Stones in the kidneys are tough lumps caused by the hardening of salts and minerals found within the kidneys. Kidney stones, also known as renal calculi and nephrolithiasis, can range in size from as small as a grain of sand to, in rare cases, larger than a golf ball.
Though common, people seem to be misinformed about what triggers them, how to avoid them, and how to treat them. In this blog, we discuss 10 myths and the real truths that allow you to make informed health decisions.
10 Myths & The Real Facts About Kidney Stones & Treatment
Below are the most common myths and facts about kidney stones:-
Myth 1: Every Kidney Stone Gives Pain
Fact: Every Kidney Stone May Or May Not Cause Sharp Pain. While the sight of pain is often associated with kidney stones, not every stone is problematic. Smaller stones can be much easier. Larger stones, on the other hand, can be much more problematic. Usually, Intense pain in side, back or lower abdomen region can be expected. Unnoticeable stones are there too and don’t create any problem. But, these overly shy stones are often found when patients are undergoing other health checks using imaging technology.
Myth 2: Only Men Suffer From The ‘Stone’ Problem
Fact: Increasing Women Relates This ‘Stone’ Issue More With Their Lifestyle Nowdays. While men had the upperhand with stones in the past, ladies are surprisingly catching up towards them. The problem mainly arises from the modern form of diet, lack of physical activities, obesity and several medications taken due to other existing conditions. Focus on current lifestyle. Even patients suffering with urinary tract infections can have certain kinds of stones like struvite stones easily due to lack of proper care. Therefore people should not say that stones are one gender’s problem.
Myth 3: Stopping Calcium Consumption Will Stop Kidney Stones
Fact: This is among the most dangerous myths. Cutting down on calcium can actually increase your chances of developing stones. Dietary calcium oxide binds with oxalate in the intestines, which reduces the absorption of oxalate thus minimizing the chances of stones forming. Rather, focus on cutting the calcium foods with high oxalate content such as spinach, beets, and nuts while increasing the intake of calcium rich foods.
Myth 4: Drinking Cranberry Juice Helps Prevent Kidney Stones
Fact: While cranberry juice is famous for helping in the treatment of UTI, its role in preventing kidney stones is a bit hazy. For some people, this could increase the chances of developing oxalate stones as it contains a lot of oxalate. If you are susceptible to kidney stones, particularly calcium oxalate stones, it’s not better to avoid but limit the intake of cranberry juice and drink plenty of water or even citrus juices such as lemonade which may lead to a decrease in kidney stones.
Myth 5: After Treatment, Kidney Stones will Never Return
Fact: Regrettably, kidney stones are known to recur quite often. Approximately half of all patients with a single stone will develop another one within a period of five to seven years. Taking some preventive measures, like drinking two to three liters of water daily, altering one’s diet, and controlling the amounts of certain minerals consumed, can greatly minimize the risk of recurrence. Checking in regularly along with making lifestyle changes is important for effective stone management.
Myth 6: Surgery is Required for All Kidney Stones
Fact: With the right amount of fluids and pain medications, many stones, particularly those under 5mm, can be passed naturally. Surgical intervention is usually reserved for stones that are significantly large, cause constant symptoms, block urine flow, or cause an infection. Available procedures include:-
- Non-invasive Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) which blasts stones with shock waves.
- Ureteroscopy (URS) where a thin scope is used to grab or grind the stones into bits.
- Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) for bigger or more complicated stones through a small cut at the back.
Myth 7: Consuming Alcoholic Beverages Aids in the Removal of Kidney Stones
Fact: “Excessive drinking can also dehydrate the body which is also a leading cause of kidney stones forming. Reduced hydration causes urine to be more concentrated, making it easier for deposits to crystallize. Water, juices, or any fluids that are rich in citrate are much better options to keep your body hydrated.”
Myth 8: Kidney Stones and Gallstones Are Interchangeable Terms
Fact: Both might be called stones, but they differ in so many ways including their origin, make-up, and place in the body. Gallstones are formed in the gallbladder and consist of mainly cholesterol or a substance called bilirubin. Kidney stones form in the kidneys from minerals like calcium, oxalate, or uric acid. Each of these issues also have different solutions. Misunderstanding them could result in troubling treatment delays.
Myth 9: Pain relief means the stone is gone
Fact: No, the stone could still be there. A stone may not be causing any discomfort for it to be “silent,” but it can stay in the kidney for years. Thermograms or ultrasounds are essential to confirm the conclusion.
Myth 10: Exclusively an Elderly Concern
Fact: This misconception is strikingly incorrect. Adults and even children can have kidney stones. Young patients suffering from kidney stones are on the rise because of their targeted dietary habits and unhealthy eating patterns. Diets with high sodium also cause this timeline to shrink.
Conclusion: Follow the Right Expert for Your Disease
Knowing the myths surrounding kidney stones is the first step needed for effective treatment and further prevention. Each case is different, while some may only need preemptive treatment others may need advanced interventions.
Deepanshu Gupta is an expert urologist who has decades of experience in the treatment and diagnosis of kidney stones. Dr. Gupta uses a range of techniques from the least damaging to the surgically invasive, all aimed to help in optimal healing and stone-free living. “Listening to the patient” is his motto which not only enhances the experience but ensures effectiveness at all stages of treatment.
For any type of kidney stone removal, book a call today!