What Are Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones are a collection of minerals and salt mostly made up of calcium, uric acid and are generally hard. The stones are formed inside the kidneys when too much of certain minerals of your body accumulate in your urine. Two major causes of kidney stones are dehydration and obesity. When you are not properly hydrated, your urine becomes more concentrated and the level of certain minerals increases, leading to the formation of kidney stones.

The size of the stones varies and they can even pass to other parts of the urinary tract. Most of the time, the stones pass on their own through the urinary tract. In case they are large to pass through, you have to undergo surgery.

Look Out For These Signs

If anyone around you has ever suffered from kidney stones, you know how painful this health condition can get. The sudden, intense and infamous pain has been described by some people as more agonizing than childbirth. Well, the obvious sign of kidney stone is intense pain in the lower abdomen, but it is quite easy to get confused with other medical conditions. We will tell you 5 common signs and symptoms of kidney stones you should watch out for.

Intense Pain In The Back, Belly, And Side

One starts to feel the pain when pressure builds up in the kidney due to the movement of the stone into the narrow uterus, causing a blockage. The pressure in the kidney sends pain signals to the brain. A person will feel intense pain in the back, below the ribs, and along your sides. If the stones are big it may even cause swelling in the affected area.

Pain During Urination

If you experience pain or burning sensation every time you go to the loo, then it might be due to kidney stones. Pain during urination happens when the stones reach the joint between the ureter and the bladder. Pain during urination is often confused with Urinary Tract Infection (UTI).

Red, Pink Or Brown Urine

Blood in the urine is another symptom of kidney stones. If you witness red, pink or brown blood spot in your urine then visit a doctor.

Frequent Visit To The Loo

Large kidney stones get stuck in the ureter, blocking the flow of urine. Due to this, you will have to rush to the loo more than often.

Nausea And Vomiting

Like intense pain in the abdomen, it is common for people suffering from kidney stones to experience nausea and vomiting. This happens because the nerves of the kidneys and GI tract are connected to each other.