Kidney stones are a common urinary problem that can cause sudden pain in the back, side or lower abdomen. Some stones are small enough to pass naturally, while others may block the flow of urine and require medical treatment or a procedure.
If you are searching for kidney stone treatment in Yamuna Vihar, understanding the symptoms and available treatment options can help you take the right step. Dr. Ankur Singhal provides urology care at Signature Heart & Multispeciality Hospital, Yamuna Vihar, for kidney stones and other urinary concerns.
This guide explains the causes, warning signs, diagnosis, treatment options and ways to reduce the risk of developing kidney stones again.
What Are Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones are hard deposits made from minerals and salts that form inside the kidneys. They develop when certain substances in urine become highly concentrated and form crystals.
Stones can vary in size. Some are very small and may pass through the urinary tract without causing noticeable symptoms. Larger stones can cause severe pain, block urine flow or lead to infection.
Common types include:
- Calcium stones: The most common type, often containing calcium oxalate.
- Uric acid stones: May develop when urine remains too acidic.
- Struvite stones: Can form in association with certain urinary infections.
- Cystine stones: A less common type linked to an inherited condition.
Knowing the stone type can help a doctor recommend suitable treatment and prevention measures.
What Are the Common Symptoms of Kidney Stones?
Kidney stone symptoms depend on the stone’s size and location. A stone may not cause pain until it moves into the ureter, the tube connecting the kidney to the bladder.
Watch for these common signs:
- Severe side or back pain: Pain may begin below the ribs and spread towards the lower abdomen or groin.
- Pain that comes in waves: Renal colic can cause intense pain that changes in severity.
- Blood in urine: Urine may appear pink, red or brown.
- Pain while urinating: A stone near the bladder may cause discomfort during urination.
- Frequent urge to urinate: You may feel the need to pass urine more often.
- Nausea and vomiting: These symptoms may occur along with severe pain.
- Cloudy or unpleasant-smelling urine: This can sometimes indicate a urinary infection.
Not everyone experiences all these symptoms. Blood in urine or repeated pain should be medically evaluated.
What Causes Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones form when urine contains more stone-forming substances than it can keep dissolved. Several factors may increase the risk:
- Not drinking enough water.
- High salt intake.
- Eating more animal protein than recommended.
- A family history of kidney stones.
- Obesity and certain metabolic conditions.
- Repeated urinary infections.
- Some inherited or medical conditions.
- Previous episodes of kidney stones.
People who have developed kidney stones once may develop them again. Identifying the possible cause is therefore an important part of treatment.
How Are Kidney Stones Diagnosed?
A urologist evaluates your symptoms, medical history and test results before deciding on treatment.
Common investigations include:
1. Ultrasound: Helps identify stones in the kidneys and may show swelling caused by blocked urine flow.
2. CT Scan: A low-dose, non-contrast CT scan may be recommended to identify the size, location and number of stones, particularly when symptoms suggest renal colic.
3. Urine Tests: These can help detect blood, infection and other abnormalities.
4. Blood Tests: Kidney function and relevant mineral levels may be checked to assess overall health and possible causes.
5. Stone Analysis: If a stone passes or is removed, laboratory analysis can help identify its composition and guide prevention.
The tests required depend on your symptoms, age, medical history and clinical findings.
What Are the Treatment Options for Kidney Stones?
There is no single treatment for every kidney stone. The doctor considers its size, location, composition, symptoms, kidney function and whether infection or obstruction is present.
1. Medical Management
Small stones may pass naturally without surgery. A doctor may recommend pain relief, adequate fluid intake and medicines to help a suitable stone pass.
Not all stones can be treated this way. Medical management requires follow-up to confirm that the stone has passed and that urine flow is not blocked.
2. Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL)
ESWL uses focused shock waves from outside the body to break a kidney stone into smaller pieces. These fragments can then pass through urine.
It may be suitable for selected stones depending on their size, location and other clinical factors.
3. Ureteroscopy (URS) and Laser Treatment
During ureteroscopy, a thin instrument is passed through the urinary passage to reach the stone. The surgeon may use a laser to break it into smaller pieces or remove it.
This approach is commonly considered for selected stones in the ureter and kidney.
4. Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL)
PCNL is a procedure used for larger or complex kidney stones. The surgeon reaches the kidney through a small incision in the back and removes the stone using specialised instruments.
The appropriate procedure is selected after reviewing the patient’s reports and overall condition.
When Should You Seek Emergency Medical Attention?
Kidney stones can sometimes cause serious complications, especially when a blocked urinary tract is accompanied by infection.
Seek urgent medical attention if you experience:
- Severe or uncontrolled pain.
- Fever or chills with suspected kidney stones.
- Repeated vomiting or inability to keep fluids down.
- Difficulty passing urine or complete inability to urinate.
- Symptoms of infection along with back or side pain.
A blocked kidney with infection can become dangerous and needs prompt treatment. Do not delay care or depend only on home remedies.
What Diet Helps Prevent Kidney Stones?
Dietary advice depends on the type of stone and the patient’s medical history. General prevention measures may include:
- Drink enough water throughout the day, unless your doctor has advised fluid restriction.
- Reduce excess salt in meals and packaged foods.
- Maintain a balanced diet with fruits and vegetables.
- Avoid excessive animal protein.
- Maintain normal dietary calcium unless advised otherwise.
- Follow specific advice if your stone analysis identifies oxalate, uric acid or another stone type.
Do not completely stop eating calcium-rich foods without medical advice. The right prevention plan should be based on your stone type and relevant test results.
Kidney Stone Consultation with Dr. Ankur Singhal at Signature Hospital
Dr. Ankur Singhal provides urology care at Signature Heart & Multispeciality Hospital, Yamuna Vihar, Delhi. The hospital’s urology information includes evaluation of kidney stones, urinary infections, blood in urine and other urinary concerns.
During a consultation, the doctor can review your symptoms, previous stone history and investigation reports to help determine the next step. Treatment may involve medical management, monitoring or a suitable procedure depending on the diagnosis.
If you have recurring kidney stone pain or an ultrasound report showing a stone, a urology consultation can help you understand your options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kidney Stone Treatment
1. Can kidney stones pass naturally without surgery?
Yes. Some small stones pass naturally through urine. However, the chances depend on the stone’s size, location and other factors. Medical follow-up may be needed to confirm that it has passed.
2. What is the best treatment for kidney stones?
Treatment depends on stone size, location and symptoms. Options include medical management, ESWL, ureteroscopy with laser treatment and PCNL. A urologist recommends the suitable approach after evaluation.
3. Does every kidney stone require surgery?
No. Many small stones can be managed without surgery. Procedures may be needed when stones are large, cause persistent pain, block urine flow or create other complications.
4. Which foods should I avoid if I have kidney stones?
Reducing excess salt and avoiding excessive animal protein may help prevent some stones. Specific restrictions depend on stone composition. A doctor or dietitian can provide suitable dietary advice.
5. When should I consult a urologist for kidney stones?
Consult a urologist if you have severe side or back pain, blood in urine, repeated urinary symptoms or a confirmed kidney stone. Fever with suspected stones, inability to urinate or uncontrolled pain requires urgent medical attention.
Book a Kidney Stone Consultation in Yamuna Vihar
Kidney stones can cause significant discomfort and may lead to complications if they block urine flow or become associated with infection. Early diagnosis helps identify the stone’s size and location and determine whether medical treatment or a procedure is required.
If you are looking for kidney stone treatment in Yamuna Vihar, consult Dr. Ankur Singhal at Signature Heart & Multispeciality Hospital for urology evaluation and treatment guidance.
Signature Heart & Multispeciality Hospital
Address: C-2/41 A, Main Service Lane, Block C, Yamuna Vihar, Delhi – 110053.
Phone: 76783 87693
Email: info@shmsd.in
Website: https://shmsd.in/
Call the hospital to enquire about a urology consultation and take the next step towards appropriate kidney stone care.
