Kidney stones can cause very painful colic, but most of all they can get worse if not treated. Unfortunately, it is not easy to determine with certainty if you have a stone because the main warning is pain. However, taking into account the symptoms and risk factors, it should be easier to understand whether or not you have kidney stones. If you have even a suspicion, see a doctor as soon as possible.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Identify the Symptoms
Step 1. Determine if you have any pain that could result from the stones
Pain is one of the main symptoms caused by kidney stones and in many cases it is the first sign. It is generally very intense and acute, so much so as to immobilize the patient in bed. You may feel sick at different points and times. If you have kidney stones, you may feel pain:
- Localized in the groin and lower abdomen area;
- On the sides of the spine, which branches out around the ribs;
- Intermittent type, which worsens over time;
- The intensity of which increases and decreases alternately;
- When you try to urinate.
Step 2. Notice if the urine has a different color or smell
These changes can be caused by the presence of stones in the kidneys. To determine its presence, observe your urine to see if it is:
- Brown, red or pink in color;
- Cloudy
- Smelly.
Step 3. Notice if you have changed your bathroom habits
The need to urinate more often than usual may be a sign of kidney stones. You may have the calculations if:
- You feel the need to go back to the bathroom shortly after you've been there;
- You find that you urinate more frequently than usual.
Step 4. Notice if you are nauseous
Kidney stones sometimes cause nausea and even vomiting. If you have recently had episodes of one or the other disorder, it could mean that you have kidney stones.
Step 5. Look out for more severe symptoms
If you have acute ailments, you should immediately go to the emergency room for treatment. Serious symptoms to watch for include:
- Sharp pain that forces you to be twisted;
- Pain accompanied by nausea and vomiting or fever and chills;
- Presence of blood in the urine;
- Absolute impossibility to urinate.
Method 2 of 3: Consider Risk Factors
Step 1. Take your medical history into account
The most worrying risk factor is that of having suffered from kidney stones in the past. If you have had this disorder before, the chances of it coming back are higher. It is important to take precautionary measures to reduce any other risk factors.
Step 2. Find out about your family's medical history
If any member of your family has suffered from kidney stones, you may be more likely to get sick. Check if there are any cases of stones in your family history, if you have the doubt that you too have it.
Step 3. Drink more water
Insufficient hydration is another risk factor affecting the development of stones. Water helps dissolve the minerals that can form stones in the body. The more you drink, the less likely they are to stick together and form small solid structures.
Step 4. Follow a healthy diet
Eating unhealthy can also increase the risk of developing kidney stones. If you eat a lot of protein and / or foods that contain plenty of salt or sugar, you are more likely to develop stones. Evaluate your eating habits to determine if nutrition may be a risk factor for you.
Some experts have recently found that carbonated drinks that contain phosphoric acid (such as cola-based ones) should be avoided, as they increase the risk of kidney stones forming
Step 5. Lose weight if you are obese or have extra pounds
Obesity is another risk factor for developing kidney stones. You are considered obese if your BMI (Body Mass Index) is 30 or above. Check your body weight and BMI to determine whether or not obesity may be a risk factor for you.
Note that recently gaining weight may also put you at an increased risk of developing kidney stones, even if you are not obese
Step 6. Learn what diseases or medical interventions are that may increase the risk
Certain disorders or surgeries contribute to an increased risk of kidney stones forming. Evaluate your recent medical history to determine if any disease or surgery may have increased the likelihood of stones. Those to consider include:
- Inflammatory bowel disease;
- Gastric bypass surgical procedure;
- Chronic diarrhea;
- Hyperparathyroidism;
- Urinary tract infection;
- Cystinuria.
Method 3 of 3: Get a Diagnosis and a Treatment
Step 1. See your doctor for a diagnosis
Kidney stones can worsen and become more painful if left untreated. If you are concerned that you are affected, you should make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. They may be able to make a diagnosis by simply analyzing your symptoms, or they may order blood or urine tests or diagnostic imaging tests.
CT scan is the most accurate test to determine if there are stones in the kidneys. Thanks to the results of the tests, the doctor may be able to identify its exact location and size
Step 2. Follow the treatment your doctor gave you
If you are diagnosed with stones, your doctor will prescribe the therapy that best suits your condition. Among the indications it may give you are to drink more water or take medications to help expel stones.
- If the stones are large, the doctor may decide to use a technique called "extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy" (or ESWL) to break them up and break them into smaller pieces, to increase the likelihood that the body will be able to expel them. spontaneously.
- Alternatively, the doctor might introduce a tiny optical probe into the ureter and use a laser beam to shatter the stones and help them expel them from the body.
- Unfortunately, in severe cases, or if other methods fail, surgery is needed to remove the stones.
Step 3. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever to relieve pain
If you have acute pain, your doctor may prescribe a prescription drug; but if the pain is not that intense, you can consider buying one over the counter to find some relief.
- You can choose a drug based on ibuprofen, paracetamol or acetylsalicylic acid (active ingredient of aspirin), based on your health conditions and personal preferences.
- Ask your doctor for advice if you are unsure which pain reliever to choose.
- Whichever drug you choose, read and strictly follow the instructions in the package leaflet.
Advice
Get into the good habit of adding a little lemon juice to the water to help reduce the risk of stones
Warnings
- Do not postpone your doctor's appointment or start of treatment if you suspect you have kidney stones. The situation may worsen to the point where surgery is required or an infection develops. Get checked out as soon as possible!
- If the pain is severe, you have a fever, you feel sick while passing your urine, or you notice that it is foul-smelling, go to the doctor right away, even if you don't think you may have stones. These are all symptoms that require a thorough diagnosis.
