What Are Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones are deposits of minerals and salts that form in the kidneys when they have difficulty eliminating waste effectively. This can happen due to a slow elimination process related to kidney issues or an increased concentration of minerals, often caused by inadequate water consumption, which overwhelms the kidneys’ ability to manage them.
Types of Kidney Stones
There are several types of kidney stones categorized by the specific salts and minerals involved, as well as the underlying causes of their formation:
- Calcium Oxalate Stones: The most common type, these stones form when urine is high in calcium and oxalate salts. They are associated with high-oxalate foods like beets, chocolate, and spinach. If they recur frequently, further evaluation of urinary function and dietary changes may be necessary.
- Calcium Phosphate Stones: These stones are linked to abnormalities in the urinary system and often occur alongside calcium oxalate stones. Diagnosis usually requires blood and urine tests to uncover any underlying issues.
- Struvite Stones: More common in women, struvite stones result from certain urinary infections. If not treated, they may lead to severe infections and kidney damage.
- Uric Acid Stones: More frequently seen in men, these stones develop in individuals with diets high in animal protein or insufficient water intake. They are also associated with gout and specific medical histories.
- Cystine Stones: Resulting from a genetic disorder called cystinuria, cystine stones form due to excessive levels of an amino acid called cystine—an essential building block of proteins—in the urine. This can lead to stones in the kidneys, bladder, and ureters.
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What are the Common Causes of Kidney Stones?
Possible causes of kidney stones include:
- Not drinking enough water
- Too much or too little exercise
- Obesity
- Weight loss surgery
- Eating too much salt or sugar
- Infections
- Family history
What are the Common Symptoms of Kidney Stones?
Sided abdominal pain is typically severe, often described by patients as the worst pain they have ever felt. This pain may be accompanied by several other symptoms:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Groin pain
- Urine that is tinged with blood (hematuria)
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When to see a Doctor for Kidney Stones?
If you experience pain in the side of your abdomen or back, along with groin pain and blood in your urine, you should consider the possibility of kidney stones and seek medical advice.
Note: Avoid taking painkillers before seeing the doctor, as they may interfere with the examination.
How is Kidney Stones Diagnosed?
Based on the patient’s history and the doctor’s examination, the doctor may request the following diagnostic tools:
- Blood Tests and Urinalysis: To understand the origin of the stones and detect hematuria (blood in urine).
- X-ray: With the use of contrast to make the stones visible (KUB: Kidney, ureter, and bladder X-ray).
- High-Resolution CT scan: From the kidneys down to the bladder to detect any abnormalities in the structure of the urinary system.
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What are the Treatment Options for Kidney Stones?
After diagnosis, the urologist will be able to recommend the best possible solution for treating kidney stones. Kidney Stone Treatments include:
Initial Management: Emphasis on hydration and medication to help stones pass naturally when stone size is small.
Surgical intervention is considered for:
- Large stones
- Stones obstructing urine flow
- Signs of infection: high body temperature and increased urgency and frequency of urination
Advanced Techniques:
- Shock Wave Lithotripsy: Non-invasive method using sound waves to break stones into smaller fragments.
- Ureteroscopy: Insertion of an endoscope through the ureter to retrieve or destroy stones.
- Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy/Nephrolithotripsy: Used for very large or complicated stones.
How to Prevent Kidney Stones?
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water daily to encourage frequent urination.
- Reduce Mineral Buildup: Adequate hydration helps prevent calcium and uric acid buildup in the kidneys and urinary tract.
- Monitor Sweating: Be cautious of activities that cause excessive sweating, such as saunas, hot yoga, and intense exercise.
- Understand Urine Production: Excessive sweating can decrease urine output, increasing the risk of stone formation.
- Limit Certain Beverages: Avoid sodas (especially those high in fructose), and sweetened iced teas.
- Consult Your Urologist: Speak with a healthcare provider to determine the right hydration levels for your individual needs.
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Why Choose Reem Hospital for Kidney Stones Treatment?
At Reem Hospital Abu Dhabi, we combine advanced technology with experienced specialists to provide exceptional urological care. We use the latest diagnostic and treatment methods to tackle kidney stone problems with minimal invasiveness, ensuring a significant impact and faster recovery for our patients.
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Last updated on January 18, 2025
Dr. Rahaf Wagdy is an Egyptian nuclear radiologist and medical content creator who merges her clinical expertise with digital creativity. With over five years of experience in medical content writing in both Arabic and English, she is dedicated to simplifying...
Dr. Hamdy Aboutaleb is a highly accomplished Urologist with more than 25 years of experience in the field. He completed his undergraduate studies at Menoufia University in Egypt, and his academic journey continued with the successful completion of a Master’s...
Kidney Stones Treatment FAQs:
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How long does it take to recover from kidney stone surgery?
While recovery times may differ depending on the procedure, most patients typically experience full recovery within six weeks, allowing them to return to their regular activities.
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Can kidney stones be treated without surgery?
Based on the size of the stone and the degree of obstruction it causes; the urologist will determine whether it can be treated with medications or if surgery is necessary for removal. Generally, larger stones are less likely to respond effectively to medication alone.
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What is the fastest way to dissolve a kidney stone?
The quickest method is surgical removal.
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Can children develop kidney stones?
Yes, although it’s uncommon in children, certain factors such as kidney malformations, specific diseases, medications, or a high-salt diet can lead to the development of kidney stones.
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Is it possible to get rid of kidney stones naturally?
Yes, if the stone is small in diameter, staying well-hydrated may be sufficient to help eliminate it.
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Can kidney stones cause long-term damage if left untreated?
Yes, kidney stones can lead to long-term damage if left untreated:
- Large kidney stones can become lodged in the urinary system, blocking urine flow.This blockage can result in significant pain for the patient and prolonged obstruction may cause permanent damage to the kidneys.
- Kidney stones increase the risk of urinary and kidney infections. This Infections can allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream, leading to serious complications.
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January 20, 2025
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January 14, 2025
الحمد لله علي التعافي ورحلة العلاج اولا هذا من فضل ربي
ثم مجهودات القائمين علي المستشفي والعياده الدكتور احمد عبدالفتاح بيومي نوفل وطبعا مينفعش انسي الممرضين ولا الاستقبال الاستاذه كريمه علي... see more حسن المعامله جزاكم الله خيرا علي مجهودكم وحقيقي لو هرشح مستشفي او عيادة انف واذن هتكون عيادة انف واذن مستشفي الريم وبالاخص دكتور احمد نوفل والطاقم المعاون ♥️♥️
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January 13, 2025
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January 13, 2025
We recently had our son admitted to this hospital, and we are so grateful for the care and support we received. The staff was exceptional, but we especially want to... see more commend Nurse Jorge for his kindness, compassion, and outstanding skills. He went above and beyond to meet all of our child's needs and made the entire experience much less stressful for us as parents. His genuine care and attention to detail made a world of difference during a challenging time. Thank you to Nurse Jorge and the entire team for the excellent service and dedication to their patients. Highly recommend this hospital!
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January 12, 2025
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January 10, 2025
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January 9, 2025
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January 9, 2025
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January 8, 2025
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January 8, 2025
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January 8, 2025
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January 8, 2025
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January 8, 2025
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January 1, 2025
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January 1, 2025
I would like to take this opportunity to say that me and my husband are very blessed to have Dr. Salwa El-Taher as our OB-Gyne. Its our first pregnancy and... see more as expected we are worried and clueless about what will happen. But, with the help of Dr. Salwa we felt calm. She provided us answers/explanation in our questions. Making it easy for us to understand what is happening. Most especially when Dr. Salwa took care of us during labor. Fast decision making for my well-being (during labor) and ceasarian operation. Dr. Salwa took care of us from the very 1st visit up to post-partum check-up. I would definitely recommend Dr. Salwa. Thank you again Doctor! More blessings to you and to Reem Hospital!
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