove stones that don’t pass on their own. What are the symptoms of kidney stones?
Pain in the back, stomach, or side
Kidney stone pain is also known as renal colic. Some people who have experienced kidney stones have compared the pain to giving birth or being stabbed with a knife. Usually, the pain begins when the stone moves into the narrow ureter. This causes a blockage that causes pressure to build up in the kidneys. Pressure activates nerve fibers that send pain signals to the brain. Kidney stone pain often starts suddenly. As the stone moves, the pain changes location and intensity.
Pain or burning sensation when urinating
Once the stone has reached the junction between the ureter and the bladder, you will start to feel pain when urinating or known as dysuria. The pain can be sharp or burning. If you don’t know you have a kidney stone, you may mistake it for a urinary tract infection. Sometimes, you can get an infection along with the stone.
Blood in urine
Blood in the urine is a common symptom in people with kidney stones. This symptom is also known as hematuria. Blood can be red, pink, or brown. Sometimes, the blood cells are too small to be seen without a microscope, called microscopic hematuria. However, your doctor can test your urine to see if it contains blood.
Nausea and vomiting
Usually people with kidney stones experience nausea and vomiting. These symptoms occur because of the shared nerve connections between the kidneys and the gastrointestinal tract. Stones in the kidney can trigger nerves in the GI tract, triggering an upset stomach.
Fever and chills
Fever and chills are signs of infection in the kidneys or other parts of the urinary tract. This can be a serious complication of kidney stones, it can also be a sign of another serious problem. Any fever with pain requires immediate medical attention. Call your doctor if you have symptoms of kidney stones. The earlier you get treatment, the less likely you are to develop complications from kidney stones.
Also read: 5 Benefits of Lemon for Health, Weight Control, Preventing Kidney Stones
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