Kidney and Ureteral Stones
What Are Kidney and Ureteral Stones?
Kidney stones, sometimes called urinary stones, are hard deposits that form inside the kidneys. They are made of minerals and salts that clump together when the urine has too much of these substances. Stones can stay in the kidney or travel down into the ureters, the tubes connecting the kidneys to the bladder. In some cases, they may even reach the bladder.
Stones form because the urine contains too many crystal-forming substances like calcium, oxalate, phosphate, or uric acid. Normally, substances like citrate prevent these crystals from sticking together, but if there’s not enough, crystals can grow into stones. Dehydration, certain diets, or even genetic factors can increase the risk.
How Kidney Stones Develop
Kidney stones often begin as tiny crystals in the kidney lining. Over time, these crystals can grow larger and form stones. Several factors influence this process.
What you eat plays a role. High intake of oxalate-rich foods like spinach, nuts, and chocolate, or diets heavy in protein, can make stones more likely. Hydration is critical; not drinking enough water concentrates urine, which encourages crystals to stick together. The acidity or alkalinity of your urine can affect the type of stone. Acidic urine favors uric acid or cystine stones, while alkaline urine favors calcium phosphate stones. Genetics also play a part. Some people inherit conditions that make them more prone to forming stones, such as cystinuria or hypercalciuria.
Who Is at Risk?
Kidney stones are fairly common, affecting approximately 10 to 15 percent of people at some point in their lives. Men are two to three times more likely than women to develop stones, with peak incidence between ages 30 and 50. Living in hot climates increases the likelihood of dehydration, which can raise risk. Other contributing factors include obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, diabetes, urinary tract infections, and metabolic disorders that affect how the body processes minerals.
Symptoms of Kidney and Ureteral Stones
The symptoms of kidney stones depend on where the stone is located and its size. Stones in the kidney may cause dull or sharp pain in the back or side, blood in the urine, frequent urination, or a strong sense of urgency. Many small stones, however, may not produce any noticeable symptoms. When stones move into the ureter, they often cause sudden, intense cramping pain that radiates from the back to the lower abdomen, groin, or genital area. Nausea and vomiting can also occur as the body responds to the intense pain.
If you experience severe pain, fever, chills, foul-smelling urine, or difficulty urinating, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Untreated stones can lead to infection or permanent damage to the kidneys.
Diagnosing Kidney Stones
Doctors typically begin with imaging studies, such as an ultrasound or CT scan, to locate the stone and determine its size. Blood and urine tests help identify the levels of minerals in the body and reveal the type of stone. Analyzing a stone that has passed can provide valuable information about its composition and help prevent future stones.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the size, type, and location of the stone. Small stones often pass on their own, aided by drinking plenty of water. Pain can be managed with medications, and in some cases, medications that relax the ureter may be prescribed to help the stone pass more easily.
Larger or persistent stones may require procedures. Shock Wave Lithotripsy (SWL) uses sound waves to break stones into smaller fragments that can pass naturally. Ureteroscopy allows doctors to go into the ureter with a small scope to remove or break up stones using a laser. Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is a minimally invasive procedure for removing very large stones directly from the kidney. Open surgery is rarely needed today.
Preventing Kidney Stones
Preventing kidney stones focuses on lifestyle changes and managing underlying health conditions. Staying well-hydrated is key, aiming to produce two to three liters of urine daily. Reducing intake of salt, protein, and oxalate-rich foods can help, while consuming foods high in citrate, such as citrus fruits, may prevent stones from forming. In some cases, doctors may prescribe medications to balance mineral levels in the urine. Regular follow-ups with imaging and lab tests are important to detect new stones early and prevent recurrence.
Living With Kidney Stones
Kidney and ureteral stones can be painful and worrying, but they are generally manageable. Understanding how stones form, recognizing symptoms early, and following treatment and prevention strategies can greatly reduce discomfort and help prevent complications. By maintaining proper hydration, eating a balanced diet, and working with a healthcare provider to manage medical conditions, most people can lower their risk of developing new stones.
