1. What is the cause for kidney stones?
Urine is the body's waste product, which helps to get rid of excess minerals and salts. When there is an increase in the amount of these minerals, it results in kidney stones. These stones vary in size, and the symptoms vary based on the size. When stones block the urethra (tubes carrying urine), it causes pain.
2. How can kidney stones be prevented?
Stones can be prevented by:
- Drinking plenty of water
- Avoiding stone-forming and -promoting foodstuffs such as chocolates (sugar), sweet potatoes, spinach, red meat and beets
- Consuming a diet containing whole grains, vegetables, lemon and fruits
3. Is it safe to wait for the kidney stones to pass on their own?
It is safe to wait for the kidney stones to pass on their own in the following situations:
- If the stone size is small (it can pass through the urine, but consult a physician if the stone has not passed even after 1-1.5 months of drinking enough water)
- If you do not experience unbearable pain
- If the stone size is small according to the physician
4. What conditions can lead to formation of kidney stones?
Risk of kidney stones is first signalled by low urine volume, and conditions leading to its formation include:
- Family history
- Bowel-related conditions such as diarrhoea or gastric bypass surgery
- Overactive parathyroid glands
- Overuse of calcium and vitamin D supplements
5. What are the symptoms of kidney stones?
Symptoms of kidney stones include:
- Bloody or dark urine
- Severe pain while urinating along with a feeling of urgency to urinate
- In men, pain at the tip of the penis
- Pain in the back or lower abdomen, which is sharp, and cramping in the form of waves moving lower towards the groin
- Nausea and vomiting sensation