Kidney Stones

What are Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones are made from mineral deposits in the urine that are the result of a change in the PH balance of the urine. 

Calcium stones are the most common type and are the hardest to break down. Kidney stones are created due to several reasons, one of which is inadequate water intake, causing a higher level of mineral deposits in the urine leading to the formation of kidney stones. Other reasons include diseases like gout and inflammatory bowel disease that disrupt the regular chemical balance of urine.

Passing kidney stones may be painful but depending on your situation, you may just need to take some pain medication and drink more water to pass your kidney stone. Sometimes if the stone becomes lodged in your urinary tract, surgery may be needed. 


What are the symptoms of Kidney Stones?

Kidney Stones typically do not cause symptoms until it moves around the kidney or into one of the two ureters where it may get lodged. If so, it may end up blocking the flow of urine and causing the kidney to swell which can cause severe pain. Other symptoms you may notice include:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Blood in the urine
  • Nausea
  • Painful urination
  • Vomiting
  • Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
  • A persistent need to urinate


What are the risk factors of Kidney Stones?

  • Family history: If someone in your family had Kidney Stones before, you are at a higher risk of developing the condition. 
  • Dehydration: Not drinking enough water may increase your risk as it increases the concentration of salt and minerals in your urine, making it easier for crystals to form.
  • Obesity: Having a high body-mass index (BMI) and being overweight have been linked to an increased risk of Kidney Stones. 
  • High-sodium diet: Having too much salt in your diet increases the amount of calcium in your body that your kidneys must filter and significantly increases your risk of Kidney Stones. 


How are Kidney Stones diagnosed?

Blood Test
A complete blood count blood test will be done to check for white blood cell increase due to infection. 

Imaging Tests
Abdominal imaging tests are done with ultrasound or CT scan to check for inflammation or abdominal abscesses. Chest imaging tests are done to rule out pneumonia, which cause similar symptoms.

Urine Test
Urine tests may be done to rule out a urinary tract infection (UTI) or kidney stones.

Associated Treatments

Ultrasound

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Dr. Png Keng Siang

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Dr. Chong Kian Tai
张建泰医生

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