Kidney Stones (Renal Calculi) in Singapore l Nuffield Kidney & Dialysis
What Are Kidney Stones (Renal Calculi)?
Kidney stones are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. Medically known as “nephrolithiasis”, they can range in size—from as small as a grain of sand to as large as a pea. In Singapore, 1 in 10 people will develop kidney stones in their lifetime. If you’ve ever experienced sudden, severe pain in your back or side, it’s possible that kidney stones are to blame. Seek medical help immediately before the pain worsens.
What are the First Sign of Kidney Stones?
The initial signs of kidney stones often include several symptoms that can vary in intensity as the condition progresses. Here are the signs to look out for:
Pain in the Abdomen or Back :
You might feel pain in your belly area or on the side of your back.
Pain Radiating to the Groin :
The pain may also move to the groin area, and in men, it can extend to the testicles, while in women, it may affect the labia.
Changes in Urine :
This includes abnormal urine colour, presence of blood in the urine, or urine that looks cloudy and smells bad.
Urinary Symptoms :
These can include a persistent urge to urinate, painful urination, and difficulty passing urine.
Nausea and Vomiting :
Often accompanying the pain are nausea and sometimes vomiting.
Fever and Chills :
These symptoms suggest an infection may also be present.
These signs typically become more noticeable when the stone moves within the kidney or travels down the urinary tract, causing discomfort or pain that can be quite severe. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical evaluation to properly diagnose and manage the condition.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Infections that can occur in any part of the urinary system, often leading to discomfort and the urge to urinate frequently.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): The gradual loss of kidney function over time, which can lead to the buildup of waste products in the body.
Glomerulonephritis: An inflammation of the nephrons in the kidneys, which can affect the kidneys’ ability to filter waste and fluids effectively.
Understanding the kidney system’s functions and being aware of common kidney issues are crucial steps in maintaining kidney health and overall well-being. If you experience symptoms or have concerns about your kidney health, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
How Do Kidney Stones Form?
Urine contains various waste products. If there’s a high concentration of waste in a small amount of liquid, crystals start to form. These crystals can clump together to create a solid mass that grows unless it is expelled in the urine. Normally, the kidney, acting as the body’s filter, removes these substances in the urine. For most people, drinking plenty of fluids helps flush them out, or certain chemicals in the urine prevent stone formation. The substances that can form stones include calcium, oxalate, urate, cystine, xanthine, and phosphate.
Once formed, a stone might stay in the kidney or move down into the ureter. Small stones often pass through the urine without much pain. However, stones that do not pass can block the flow of urine, causing pain by backing up urine in the kidney, ureter, bladder, or urethra.
The urinary system consists of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra, all working together to remove waste from your body. When the kidneys filter blood, they create urine, which travels through the ureters to the bladder and is eventually expelled through the urethra.
Kidney stones form when minerals and salts in the urine crystallise and stick together. The measurement and significance of calcium levels in urine are crucial for diagnosing and managing kidney stones as they often indicate how likely individuals are to develop these stones. If not managed, these stones can block parts of the urinary system, causing pain and other complications.
The specific interaction between calcium and uric acid in the context of kidney stone formation is primarily related to their solubility and precipitation. High levels of uric acid can decrease the pH of urine, making it more acidic. This acidic environment can reduce the solubility of calcium, causing calcium salts to precipitate and form stones. Additionally, uric acid can directly contribute to the formation of calcium oxalate stones by providing a surface for calcium oxalate crystallisation. This process is particularly critical because calcium oxalate stones are the most common type of kidney stones. Thus, managing levels of both calcium and uric acid in the urine is key to preventing stone formation.
Overall, maintaining kidney health through proper hydration, diet, and medical care is essential in preventing kidney stones and ensuring the urinary system functions properly.
Kidney Stones Symptoms
When it comes to kidney stones, early detection and treatment can alleviate pain and prevent complications. A trip to the doctor’s may be due if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Severe Pain: Often felt in the side, back (lower back), or below the ribs. This sharp pain may also radiate to the lower belly or groin area.
- Pain That Comes in Waves and Fluctuates in Intensity: Kidney stone pain often intensifies and fades as the stone moves through the urinary tract.
- Pain at the Tip of the Penis: As the stones travel through the urinary tract. The stone irritates the ureter and bladder, leading to referred pain in the penis during urination or while passing the stone.
- Constant Urge to Urinate: Feeling a persistent need to urinate even if you pass little to no urine.
- Pain While Urinating: Experiencing pain or a burning sensation while urinating.
- Blood in Urine (Hematuria): This may cause urine to appear pink, red, or brown.
- Stomachache: Persistent stomachache that does not go away.
- Nausea & Vomiting:Common due to the intense pain.
- Fever and Chills:Typically indicative of an infection that may require prompt medical intervention. This may occur when stones lead to urinary tract infections (UTIs).
- Cloudy or Foul-Smelling Urine: Often indicates an infection or the presence of stones.
Types of Kidney Stones
Calcium Oxalate Stones (80% of Stones) :
The most common type, formed when calcium combines with oxalate in the urine. This combination can occur more frequently if the body is dehydrated or if your diet includes high levels of oxalate-rich foods.
Uric Acid Stones (5-10% of Stones) :
These stones develop when the urine is excessively acidic, often resulting from a diet high in protein, such as red meat and fish, which increases uric acid levels.
Struvite Stones (10% of Stones) :
Typically resulting from urinary tract infections, these stones can grow quickly and without much warning, often becoming quite large.
Cystine Stones (Less than 1% of Stones) :
These are rare and occur in people with a hereditary disorder that causes the kidneys to excrete too much of certain amino acids (cystinuria).
Xanthine Stones (Less than 1% of Stones) :
These rare stones form when the body can't break down a substance called xanthine properly, leading to its buildup in the urine. Xanthine is a substance found in the body that is produced when purines, natural compounds found in many foods, are broken down.
Silica Stones (Less than 1% of Stones) :
These uncommon stones can form from taking certain medications or supplements that contain silica, a natural mineral made up of silicon and oxygen.
Kidney Stones Causes
Kidney stones are influenced by lifestyle, diet, and certain medical conditions. Factors contributing to their formation include:
- Family or Personal History: A personal or family history of kidney stones can increase your risk.
- Dietary Habits: High intakes of salt, sugar, and protein, as well as foods rich in oxalate like spinach, beets, and nuts, can elevate your risk.
- Weight:Excess body weight can increase pressure on the kidneys, making stone formation more likely.
- Gender: Men are more likely to develop kidney stones than women, possibly due to differences in anatomy and dietary habits.
- Digestive Diseases: Such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or chronic diarrhoea can alter digestion and nutrient absorption, increasing oxalate excretion in urine and promoting kidney stone formation.
- Medical Conditions: Issues such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), renal tubular acidosis (where kidneys fail to properly excrete acid into urine), polycystic kidney disease (where clusters of cysts develop in the kidneys), and diabetes (which can alter urine composition) can promote stones.
- Genetic Conditions: Inherited disorders like primary hyperoxaluria (PH1) (body’s ability to process oxalate is disrupted) and cystinuria can lead to the formation of kidney stones due to abnormal production and excretion of certain substances in the urine.
- Genetic Conditions: Inherited disorders like primary hyperoxaluria (PH1) (body’s ability to process oxalate is disrupted) and cystinuria can lead to the formation of kidney stones due to abnormal production and excretion of certain substances in the urine.
- Job That Exposes You to High Heat: Working in high-temperature environments can lead to dehydration, resulting in concentrated urine that increases the risk of kidney stone formation.
- Medications & Supplements:Some medications and supplements, including high doses of vitamin C and calcium, might increase your likelihood of developing stones.
- Urine Composition: High levels of calcium, oxalate, uric acid, and cystine in urine can lead to the supersaturation and crystallisation of these minerals in the kidneys.
- Fluid Intake: Insufficient water consumption leads to concentrated urine, which facilitates stone formation.
- Gastric Surgery: Past gastric surgeries can affect nutrient absorption and increase kidney stone risk.
- Holding Your Pee:Delaying urination can cause urine to become more concentrated, increasing the risk of mineral crystallisation and kidney stone formation.
Managing these risk factors through lifestyle and dietary adjustments is crucial for preventing kidney stones.
Kidney Stones Treatments
The type of treatment depends on:
- The stone’s size
- The stone’s type
- The stone’s location
- Whether the stone is causing pain
Treatment options include:
Conservative Management: Includes pain relief and encouraging fluid intake to help pass the stone naturally.
Medical Therapy:
Alpha-Blockers: Medications like tamsulosin and alfuzosin relax the muscles in the ureter, making it easier for the stones to pass through the urinary tract.
Calcium Channel Blockers: Drugs such as nifedipine can also be used to facilitate the passage of stones by relaxing the ureter muscles.
Pain Relief: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, are often prescribed to manage the pain associated with kidney stones.
Allopurinol: Used primarily for uric acid stones, this medication reduces uric acid levels in the blood and urine, preventing the formation of new stones.
Potassium Citrate: This is used to decrease the acidity of urine, which helps in preventing the formation of uric acid and cystine stones.
Diuretics: Thiazide diuretics, like hydrochlorothiazide, can reduce calcium in the urine, helping prevent calcium stones.
Surgical Treatments:
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL): Focuses shock waves on the stone to break it into smaller pieces that can be passed more easily. It’s effective for stones located in the kidney or upper ureter and is typically used for stones 10mm or smaller.
Ureteroscopy: This procedure involves inserting a thin scope through the bladder into the ureter or kidney where the stone is located. A laser is then used to break the stone into small pieces which are either removed with the scope or passed later in the urine. This method is suitable for stones that are larger or located in the lower part of the ureter.
Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL): Also known as “tunnel surgery”. Recommended for larger stones (typically over 20mm), this surgical method involves making a small incision in the back and inserting a nephroscope to remove the stone directly. It’s highly effective for large stones and offers a high success rate.
Parathyroid Gland Surgery: This surgical procedure involves the removal or correction of parathyroid glands to treat conditions like hyperparathyroidism, which affects calcium levels in the body. It’s typically performed when other treatments are ineffective.
Laparoscopic Stone Removal: For exceptionally large stones or complicated cases, laparoscopic techniques can be used. This involves small incisions and the use of miniature cameras and instruments to remove the stones, offering a minimally invasive option with a quicker recovery time compared to open surgery.
Follow-Up Care: Post-surgical follow-up is crucial to monitor for any complications, assess kidney function, and prevent recurrence of stones with dietary management and medications if necessary.
It’s important to discuss these options with your healthcare provider to choose the best method based on your specific health needs.
Why do Doctors Examine the Contents of Kidney Stones?
Doctors examine kidney stones to determine their type and cause, which helps in preventing future stones. The most common type is the calcium oxalate stone. Although calcium is essential for a healthy diet, the kidneys usually filter out any excess. However, in some people, this excess calcium combines with oxalate, leading to stone formation.
Other, less common types of stones include struvite stones, which are linked to infections and consist of magnesium and ammonia. Uric acid stones, often related to obesity and diet, form from monosodium urate crystals. The rarest type, cystine stones, are genetic and recur within families. Understanding the composition of these stones can guide dietary and medical treatment to reduce the risk of recurrence.
Stages of Passing a Kidney Stone
Stage 1 :
After a kidney stone forms, you may feel spasms as your kidneys try to push it out. This can cause severe back or side pain that comes and goes in waves.
Stage 2 :
The stone moves into the ureter, the tube connecting the kidneys to the bladder. Depending on its size, this stage can also cause pain and pressure.
Stage 3 :
As the stone reaches the bladder, most pain diminishes. You may feel increased bladder pressure and need to urinate more often. Sometimes, the stone may briefly block the urethra opening.
Stage 4 :
The stone moves into the urethra. Passing the stone with urine through the urethra requires exerting pressure to expel it.
Kidney Stones Diagnosis
Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment and involves:
- Physical Exam: Your doctor will check for pain in the abdomen or back.
- Urine Tests:To detect crystals, bacteria, or blood that indicate stones. Your doctor may test your urine to understand the different kinds of substances that are in your urine, such as uric acid, cystine, oxalate, and calcium. This can help your healthcare team understand what medicines to give you and what you can do to prevent future stones.
- 24-Hour Urine Test: You may be asked to collect your urine for 24 hours. This test allows your doctor to check for crystal-forming substances, your creatinine level, and the pH of your urine. You’ll likely be prescribed a kit with a large container and a plastic cup. It’s important to follow specific instructions from your doctor, including how to store the urine and dietary restrictions during the collection period.
- Blood Tests:These can reveal biochemical problems that may lead to stone formation. Similar to a urine test, your doctor may test your blood to see what substances related to stones are in your body. Elevated levels of some substances in your blood may mean elevated levels in your urine.
- Imaging Tests:
- Ultrasoundsare commonly used as a non-invasive method to detect kidney stones.
- CT Scans:The gold standard for diagnosing kidney stones is a CT scan, which provides detailed images that help pinpoint the stone’s exact location, size, and density. This precision is crucial for determining the best treatment approach, particularly for stones that may require surgical intervention.
- X-rays:While less detailed, abdominal x-rays are sometimes used to track the progress of the stone through the urinary tract.
- Genetic Tests:Some kidney stones can be caused by genetic diseases passed down from parent to child. These include diseases such as primary hyperoxaluria and cystinuria. If you form stones at a young age, have a history of recurring stones, or have a specific kind of stone, your doctor may recommend a genetic test.
- Stone Analysis:Your doctor may ask you to “catch” your passed kidney stones by urinating through a strainer. This allows doctors to examine your kidney stones and determine their type, which can help guide treatment and prevent future stones.
Kidney Stones Risks
Infections :
If stones block the urinary tract, it can lead to serious infections.
Urinary Problems:
Difficulty urinating or frequent urination can occur.
Chronic Kidney Disease:
Ongoing issues with kidney stones can lead to a decrease in kidney function over time.
Recurrent Stones :
Having stones once increases the risk of developing them again.
Bleeding :
There can be bleeding during or after the procedure, which may require further treatment.
Injury to Surrounding Organs :
Nearby organs, such as the bladder or intestines, can be inadvertently damaged during surgery.
Incomplete Stone Removal :
Some fragments of the kidney stone may remain, necessitating additional procedures.
Ureteral Injury :
The ureter can be injured, leading to strictures (narrowing) or leakage.
It’s essential to manage hydration and consult a healthcare professional if you experience any of these symptoms. Nuffield Kidney & Dialysis take every precaution to minimise these risks.
Kidney Stones Complications
- Severe Pain and Infection: If stones block the urinary pathway, it can lead to pain and increase the risk of urinary infections.
- Obstruction: A large stone can obstruct the flow of urine, causing swelling and severe pain.
- Acute Kidney Injury: Obstructions can result in a reversible type of kidney failure, known as acute kidney injury.
- Frequent UTIs:Stones can lead to recurrent urinary tract infections.
- Chronic Kidney Disease: Persistent issues with kidney stones may contribute to the development of chronic kidney disease.
- Interfere With Natural Birth: Can complicate pregnancy by increasing the risk of infections and potentially complicating the process of natural childbirth.
Prompt treatment is essential to manage symptoms and prevent these complications from becoming more serious.
Kidney Stones Treatment Cost in Singapore
Costs for kidney stone treatment can vary widely based on the treatment type and healthcare setting:
- Conservative Management: SGD 50 to SGD 100.
- Medical Therapy: SGD 200 to SGD 500
- Shockwave Lithotripsy: Usually costs between SGD 3,000 and SGD 8,000 per session.
- Ureteroscopy:Can cost between SGD 3,000 and SGD 9,000.
- Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL): Generally the most costly treatment, particularly in private healthcare settings.
Are There Subsidies for Kidney Stones Treatment in Singapore?
Financial aids are available to manage the costs associated with treatment:
- Government Assistance:Available at public hospitals, depending on the ward class chosen.
- Medisave: This national medical savings scheme helps cover treatment costs.
- Health Insurance: Coverage details vary, so it’s best to check with your insurance provider.
Why Should You Choose Nuffield for Kidney Stones Treatment?
Choosing Nuffield for your kidney stones treatment offers numerous benefits tailored specifically to meet your healthcare needs. Here’s why Nuffield might be the right choice for you:
Experienced Specialists:
At Nuffield, you will be cared for by highly trained renal specialists like Dr. Behram Khan, a Senior Consultant Nephrologist with over 25 years of experience. We use the latest techniques to ensure you receive the highest standard of care.
Comprehensive Kidney Care:
You have access to a wide range of services from routine health assessments to advanced treatments for complex conditions such as end-stage kidney failure. Whether you need dialysis or are preparing for a kidney transplant, Nuffield provides the comprehensive care you need.
Holistic and Personalised Care:
Nuffield’s approach to care goes beyond treating your immediate medical issues. We focus on your overall well-being, offering personalised care plans that include dietary advice, lifestyle modifications, and regular monitoring. This holistic approach is designed to enhance your quality of life and prevent future health issues.
Supportive and Nurturing Environment:
Nuffield is committed to making your treatment experience as comfortable as possible. We understand the challenges you face and are dedicated to supporting you with expert care and empathy every step of the way.
Why Are Men More Prone to Kidney Stones?
Key risk factors for men include:
- Sex Hormones: Testosterone increases substances like oxalate and calcium, common in kidney stones.
- Diet: Diets high in animal protein, potassium, sodium, and vitamins C and D contribute to stone formation.
- Genetics: Kidney stones are more commonly inherited among men, especially evident in twin studies.
- Blood Pressure:High blood pressure, especially in hypotensive men (men who have chronic low blood pressure), doubles the risk of kidney stones.
Kidney Stones in Men vs Women
Although kidney stones can present in both men and women, the frequency and type of presentation is different between genders. Here’s a comparison table for your reference:
| Aspect | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| Prevalence | Higher prevalence overall (11%). | Lower prevalence compared to men (6%). |
| Common Age | Commonly developed between ages 30 and 50.. | Typically develop stones later in life, after age 50. |
| Type of Stones | More likely to develop uric acid stones. | More likely to develop calcium oxalate stones. |
| Symptoms | Similar symptoms; may have more pronounced pain. | Symptoms can be less specific, sometimes milder. |
| Risk Factors | Higher fluid intake required to prevent stones. | Higher risk associated with pregnancy and menopause. |
| Recurrence Rate | Higher recurrence rate. | Lower recurrence rate compared to men. |
When are Kidney Stones an Emergency?
Kidney stones require urgent medical care if you encounter the following symptoms:
- Intense pain that prevents you from sitting still or finding a comfortable position
- Pain along with nausea and vomiting.
- Pain accompanied by fever (39 degrees or higher) and chills
- Presence of blood in your urine
- Trouble urinating
While kidney stones are typically not life-threatening and may pass out of your body on their own, it’s always better to be safe than sorry – see a doctor for an assessment.
Preventing Kidney Stones
Maintaining proper hydration and making dietary adjustments are key:
- Hydration: YAim to keep your urine light yellow to clear. Drink over 12 glasses of water daily, especially if you’re active or it’s hot. Avoid beverages high in sugar like sodas and some sports drinks.
- Diet:Increase fruits and vegetables to make your urine less acidic, which can help prevent stone formation. Reduce animal proteins and salt, which increase urine acidity and stone risk. Foods like salty chips, canned soups, and sandwich meats are high in salt and should be limited.
- Calcium Intake: Contrary to some beliefs, dietary calcium (found in dairy) helps prevent stones by binding with oxalate before it reaches the kidneys. Avoid high-protein weight loss diets and ensure a balanced diet. Consult a registered dietitian for personalised advice.
- Vitamin C Intake:While Vitamin C is essential for health, excessive intake through supplements might increase the production of oxalate in your body. Although there is no conclusive evidence that Vitamin C directly causes kidney stones, individuals at risk should consult their healthcare provider about appropriate levels of Vitamin C intake.
- Weight Management Achieve and maintain a healthy weight to reduce stone risk.
- Prescriptions:If dietary changes are insufficient, your doctor might prescribe medications to help prevent kidney stones, depending on the stone type. For example, for uric acid stones, your doctor might recommend allopurinol (Zyloprim, Aloprim) to lower uric acid levels in both your blood and urine, along with a medication to maintain alkaline urine conditions.
- Herbal Remedies: Be cautious as there is limited evidence supporting the effectiveness of herbs and supplements in preventing stones.
- Regularly consult with your healthcare provider or a dietitian who understands your medical history to tailor prevention strategies. Questions to discuss might include:
- What foods could increase my risk of kidney stones?
- Should I take vitamin or mineral supplements?
- Which beverages are best for my health?
Always consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best approach based on your specific circumstances and health condition.
FAQs
1. What Does it Feel Like to Have a Kidney Stone?
Kidney stones usually don’t cause pain when they’re still in the kidney. But if they move into the ureter, you might feel pain in your back below your ribs. The pain can change as the stone moves.
2. I Think I Have a Kidney Stone. What Should I Do?
If you suspect a kidney stone, drink plenty of water and seek medical advice. Pain relief may be necessary if discomfort is severe.
3. Can Kidney Stones Cause Kidney Disease?
Yes, kidney stones can cause kidney disease. If untreated, they can lead to infections, block urine flow, and damage the kidneys, potentially resulting in chronic kidney disease.
4. Do All Kidney Stones Cause Pain?
No, kidney stones in the kidney often don’t hurt. Pain happens when a stone blocks urine flow.
5. Can Children Get Kidney Stones?
Yes, children can get kidney stones. Though less common than in adults, the number of cases in children is rising. Causes include diet, genetics, and medical conditions that affect the body’s handling of minerals.
6. How Big are Kidney Stones?
- Small kidney stones: These can be as tiny as a grain of sand or smaller, typically measuring up to 4 mm in diameter.
- Large kidney stones:These can grow to several centimetres in diameter, ranging from 5 mm up to more than 1 cm in size.
7. Can Kidney Stones Go Away On Their Own?
Yes, kidney stones can often pass on their own, especially if they are small. Drinking plenty of fluids helps move them through the urinary tract and out of the body.
8. How Long Does it Take to Pass Kidney Stones?
The time it takes to pass kidney stones can vary widely, typically ranging from a few days to several weeks. Small stones may pass on their own within a few days, while larger stones might require weeks and potentially medical intervention to help them pass.
9. Can Kidney Stones be Dissolved?
Medications can help with symptoms but don’t dissolve the stone. The main focus of treatment is pain relief and removing the stone.
10. Can Drinking Bubble Tea Give You Kidney Stones?
Regularly consuming large amounts of bubble tea, especially several times a week, can increase the risk of kidney stones due to its high sugar and oxalate levels. Moderation is key.
11. What is the Difference Between Kidney Stones and Gallstones?
- Location: Kidney stones form in the kidneys; gallstones develop in the gallbladder.
- Composition: Kidney stones are made from chemicals in urine like calcium oxalate; gallstones consist of cholesterol or bilirubin (a yellow pigment produced during red blood cell breakdown).
- Symptoms: Kidney stones cause pain during urination; gallstones lead to digestive issues and jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes due to high bilirubin levels).
12. Medical References
Fontenelle, Leonardo Ferreira, and Thiago Dias Sarti. “Kidney Stones: Treatment and Prevention.” AAFP, 15 Apr. 2019, www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2019/0415/p490.html.
Sorensen, Mathew D., et al. “Removal of Small, Asymptomatic Kidney Stones and Incidence of Relapse.” New England Journal of Medicine/the New England Journal of Medicine, vol. 387, no. 6, Aug. 2022, pp. 506–13, doi:10.1056/nejmoa2204253.
Stamatelou, Kyriaki, and David S. Goldfarb. “Epidemiology of Kidney Stones.” Healthcare, vol. 11, no. 3, Feb. 2023, p. 424, doi:10.3390/healthcare11030424.
1. What Does it Feel Like to Have a Kidney Stone?
Kidney stones usually don’t cause pain when they’re still in the kidney. But if they move into the ureter, you might feel pain in your back below your ribs. The pain can change as the stone moves.
2. I Think I Have a Kidney Stone. What Should I Do?
If you suspect a kidney stone, drink plenty of water and seek medical advice. Pain relief may be necessary if discomfort is severe.
3. Can Kidney Stones Cause Kidney Disease?
Yes, kidney stones can cause kidney disease. If untreated, they can lead to infections, block urine flow, and damage the kidneys, potentially resulting in chronic kidney disease.
4. Do All Kidney Stones Cause Pain?
No, kidney stones in the kidney often don’t hurt. Pain happens when a stone blocks urine flow.
5. Can Children Get Kidney Stones?
Yes, children can get kidney stones. Though less common than in adults, the number of cases in children is rising. Causes include diet, genetics, and medical conditions that affect the body’s handling of minerals.
6. How Big are Kidney Stones?
- Small kidney stones: These can be as tiny as a grain of sand or smaller, typically measuring up to 4 mm in diameter.
- Large kidney stones:These can grow to several centimetres in diameter, ranging from 5 mm up to more than 1 cm in size.
7. Can Kidney Stones Go Away On Their Own?
Yes, kidney stones can often pass on their own, especially if they are small. Drinking plenty of fluids helps move them through the urinary tract and out of the body.
8. How Long Does it Take to Pass Kidney Stones?
The time it takes to pass kidney stones can vary widely, typically ranging from a few days to several weeks. Small stones may pass on their own within a few days, while larger stones might require weeks and potentially medical intervention to help them pass.
9. Can Kidney Stones be Dissolved?
Medications can help with symptoms but don’t dissolve the stone. The main focus of treatment is pain relief and removing the stone.
10. Can Drinking Bubble Tea Give You Kidney Stones?
Regularly consuming large amounts of bubble tea, especially several times a week, can increase the risk of kidney stones due to its high sugar and oxalate levels. Moderation is key.
11. What is the Difference Between Kidney Stones and Gallstones?
- Location: Kidney stones form in the kidneys; gallstones develop in the gallbladder.
- Composition: Kidney stones are made from chemicals in urine like calcium oxalate; gallstones consist of cholesterol or bilirubin (a yellow pigment produced during red blood cell breakdown).
- Symptoms: Kidney stones cause pain during urination; gallstones lead to digestive issues and jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes due to high bilirubin levels).
Medical References
Fontenelle, Leonardo Ferreira, and Thiago Dias Sarti. “Kidney Stones: Treatment and Prevention.” AAFP, 15 Apr. 2019, www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2019/0415/p490.html.
Sorensen, Mathew D., et al. “Removal of Small, Asymptomatic Kidney Stones and Incidence of Relapse.” New England Journal of Medicine/the New England Journal of Medicine, vol. 387, no. 6, Aug. 2022, pp. 506–13, doi:10.1056/nejmoa2204253.
Stamatelou, Kyriaki, and David S. Goldfarb. “Epidemiology of Kidney Stones.” Healthcare, vol.11, no.3,Feb.2023, p. 424, doi:10.3390/healthcare11030424.