Abdominal Pain and Other Symptoms: Could They Be Caused by Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones, solid masses or crystals made of minerals and salts, can form in the urinary tract. These tiny structures can range from being as small as a poppy seed to filling the entire kidney, which is more than 4 or 5 centimeters in size.
The pain associated with kidney stones arises when the stone gets stuck, usually in the ureter, causing urine to back up into the kidney and it to swell. This can lead to symptoms such as flank pain, which often starts in the flank area, moves to the abdomen and groin area, and may come and go.
Seeing blood in urine can also be a sign of a kidney stone. In some cases, a kidney stone can cause inflammation and be mistaken for a bladder or urinary tract infection. Furthermore, an infected kidney stone can cause fever and chills.
It's essential to seek medical attention if you experience these symptoms, as it can be challenging to diagnose kidney stones on your own and they can often be confused with other pain. A urologist, such as Smita De, MD, PhD, can help explain early warning signs and when to seek treatment for kidney stones.
Kidney stones form in the kidney but can move around and get stuck in the ureter. There are different types of kidney stones, including calcium oxalate, calcium phosphate, uric acid, and struvite. These stones can be caused by several factors like dehydration, diet, medical conditions, medications, or a family history of kidney stones.
To reduce the risk of kidney stones, one can drink plenty of water, eat fruits and vegetables with citrate, limit salt and animal protein, lose weight, and take medication if necessary. By following these guidelines, you can help prevent the formation of kidney stones and maintain a healthy urinary system.
Innovative research is being conducted to develop new treatments for kidney stones. For example, Veronika Magdanz from the University of Waterloo is involved in developing soft robots that dissolve kidney stones by releasing an enzyme to reduce urine acidity at the stone site. This technology could potentially offer a less invasive and more efficient method for treating kidney stones in the future.
In some cases, kidney stones may not cause any symptoms, making them difficult to detect. However, if you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, it's crucial to consult a urologist to navigate the best path forward for preventing and treating kidney stones.
