Kidney Stones : Why Do Kidney Stones Cause Pain

Kidney stones cause pain because as they move through the urinary tract, they can irritate or block the flow of urine. This can cause intense pain in the back, side, lower abdomen, or groin. Additionally, when a kidney stone passes into the ureter (the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder), it can cause spasms, which can also be quite painful.

How to Diagnosis Kidney Stones?

There are several ways to diagnose kidney stones, including:

1. Imaging tests: X-rays, CT scans, and ultrasonography can be used to detect the presence and location of kidney stones.
2. Urinalysis: A sample of the patient's urine can be analyzed for the presence of blood, crystals, or other signs of kidney stones.
3. Blood tests: Blood tests can be used to measure levels of certain substances that can be associated with kidney stones, such as calcium and uric acid.
4. Ureterorenoscopy: A thin tube with a camera on the end is inserted through the urethra and into the bladder and ureter to examine the urinary tract and remove stones if present.
5. Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP): A series of X-rays taken after injecting a contrast dye into the veins to show the outline of the urinary tract and stones if present.
6. Retrograde ureteropyelography : This is a test to see the entire urinary tract, by injecting a contrast material and taking X-rays from the bladder backward to the kidney, and can identify the location of the stone.

A combination of these diagnostic methods may be used to confirm the diagnosis of kidney stones.

Symptoms of Kidney Stones?

The symptoms of kidney stones can vary depending on the size and location of the stone, as well as the individual's overall health. Some common symptoms of kidney stones include:

1. Severe pain in the back, side, lower abdomen, or groin. This pain may come in waves and can be intense.
2. Blood in the urine (hematuria)
3. Nausea and vomiting
4. Frequent urination or a strong urge to urinate
5. Cloudy, dark, bloody, or foul-smelling urine
6. Fever and chills if an infection is present
7. Difficulty passing urine or passing only a small amount of urine
8. A burning sensation when urinating

Not everyone with kidney stones will have all of these symptoms, and some people may have no symptoms at all. If you suspect you have a kidney stone, it's important to see a healthcare provider for an evaluation.

Types of Kidney Stones?

There are several types of kidney stones, each formed from different substances. The main types include:

1. Calcium stones: These are the most common type of kidney stones, and they can be either calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate.
2. Uric acid stones: These stones form when there is too much uric acid in the urine, which can happen in people with gout or certain types of cancer.
3. Struvite stones: These stones are formed by infection, usually caused by bacteria, and are composed of magnesium, ammonium and phosphates.
4. Cystine stones: These stones form in people with a genetic disorder that causes the kidneys to excrete too much of certain amino acids.
5. Other types: There are other less common types such as, xanthine and brushite stones.

The type of kidney stone you have can affect your treatment options, so it is important to know what type of stone you have. Your doctor can order some test to determine the type of stone you have.