Do you know how to identify kidney stones pain? According to several studies and the Canadian Kidney Foundation, about 10% of Canadian men will have a renal calculus (kidney stones) at least once during their lifetime. This number is at least three times higher in men than women. 

Furthermore, a kidney stone is a health problem with a high recurrence rate. It is estimated at 15% in the first year and 50% in the following 10 years. Besides the risk of a recurrence, stones can also be a sign of other underlying medical conditions, such as:

  • Diabetes
  • Hyperparathyroidism
  • Sarcoidosis
  • Urinary infection
  • Genetic disease

If you think that you have kidney stones, it is of the utmost importance to make sure that the crystals in your kidneys are analyzed, to find out what is the root cause of their formation.

In most cases, the leading cause is dehydration or genetic predisposition. A person who drinks less than 1.5 liter of water a day or whose family has a medical background of kidney stones is much more at risk of developing the condition. So, what to do if you have kidney stones?

Discover everything there is to know about a renal calculus; the causes, symptoms, how to prevent kidney stones, and the treatments. Our healthcare professionals are happy to give you all the information you need to truly understand and deal with this medical condition.

What Are Kidney Stones?

A renal calculus is a health condition that consists of the formation of crystals in the urinary tracts or the kidneys. These mineral deposits can make urinating difficult or increase pressure in the kidneys, often resulting in a sharp pain in the lower back, the sides and extending to the lower belly. This pain can also extend all the way down to the testicles and the groin area, depending on the position of the stone (urinary tract or kidney).

If you were to look at a kidney stone picture, it would look like a small grey, beige, or brownish pebble of varying sizes. Stone size varies from a few millimetres to several centimetres in diameter. 

Kidney Stone Causes and Risk Factors

Most kidney stones result from dehydration or are hereditary. When it is not the case, the main cause is inadequate nutrition. Different types of renal calculi exist, such as calcium stones, which are the most common. Calcium oxalate is the main culprit; you can find it mostly in chocolate and soft drinks like Coca-Cola or Pepsi. You can also find this oxalate in tea leaves, spinach, rhubarb, and beets, but at a lower concentration. 

Another risk factor that increases the risk of stone formation is the overconsumption of salt and proteins. A urinary tract infection can also increase the risk of developing stones.

More than a hundred diseases and risk factors exist, without counting the few mentioned previously.

Who is affected?

Men are three times more likely to develop stones than women, but everybody can be affected. Children and teenagers are less at risk of developing this medical condition.

Kidney Stones Symptoms

Some minerals or crystals are small enough to pass through your urinary tract unnoticed. These stones are so small that they tend to remain asymptomatic, but can still be seen with computed tomography, also called a CT Scan.

The symptoms vary from one person to another and depend on several factors. The main sign is discomfort while urinating and intense pain in the lower back, lower belly, and along the sides. You may also see blood or pus in your urine. The size of the mineral formation is of very little importance when it comes to symptoms. Some smaller kidney stones will cause more pain than bigger ones.

Besides the symptoms mentioned above, here are some signs that are also common for stones: 

  • Sweat and fever (if infected) 
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Pain during urination
  • A sense of urgency (urination)
  • Chronic back pain and infection

How to Get a Kidney Stone Diagnosis?

To get a diagnosis, here are your solutions:

  • Presence of the typical manifestations of renal colic
  • A medical imaging examination such as X-ray, ultrasound, or through the use of a CT-Scanner
  • Blood and urine analysis
  • Mineral analysis if you find a stone

Kidney Stones Treatment and Kidney Stones Pain Relief Solutions

About two-thirds of mineral formations are evacuated normally during urination. It is precisely at this moment that you’ll feel a burning sensation or that you may see blood in your urine.

Treatments for stones are pretty straightforward. The first objective is to relieve the pain associated with the stone, then find a way to pass the crystals. But how to get rid of a kidney stone? Here are a few kidney stone removal techniques to help you manage the pain and free yourself faster.

  • Anti-inflammatory medication and acetaminophen for pain relief
  • Surgical removal or using ultrasound to break the crystals and help them move to the urinary tract
  • Treating other medical conditions such as diabetes, gout, primary hyperparathyroidism, and sarcoidosis
  • A new meal plan that breaks bad habits and includes better water intake and a more balanced diet concerning salt, protein, and calcium. 

Prevention

The main advice to prevent the formation of kidney stones is to drink more than 1.5 liter of water a day. An average adult should generally drink between 10 and 12 glasses of water daily and limit the consumption of other drinks such as Pepsi and Coke. Fruits and vegetables are also an excellent way to decrease the risk of mineral formations in the kidney. Meanwhile, red meats have a lot of proteins, acids, and fats that increase the risk of stones.

Do not hesitate to contact a dietician if you need help with your diet.

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If you have any questions about our medical imaging services, do not hesitate to contact us. Most of the services offered in our medical imaging and radiology clinics are covered by either the RAMQ or your private insurance.