Kidney stones or lithiasis are some of the most common urological problems globally, impacting roughly 80% of the world’s population. These stones can cause sharp pain, severe discomfort, a constant urge to urinate, among other related difficulties. For the most part, kidney stones do not cause long-lasting issues since most pass naturally.
However, there are severe cases that might lead to further complications like complete renal failure. This relationship is vital in understanding the ways kidney stones may exacerbate damage to the kidneys as it provides the framework of prevention and appropriate action needed for these situations.
Comprehending Kidney Stones
As mentioned, excessive reinforcement of the minerals in oxalate form is the primary cause, however, possible concentration of calcium, as well as the production of uric acid, contribute greatly. Moreover, kidney stones are classified into several categories such as calcium-containing stones (calcium phosphate or oxalate), uric acid stones, struvite stones, or cystine stones and therefore have varying median sizes; either as small as a grain of sand or as big as a golf ball.
Their location as well as size determine the incidence of obstruction in the urinary tract, some accompanying symptoms are;
- Severe shoulder or belly ache.
- Hematuria
- Nausea alongside vomiting.
- Frequent or painful bacteria.
- Frequent or painful urination.
The most notable sign of obstructive uropathy is relentless agonizing pain which might lead an individual to seek immediate medical attention. There are varying types of stones which include uric acid and struvite stones and emphasize differing causation and methods of treatment.
The Impact of Kidney Stones On Kidney Function
In the case of obstruction of the urinary tract with stones, hydronephrosis can occur, with smaller stones not causing much harm. Here’s the ways in which damage can occur to the kidney as a result of the formation of kidney stones:
Blockage of Ureters
Obstruction of urine flow by stones is caused when the wearer urine passes out of the kidney. In addition to hydronephrosis, the kidney may swell with urine leading to inflammation and scarring of kidney tissue. Lack of treatment can lead to complete loss of kidney function.
Kidney infections
The chronic nature of stone complications, infections urethral pyelonephritis(‘upper urinary infections), kidney stones escalate the risk of urinary tract infection/UTI’. kidney infections.
Frequent stone formation
Patients with ‘recurrent stones’ tend to develop chronic kidney disease CKD at a much earlier stage. Damage from recurrent prevalent stones lead to slower filtration of blood to deplete basal ionospheric globules.
Delayed Treatment
Complications with kidney stones can become quite severe if they are not addressed within an appropriate timeframe. One of the more worrying outcomes of delayed treatment is the heightened risk of irreversible damage to the kidney, and this is even worse if both kidneys are impacted or if the individual only has one functioning kidney.
Scientific Studies and Findings
Many authors have dealt with the issue of the damage that stones can inflict on the kidney over a long period of time, and the following are some of the studies that directly deal with their findings:-
- A report in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology demonstrated that patients with stone diseases in the past have markedly higher chances of getting chronic kidney disease.
- The National Kidney Foundation suggests that in the population of patients with stones, nearly 2-3% may eventually develop CKD associated with recurrent stones or preexisting metabolic disorders.
- Some studies indicate that some stones, particularly cystine or struvite stones, predispose the kidney to scarring and decline in function.
Risk Factors That Increase The Likelihood of Damage
The Risk factors described above are particularly relevant to those who suffer the most with permanent renal damage through stones formation and such factors are mentioned as follows:
- Recurring or accompanied with large kidney stones
- Possessing a single functional kidney
- Having chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension or even gout
- Chronic urinary tract infections
- Identified Etiology
These factors, if tackled at the initial stages, can considerably help with reducing the hazard of incurring such permanent kidney damage.
Preventing Kidney Damage from Stones
Sustained damage can be avoided when managed appropriately. As such, fluid intake should be increased as it helps through Pre inhibiting urine formation, in which stones can be formed. Supplying the body with enough fluids helps in ensuring urine is diluted preventing stones. This can also be achieved through changing ones diet by lowering salt intake. As well as animal protein and consume less-high oxalate food.
Regular checkups should also be emphasized targeting the control of underlying metabolic issues. Regular imaging and urine tests should be done, targeting detection of stones before detection, followed by timely removal or use of ESWL, fluid ureteroscopy or even PCNL.
When to See a Urologist
If you experience ongoing discomfort, hemorrhagic cysts, or have recurring urinary tract infections, a urologist’s consultation may be needed. Proactive measures at the acute level help eliminate complications. A physician familiar with the problem can assist in devising an effective treatment plan while also providing guidance on preventive measures relating to stone formation.
Closing Thoughts
Not all stones within the kidneys constitute an immediate threat to the organ’s functionality; however, the potential danger is certainly present with regard to insufficient intervention, persistent renal lithiasis, or infections. Acting on the relevant symptoms coupled with expert services has the potential to alleviate a wide range of problems.
In case you or anyone you know is suffering from kidney stones and is interested to learn more about the risks, or if there’s already a diagnosis, consulting an expert urologist such as Dr. Deepanshu Gupta would prove beneficial. Equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic modalities as well as an extensive background in urology, Dr. Gupta is in an excellent position to offer optimal management of renal calculi while preserving his patient’s renal functional reserve.
Book a consultation to know more!