NEPHROLITHIASIS

TYPES

Knowing what type of nephrolithiasis you have helps determine its cause and might provide signs of reducing your chances of getting more stones. Moreover, the common kinds of kidney stones are:

• Struvite stones
• Calcium stones
• Uric acid stones
• Cystine stones

SYMPTOMS

Nephrolithiasis often does not cause any signs and symptoms until it goes around your kidney or moves to your ureters, or the small tubes that connect the bladder and kidneys.

If it becomes stuck in the ureters, it might plug the urine flow and lead the kidney to inflame and the ureter to cramp, which can be very tender and painful. At that time, you may feel these symptoms:

• Intense, sharp pain in the back and side, beneath the ribs
• Burning sensation or pain while urinating
• Mild to severe pain that spread out to the lower abdomen

Other symptoms include:

• Bad smell or cloud urine
• Red, pink, brown urine
• Vomiting or nausea
• Urinating more than normal or less
• Chills and fever if there’s an infection

If you experience severe symptoms of kidney stones, seek immediate medical attention.

DIAGNOSIS

To diagnose nephrolithiasis, the doctor performs a physical exam and asks you about your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle.

If the doctor thinks that you have symptoms of nephrolithiasis, he/she may request the following tests:

• Urine testing
• Blood testing
• Imaging to see kidney stones
• Lab analysis of passed kidney stones

TREATMENT

The treatment for nephrolithiasis differs, depending on the cause and type of stones.

For small kidney stones:

• Pain relievers
• Drinking plenty of water
• Medical therapy

For large kidney stones:

• Surgery
• Sound waves to break up kidney stones
• Applying a scope to take off stones
• Parathyroid gland surgery