Renal Stone / kidney Stone / কিডনিতে পাথর

A renal stone, also known as a kidney stone, is a solid mass that forms in the kidneys from substances found in urine. Kidney stones are one of the most common and painful urological conditions. They can vary in size, ranging from a small grain of sand to a large stone that can fill up the entire kidney. Stones can form when urine becomes concentrated, allowing minerals and salts to crystallize and stick together.

Types of Kidney Stones

There are several different types of kidney stones, classified based on their composition:

⦁ Calcium Stones (most common):

⦁ These are made up of calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate.

⦁ Calcium oxalate stones are the most common type and form when there is too much calcium or oxalate in the urine.

⦁ Factors like high dietary calcium, low fluid intake, and high oxalate foods (e.g., spinach, nuts, chocolate) can contribute to calcium stones.

⦁ Uric Acid Stones:

⦁ These form when there is too much uric acid in the urine. Uric acid is produced when the body breaks down purines, which are found in certain foods like red meat, shellfish, and alcohol.

⦁ People with conditions like gout, obesity, or those undergoing chemotherapy are at higher risk for uric acid stones.

⦁ Struvite Stones:

⦁ Also known as infection stones, these are often the result of urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by bacteria that produce ammonia. The ammonia in the urine leads to the formation of these stones.

⦁ Struvite stones are more common in women due to their higher incidence of UTIs.

⦁ Cystine Stones:

⦁ These form in people with a genetic disorder called cystinuria, which causes the amino acid cysteine to leak into the urine. The cysteine can crystallize and form stones.

⦁ Cystine stones are rare but can be quite large and difficult to treat.

Causes and Risk Factors of Kidney Stones

Kidney stones form when there is an imbalance in the substances that make up urine, leading to the crystallization of minerals. The following factors can increase the risk of developing kidney stones:

⦁ Dehydration: Not drinking enough fluids can cause the urine to become concentrated, making it easier for crystals to form.

⦁ Diet:

⦁ High calcium intake from supplements (not food) may contribute to calcium stone formation in some people.

⦁ Excessive salt and animal protein (especially red meat) can increase calcium and uric acid levels in urine, promoting stone formation.

⦁ High oxalate foods (e.g., spinach, beets, and nuts) can increase the risk of calcium oxalate stones.

⦁ Obesity: Obesity can alter the acid-base balance in the urine, leading to a higher risk of stone formation, especially uric acid stones.

⦁ Certain Medical Conditions:

⦁ Hypercalciuria (high calcium levels in urine), hyperparathyroidism, and other metabolic disorders can increase the likelihood of forming calcium-based stones.

⦁ Gout: Increases the production of uric acid, leading to uric acid stone formation.

⦁ Crohn’s disease or other malabsorption conditions can lead to changes in the absorption of oxalates, increasing the risk of calcium oxalate stones.

⦁ Cystinuria: A genetic disorder that causes an increased concentration of cysteine in the urine.

⦁ Medications: Certain drugs, such as diuretics, calcium-based antacids, and chemotherapy medications, can increase the risk of kidney stones.

⦁ Family History: A family history of kidney stones increases the likelihood of developing them.

⦁ Age and Gender: Kidney stones are more common in men than women and typically develop in people between the ages of 20 and 50.

⦁ Geography: People living in hot climates are at higher risk of kidney stones due to dehydration and increased sweating.

Symptoms of Kidney Stones

The symptoms of kidney stones can vary depending on the size of the stone, its location, and whether it is moving through the urinary tract. Common symptoms include:

⦁ Severe Pain: This is often described as one of the most intense pains a person can experience. The pain usually occurs in the back or side, below the ribs, and can radiate toward the groin or abdomen. The pain may come in waves (colicky pain), and it often worsens as the stone moves through the urinary tract.

⦁ Hematuria (Blood in Urine): Stones can cause irritation and small tears in the urinary tract, leading to blood in the urine. The urine may appear pink, red, or brown.

⦁ Frequent Urination: A feeling of urgency or needing to urinate frequently, especially if the stone is in the lower urinary tract or bladder.

⦁ Painful Urination: When a stone passes into the ureter or bladder, it may cause burning or pain during urination.

⦁ Nausea and Vomiting: Due to the intense pain, some people may experience nausea or vomiting, especially when the stone is moving through the urinary tract.

⦁ Cloudy or Foul-Smelling Urine: This may indicate an infection, which can occur when stones block the flow of urine.

⦁ Fever and Chills: If a kidney stone causes an infection or urinary obstruction, it may lead to a fever, chills, and other symptoms of infection.