Kidney Stones Treatment in Delhi: Explore Causes, Risk Factors, Symptoms and Care at MASSH Hospital, Delhi

About Kidney Stones

Kidney stones, also known as renal calculi or urinary stones, are solid formations that develop in the kidneys due to the accumulation of minerals and acidic salts. Their size can range from tiny particles to as large as a golf ball.

These stones can cause severe pain, discomfort, and other symptoms such as blood in the urine, nausea, and vomiting.

Kidney stones are a common but extremely painful condition that occurs when certain substances in the urine, such as calcium, oxalate, and uric acid, become highly concentrated and form crystals. Over time, these crystals grow larger and turn into stones.

There are several types of kidney stones, and each has a different composition:

• Calcium stones : Calcium stones are the most common type of kidney stones. They are made of calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate.
• Uric acid stones : Uric acid stones form when the level of uric acid in the urine becomes too high..
• Struvite stones : Struvite stones are caused by urinary tract infections (UTIs) and are composed of magnesium, ammonium, and phosphate.
• Cystine stones : Cystine stones occur in people who have a rare genetic disorder, which causes the kidneys to excrete excess amounts of a specific amino acid through the urine.

Signs and Symptoms of Kidney Stones

The symptoms of kidney stones can vary depending on the size, location of the stone, and whether it is causing an obstruction or infection. Common symptoms of kidney stones include:

• Severe Pain: One of the most prominent symptoms of kidney stones is intense pain in the back or on one side of the body (flank area). The pain may start suddenly and can radiate to the lower abdomen or groin. It is often extremely severe and may come in waves.
• Blood in Urine (Hematuria): The presence of blood in the urine, known as hematuria, is another common symptom of kidney stones. The urine may appear pink, red, or brown, indicating the presence of blood.
• Frequent and Urgent Urination: Kidney stones can irritate the lining of the urinary tract, leading to an increased frequency of urination and a sudden urge to urinate.
• Painful Urination: Pain or burning may be felt while urinating. This can be due to inflammation or irritation caused by the stone in the urinary tract.
• Cloudy or Foul-Smelling Urine: Kidney stones may sometimes cause changes in the color and smell of urine. The urine may appear cloudy or have an unpleasant odor.
• Nausea and Vomiting: In some cases, pain from a kidney stone can be accompanied by nausea and vomiting. This can occur either due to severe pain or the body's reaction to the presence of the stone.

Not all kidney stones show symptoms. The severity and type of symptoms can vary from person to person. In some cases, a kidney stone may be asymptomatic and may be detected incidentally during imaging tests or routine check-ups.

If you experience any of these symptoms or suspect that you may have a kidney stone, it is essential to seek medical consultation for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Kidney Stones: Causes and Risk Factors

Several factors contribute to the formation of kidney stones, including dehydration, diet, lifestyle, and certain medical conditions. Dehydration is a major risk factor, as a lack of sufficient water in the body leads to concentrated urine, which promotes the formation of crystals that can develop into stones. It is recommended to drink 2.5 to 3 liters of water daily, especially in hot climates where fluid loss through sweat is higher.

Dietary habits also play an important role. Excessive consumption of salt, sugar (especially fructose), oxalate-rich foods like spinach and dry fruits, and animal protein disrupt the chemical composition of urine and increase the likelihood of stone formation.

Obesity is another significant risk factor, as it causes changes in metabolism, leading to increased levels of calcium and uric acid in the urine.

If there is a family history of kidney stones, the chances of developing them are higher. This is due to genetic factors such as hypercalciuria or cystinuria.

Some medical conditions further increase the risk of kidney stones:

• Hyperparathyroidism (excess calcium in the body)
• Gout – characterized by elevated levels of uric acid in the body
• Diabetes or Metabolic Syndrome – both affect the pH and composition of urine

Certain medications can also aggravate the problem, such as:

• Diuretics (thiazides)
• Calcium-based antacids
• Medications like Topiramate

A sedentary lifestyle also contributes by slowing metabolism and encouraging the buildup of stone-forming minerals in the body.

Importantly, kidney stones are increasingly being reported in children, primarily due to diets high in salt, sugary drinks, and processed snacks. Therefore, raising awareness about proper hydration and balanced nutrition is crucial for people of all age groups.

Complications of Kidney Stones

• Kidney damage: Prolonged blockage by large stones can impair kidney function and lead to chronic kidney disease.
• Infections: Blocked urine flow increases bacterial growth, leading to urinary tract infections (UTI) or kidney infections (symptoms: fever, chills, cloudy urine).
• Sepsis: Untreated infections may spread bacteria into the bloodstream, causing a life-threatening systemic infection.
• Recurrence: Without preventive measures, there is a 50% risk of stones reappearing within 5-7 years
• Severe pain: Stone movement triggers renal colic—sharp, wave-like pain in the back, abdomen, or groin.
• Urinary obstruction: If a stone gets lodged in the ureter, it can block urine flow, leading to hydronephrosis (swelling of the kidney).

Consider Following Tips to Avoid kidney stones:

• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your urine diluted, making it harder for stones to form. Aim for 8-10 glasses per day or more if you're active.
• Limit Salt Intake: High salt consumption can increase calcium in the urine, raising the risk of kidney stones. Try to limit your sodium intake by avoiding processed foods and adding less salt to meals. The World Health Organization (WHO) advises adults to limit their salt intake to less than 5 grams (approximately 1 teaspoon) or 2 grams of sodium per day.
• Eat a Balanced Diet: Focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. This can help maintain a healthy pH balance in your urine and reduce the risk of stone formation.
• Reduce Oxalate-Rich Foods: Certain foods like spinach, beets, and nuts are high in oxalates, which can contribute to the formation of calcium oxalate stones. If you're prone to this type of stone, consider limiting these foods. The recommended daily calcium intake for most adults is 1,000 milligrams (mg), increasing to 1,200 mg for women over 50 and men over 71.
• Limit Animal Protein: High-protein diets, especially from animal sources like red meat, poultry, and eggs, can increase uric acid in the urine, raising the risk of uric acid stones. Consider plant-based proteins like beans and legumes.
• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Obesity can increase the likelihood of kidney stones, so aim for a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise.
• Citrate-Rich Foods: Foods high in citrate, such as lemons and oranges, can help prevent kidney stones by binding to calcium and preventing stone formation.
• Monitor Calcium Intake: Don't eliminate calcium from your diet, as too little calcium can increase the risk of stone formation. Instead, aim for a moderate intake of calcium from food sources like dairy and leafy greens.
• Avoid Excessive Vitamin C: High doses of vitamin C can increase oxalate levels in the urine, which may contribute to stone formation. Stick to the recommended daily amount.
• Consult Your Doctor: If you have a history of kidney stones, your doctor may recommend medications or dietary changes to reduce the risk of recurrence. Regular checkups can help catch any early signs of kidney stones.

Kidney Stones Care at MASSH Hospital, Delhi

At MASSH Hospital in Delhi, we specialize in the comprehensive care and treatment of kidney stones, a common condition that can cause severe pain, discomfort, and urinary complications. Kidney stones form when minerals and salts in the urine crystallize, leading to stone formation. These stones can vary in size and may cause symptoms such as sharp pain in the back or side, blood in the urine, nausea, and frequent urination.

Our expert urologists provide advanced diagnostic services to accurately identify the size, type, and location of kidney stones. Based on the results, we offer personalized treatment options tailored to your needs, including medical management, non-invasive treatments, and minimally invasive surgical procedures. For smaller stones, we may recommend medication and lifestyle changes to facilitate natural passage. For larger or more complex stones, we use advanced technologies to break down stones or minimally invasive procedures such as ureteroscopy to remove them.

At MASSH Hospital, we focus on providing effective treatment with minimal recovery time. Our team of skilled urologists and surgeons are dedicated to ensuring the best possible outcome for each patient, with a focus on long-term prevention and improved quality of life.

If you are experiencing symptoms of kidney stones or need a consultation, visit MASSH Hospital in Delhi. Our expert team is here to offer you the highest level of care and support to help you overcome kidney stones and prevent future occurrences.

At MASSH, our expert team of urologists is here to help you diagnose and manage this condition, using a variety of surgical approaches tailored to your unique needs. Our goal is to help you achieve relief from your symptoms and prevent future complications. Don't let kidney stones affect your quality of life. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step towards a healthier you.