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Kidney stones are formed when salts and minerals, which occur naturally in urine, solidify into solid masses.
Normally, they are very small and pass out of the body without being noticed. However sometimes they can build up into large masses in the kidney and move down to the ureter, the narrow tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder.
If the stone moves into the ureter, it can cause a great deal of pain and discomfort. Kidney stones are fairly common, affecting approximately three in 20 men and one in 20 women in the UK.
What are the symptoms of kidney stones?
Often, when stones are located in the kidneys, there are no symptoms and it is only when they travel down into the more constricted space of the ureter that pain develops. Pain tends to develop in the kidney if the stone becomes large enough to block the flow of urine. Symptoms caused by kidney stones may be the following:
- Severe, sudden pain from the loin to the groin.
- Feeling sick and possibly vomiting.
- Bloody or cloudy urine.
- Burning sensation when urinating.
The pain caused by kidney stones can be very severe and has been described as being worse than childbirth. This pain is known as ‘renal colic’. If stones are left untreated, they can cause serious damage to the kidney and infection, so it is important to seek medical help if you are experiencing these symptoms.
Types of kidney stones
Calcium stones
Calcium stones are the most common type of kidney stone and are made from calcium and phosphate, or calcium and oxalate.
Struvite, or infection stones
These contain magnesium and ammonia, can be horn-shaped and quite large.
Uric acid stones
Uric acid stones are usually smooth, brown and tend to affect people who eat a diet which is high in protein.
Cystine stones
Cystine stones are often yellow and resemble crystals rather than stones.
Kidney stones vary widely in shape and size. Some resemble grains of rice while, in rare cases, others can grow to the size of a tennis ball.
Causes of kidney stones
There are a number of factors which place some people at an increased risk of developing kidney stones because they are unable to break down the minerals and salt in the kidneys:
For 20 per cent of people who develop kidney stones, the primary cause is genetic. They lack the inhibitors which break down salts and minerals, stopping them from massing together and solidifying.
Dehydration is a major factor and kidney stones are more common in hot weather.
People aged 20 to 40 are most commonly affected and twice as many men as women develop kidney stones.
Stress is a factor in the development of kidney stones and is often combined with dehydration, because people with busy lifestyles often do not drink enough fluid.
A high protein diet can increase the risk of uric acid stones.
A diet high in oxalates such as tea, spinach, chocolates and nuts can lead to an increased risk.
Diagnosis of kidney stones
You will be asked about your symptoms and diet. A diagnosis will need to establish the exact size, location and type of kidney stone you have. The investigations to obtain a diagnosis can usually be done quickly during the first visit.
Assessments include:
- Blood tests to check on kidney function and to show whether you have high levels of certain chemicals linked to kidney stones.
- Urine test to check for infection.
- X-rays – stones containing uric stones are usually not seen on x-rays.
- Ultrasound scan.
- Injection of a special dye which shows up on x-ray.
- CT scan – no injection is involved and it only takes two minutes
Treatment of kidney stones
Harley Street Urology can provide several methods for treating kidney stones:
- Non-surgical treatment.
- Lithotripsy.
- Ureterorenoscopy.
- Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL).
▸ Read more about our range of kidney stones treatments