We have all heard about how common are the cases of kidney stones. According to one of the recent studies related to urology, the researchers have indicated that the prevalence of kidney stones all across the globe is on a constant rise with up to 15% of the population affected so far.

The condition of kidney stones is not gender-specific, it can occur in both the genders with males being more prone to developing them. One should not neglect the symptoms of kidney stones as they start arising. Many of us have a tendency to ignore the condition unless the symptoms become unbearable. But this is certainly not the right approach. To get rid of kidney stones in time, one must be aware of the seriousness of the symptoms and immediately consult about them with a doctor.

You must consult a specialist doctor if you suspect the following symptoms:

Severe and intense pain- Kidney stones are known to cause severe pain in the lower back, groin and abdomen region. This pain can be one of the most intense pains one could imagine. You may find it difficult to sit, stand or even lie comfortably. The pain may come and go in waves. If you experience such pain, it could indicate the presence of kidney stones and if the pain does not subside, you may have to go to the emergency room.

Vomiting and feeling nauseated- Frequent nausea and vomiting is another common symptom of kidney stones. The nerves of the gastrointestinal tract are located quite close to the urinary tract. Sometimes, the stone can press against the nerves of the GI tract and your stomach may feel a little upset. You may also feel nauseated when your body responds to the intense pain of kidney stones.

Red or brown-coloured urine- Change in the colour of urine to red, pink or brown may also point towards the presence of kidney stones. This happens because of blood in the urine and is known as hematuria. Moreover, you may also notice a little cloudiness and foul smell in the urine.

Difficulty in emptying the bladder- The kidney stone can press against the bladder and this may cause the contraction of the urinary bladder. Due to this, you may pee only a little amount every time and you may not be able to void the bladder all at once. Thus, you may have to rush to the toilet quite frequently.

Pain and burning while peeing- Another common symptom of kidney stones is pain and burning sensation while urinating. Presence of stones in the kidneys or anywhere else in the urinary can irritate the lining of the urinary tract. Hence, it results in pain and burning sensation while passing out the urine.

If you delay seeking a doctor for the aforementioned symptoms of kidney stones, a person may have to face the following complications as well:

Urinary obstruction- The stone can move around freely in the urinary tract. The ureter can stretch up to a maximum of 5-6 mm. However, if the stone is larger than this, there are high chances of the stone getting stuck in the ureter and blocking it. This can be quite painful and may obstruct the flow of urine.

Build-up of urine in the kidney- If the stone is large enough to block the urine flow completely, it may lead to urine build-up in the urinary tract. This can pressurize the kidneys and may lead to a condition called hydronephrosis (swelling and inflammation in the kidney). This is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention.

Loss of functioning of the kidney ( Renal failure)- If kidney stone treatment is delayed, the urinary symptoms can worsen and the kidneys can get overworked. If this continues for a long time, the kidney can lose its function and may not be able to function optimally. Over time, this may even lead to failure of the kidney.

Kidney infection– Kidney stones make you more prone to recurrent urinary tract infections. In severe cases, these infections can travel to the kidneys and can cause an infection there as well. This can turn into a very serious condition if left untreated. The infection can also enter the bloodstream and may even have life-threatening implications.

What to do when your doctor recommends surgery for kidney stones?

If your doctor suggests undergoing surgery for kidney stones, do not panic. Kidney stone surgeries have evolved a lot over the years and modern advanced surgeries have come into existence.

The three most effective kidney stone surgical treatments are – Shock Wave Lithotripsy, Laser lithotripsy and laparoscopic treatment.

Laparoscopic treatment for kidney stones is an advanced procedure in which the surgeon uses laparoscopic equipment to remove stones through a minor incision in the groin region.

In shock wave lithotripsy and laser treatment, on the other hand, the surgeon first crushes the stone into smaller pieces using pulses of shock wave energy and laser energy. The doctor then asks the patient to drink plenty of fluids so as to facilitate the easy removal of stones along with the urine.

All three modern surgeries are least invasive in nature and inflict no pain at all. There is not any risk of intraoperative or postoperative complications and the procedure is 100% safe. The recovery is quick and you can get back to your normal life in a couple of days.

If you are dealing with kidney stones and are looking for a good doctor and hospital for your treatment, you can get in touch with Pristyn Care. They are one of the leading healthcare providers in the country and have an unparalleled track record in treating kidney stone patients successfully. Just book your appointment online, consult one of their urologists and receive the best treatment at a Pristyn Care partner hospital near you.

Final Words

Living with kidney stones can make a person quite miserable and full of pain. But fortunately advances in the medical sciences and equipment have made the permanent riddance of kidney stones simpler and faster. So, be proactive for your health and reach out to a urologist now if you identify with the above mentioned signs and symptoms of kidney stones.