What Are Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones are hard deposits that form when certain substances in urine become concentrated enough to form crystals and eventually stones.
Some are small enough to pass through the urinary tract without intervention. Others can become lodged in the ureter—the tube connecting a kidney to the bladder—and cause significant pain or obstruct urine flow.
Knowing the symptoms and understanding when kidney stone treatment may be needed can help you respond appropriately.
What Does a Kidney Stone Feel Like?
Kidney stones do not always cause symptoms while they remain in the kidney.
Problems commonly begin when a stone moves into the urinary tract.
Possible symptoms include:
- Sharp pain in the back or side
- Pain extending towards the lower abdomen or groin
- Pain that comes and goes in waves
- Blood in the urine
- Pain or burning during urination
- Frequent urges to urinate
- Passing only small amounts of urine
- Cloudy or unusually strong-smelling urine
- Nausea or vomiting
Symptoms vary depending on the stone’s location and whether it is causing an obstruction.
Why Do Kidney Stones Form?
Urine naturally contains minerals and other substances.
Kidney stones can develop when certain stone-forming substances become sufficiently concentrated to crystallise.
There are different types of stones, and the reasons they form vary.
Factors that may increase the likelihood of kidney stones include:
- Not drinking enough fluid
- Previous kidney stones
- A family history of stones
- Certain dietary patterns
- Some digestive conditions
- Particular metabolic or medical conditions
- Recurrent urinary infections in certain circumstances
- Some medicines
Having had one kidney stone may also increase your likelihood of developing another.
How Are Kidney Stones Diagnosed?
Your doctor will consider your symptoms and medical history.
Tests may then be used to determine whether a stone is present and, importantly, where it is located and how large it is.
Depending on the situation, assessment may involve:
- Urine testing
- Blood testing
- Ultrasound
- CT imaging
- Analysis of a stone that has been passed or removed
Understanding the stone’s size and position helps determine whether it is likely to pass or whether intervention should be considered.
For patients with recurrent stones, further investigation may help identify factors contributing to repeated stone formation.
Kidney Stone Treatment Depends on the Individual Stone
There is no single treatment that is right for every kidney stone.
Smaller Stones
Some smaller stones can pass naturally.
A healthcare professional may recommend appropriate fluid intake and medication to manage symptoms or assist stone passage where clinically suitable.
Follow-up can still be important to confirm that the stone has passed and is no longer causing obstruction.
Stones Requiring Intervention
A larger stone, persistent obstruction, uncontrolled symptoms, infection or other clinical factors may make active treatment necessary.
Treatment can involve breaking a stone into smaller fragments or removing it using a procedure.
Modern urology offers several minimally invasive approaches, but the appropriate procedure depends on the stone’s:
- Size
- Location
- Composition
- Effect on urine drainage
Your general health and individual anatomy are also considered.
Can You Prevent Kidney Stones?
Not every kidney stone can be prevented, but certain measures may reduce risk.
Stay Appropriately Hydrated
Adequate fluid intake is one of the most important components of kidney stone prevention.
Water is generally the preferred fluid.
However, there is no single ideal amount for every person. Your needs can vary according to climate, physical activity, medical conditions and previous stone history.
This is particularly relevant in South Africa’s hotter regions, where fluid losses through sweating can increase.
Understand What Type of Stone You Have
Different stones can require different dietary recommendations.
Depending on the stone type, a healthcare professional may discuss factors such as sodium, animal protein, calcium or oxalate intake.
Do not drastically eliminate calcium or other nutrients simply because you have heard they cause stones. Dietary recommendations should be appropriate for the type of stone and your overall nutritional needs.
Follow Up After Repeated Stones
If you repeatedly develop kidney stones, identifying why may allow your healthcare team to recommend more personalised preventive measures.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Kidney stone symptoms should be assessed, particularly when the pain is significant or persistent.
Seek urgent medical attention if severe stone-like pain occurs together with:
- Fever or chills
- Persistent vomiting
- Difficulty or inability to urinate
- Significant weakness or illness
- Other concerning symptoms
A stone that obstructs urinary drainage in the presence of infection can require urgent medical treatment.
Blood in the urine should also be appropriately investigated because kidney stones are only one of several possible causes.
Don’t Assume Every Back Pain Is a Kidney Stone
Kidney stones can produce characteristic pain, but pain in the back, side or abdomen can have many causes.
Likewise, having experienced a kidney stone before does not mean every future episode of pain is another stone.
Appropriate assessment helps establish the diagnosis and determines whether observation or kidney stone treatment is required.
Book a Consultation with Kalahari Urology
If you are experiencing urinary symptoms or have concerns about your urological health, consider arranging a consultation with Dr Wela Vabaza at Kalahari Urology for specialist assessment and guidance.
Kalahari Urology | Dr Wela Vabaza
Tel: +27 65 076 6455
Email: Reception@kalahariurology.co.za
Practice Number: PR 1255703
Website: kalahari-urology.co.za