Kidney Stones: Types, Symptoms & Causes

What are kidney stones and why do this occur?

Kidney stones are hard deposits of minerals and acid salts that stick together in concentrated urine. Around one in every ten people get kidney stones at one point in their lives.

Calcium oxalate (high doses of vitamin D, intestinal bypass surgery, and several metabolic disorders), uric acid (lose too much fluid because of chronic diarrhea, eat a high-protein die), struvite (urinary tract infection), and cystine (a hereditary disorder called cystinuria) are the 4 types of kidney stones.

Symptoms

Kidney stones usually do not show any symptoms until they move or pass into the ureters. The symptoms of kidney stones include:

  • Sharp pain in the sides or back (The pain could come in waves)
  • Burning sensation or pain while urinating
  • Pink, red, or brown urine
  • Foul smell urine
  • Vomiting
  • Nausea
  • Fever and chills

Causes

Kidney stones often have no definite, single cause, although several factors may increase your risk. These risks are dehydration, obesity, digestive diseases, surgery, certain diets, medication, or family history.

When to seek immediate medical help?

One needs to make an immediate appointment with a doctor if they experience the symptoms mentioned below:

  • Pain that is very severe, unable to sit or find a comfortable position.
  • Pain along with nausea or vomiting
  • Pain accompanied by fever and chills
  • Blood in your urine
  • Difficulty passing urine