Renal Stones (Kidney Stones): Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment
Renal stones, commonly known as kidney stones, are hard crystalline deposits formed from minerals and salts inside the kidneys. They develop when urine becomes concentrated, allowing minerals to crystallize and stick together. Kidney stones can affect people of all ages and may cause severe pain when they move into the urinary tract.
Renal stones form when there is an imbalance between stone-forming substances (like calcium, oxalate, uric acid) and protective factors in urine.
Stones may remain in the kidney or move into the ureter, causing obstruction and pain.
Oxalate-rich foods (spinach, nuts, chocolate)
Excess calcium supplements without supervision
Increased calcium in urine
Increased oxalate absorption
Certain medications (diuretics, antacids)
Calcium oxalate/phosphate
Magnesium ammonium phosphate
Symptoms depend on stone size and location.
Severe flank pain radiating to groin
Painful or burning urination
Blood in urine (hematuria)
Fever with chills (infection)
Severe, uncontrollable pain
Kidney stones are diagnosed using clinical evaluation and imaging.
Ultrasound abdomen – first-line, especially in pregnancy
CT KUB (non-contrast) – gold standard
X-ray KUB (radiopaque stones)
Urine examination (blood, crystals, infection)
Blood tests (calcium, uric acid, creatinine)
Treatment depends on stone size, type, location, and symptoms.
1️⃣ Conservative Management
Increased fluid intake (2.5–3 L/day)
Pain control (analgesics, antispasmodics)
Medical expulsive therapy (alpha-blockers)
Strain urine to detect stone passage
2️⃣ Interventional Treatment
1.ESWL (Shock wave lithotripsy)
3.PCNL (Percutaneous nephrolithotomy)
Dietary Advice for Prevention
Citrus fruits (lemon, orange)
High oxalate foods (excess)
Goal urine output: clear or pale yellow urine.
Recurrent urinary tract infections
Kidney damage (long-standing obstruction)
Sepsis (rare but life-threatening)
Drink sufficient water daily
Reduce salt and animal protein intake
Maintain healthy body weight
Regular follow-up if previous stone history
Metabolic evaluation for recurrent stones
Severe or persistent flank pain
Fever with urinary symptoms
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