6 Kidney Stone Symptoms & How To Treat Them

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), a kidney stone is defined as ​“hard, pebble-like pieces of material that form in one or both of your kidneys when high levels of certain minerals are in your urine.” These pieces can also form anywhere along your urinary tract (in places such as your bladder, urethra, or ureter).

The size and type of kidney stones can determine the severity of the medical issues they cause, ranging from mild discomfort to excruciating pain and complications. Smaller stones may pass through the urinary tract with minimal pain, while larger stones may require medical intervention and pose a greater risk of complications.

Las causas de los cálculos renales varían en función de la sustancia a partir de la cual se forman. La principal causa de los cálculos renales son los altos niveles de sustancias formadoras de cálculos en la orina, entre las que se incluyen:

• Calcio
• Oxalato
• Fósforo

These minerals are already present in urine and aren’t a cause of medical attention at low levels.

While these minerals are naturally present in urine, they can become problematic at high levels. The buildup of these substances can come from eating certain foods and beverages that contain high amounts of the mineral, especially if a person is already at risk or has a history of kidney stones.

There are a few different types of kidney stones that can form, such as calcium stones, uric acid stones, and more. The type of stone forme depends on the stone-forming substances present in the urine.

Cálculos de calcio

Calcium stones (also known as calcium oxalate kidney stones) are the most common type of kidney stone. They are usually made from a substance called calcium-oxalate, though some are formed from calcium phosphate.

Los alimentos ricos en oxalato cálcico pueden ser los principales responsables de la formación de cálculos de calcio. Algunos ejemplos de alimentos ricos en oxalato de calcio son:

• Espinacas
• Cacahuetes
• Chocolate
• Other nuts/​nut products

Cálculos de ácido úrico

Los cálculos de ácido úrico se producen cuando los niveles de acidez en la orina son demasiado elevados. Son el segundo tipo más frecuente de cálculos renales y suelen aparecer en personas con ciertas afecciones, entre ellas:

• Gota
• Diabetes
• Obesidad
• Metabolic conditions such as high blood pressure or high blood sugar

These stones have a higher chance of forming if a person’s diet includes large amounts of foods that increase acid levels, such as:

• Pescado
• Marisco
• Carne

Piedras de estruvita

Struvite stones are composed of struvite (also known as magnesium ammonium phosphate), and occur when urine becomes too alkaline, or not acidic enough. These are less common, and usually occur in people with repeated urinary tract infections (UTIs) or can be the result of kidney infections. Treating an underlying urinary tract infection or a kidney infection can help prevent stones from forming.

Cálculos de cistina

Cystine stones are the rarest type, and are formed from cystine, an amino acid that occurs naturally in the body. These stones usually affect those with cystinuria, an inherited condition that causes cystine acid to form stones in the kidneys. These stones typically form when cystine leaks from the kidneys into a person’s urine.

Symptoms of kidney stones may vary depending on the size. A person may pass small kidney stones without experiencing symptoms at all as small stones tend to pass through the body undetected. However, larger kidney stones can result in symptoms that include:

• Severe pain in the lower abdomen, back or side, and/​or the groin.
• Blood in the urine that makes urine appear pink, red, or brown in color.
• Nausea or vomiting as a result of dealing with severe pain.
• Orina anormal, como maloliente, turbia o descolorida.
• Abnormal urination, such as frequently needing to pee, feeling the urge to pee but not being able to urinate, and/​or experiencing pain during urination.
• Si hay infección, puede haber fiebre o escalofríos.

There are a few risk factors that contribute to developing kidney stones, including

• Antecedentes familiares o personales

• Gender: both men and women can get kidney stones, but men have a higher risk

• Niveles de hidratación: no beber suficiente agua puede provocar cálculos renales.

• Digestive diseases: such as inflammatory bowel disease can increase one’s risk of developing kidney stones

• Surgeries: gastric bypass surgery and others may increase one’s risk of developing kidney stones

• Diet: certain diets that are high in protein, salt, or sugar increases one’s risk of kidney stone development

• Enfermedades crónicas: ciertas enfermedades, como la cistinuria o las infecciones urinarias frecuentes, aumentan el riesgo de desarrollar cálculos renales.

In order for a kidney stone to be diagnosed, a complete physical exam and a health history assessment are required. Additionally, blood tests might be given to check the body’s levels of calcium, phosphorus, or uric acid. Other tests can be done to check for or rule out blockages, such as abdominal x‑rays, an ultrasound of the kidney, or a CT Scan.

A healthcare provider may also request that a kidney stone is captured and brought in so the type of kidney stone can be determined.

Kidney stones in some cases may be small enough to pass without medical intervention and can do so without a person experiencing any symptoms. However, if you experience any symptoms such as severe pain in one side of the back or blood in your urine, seek medical attention immediately.

Passing a kidney stone can range from a matter of days to a matter of weeks, depending on the size, location, and how far along it is when discovered.

Un cálculo renal debe atravesar primero el riñón, entrar en el uréter, penetrar en la vejiga y llegar a la uretra. La mayor parte del dolor se produce cuando el cálculo está en el riñón y se desplaza por el uréter. Una vez que el cálculo llega a la vejiga, el dolor suele remitir.

In general, kidney stones may pass in a week or two, but some can take up to three weeks. If the stone has not passed after four weeks, surgery may be required to remove it.

Los cálculos renales pueden tratarse de varias formas, como enjuagando el cálculo, controlando el dolor y realizando una intervención quirúrgica.

Pasar la piedra con naturalidad

The primary approach for treating kidney stones typically involves natural methods to promote the passage of the stone. Drinking 6–8 glasses of water per day is recommended to increase urination, which can facilitate the movement of the stone through the urinary tract.

Tratamiento del dolor

To help alleviate severe pain, a healthcare provider may administer or recommend medication. Narcotic medicines may be prescribed in cases of extreme pain and antibiotics will be given if there is an infection present.

For less painful situations, medications such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or naproxen sodium may be prescribed. Additionally, non-medicated options such as a heating pad or taking a hot bath may help to alleviate discomfort.

Litotricia

Lithotripsy is a medical procedure that uses shockwaves in the kidney to help break up larger stones so they can pass through the urinary tract. Light anesthesia may be used, as the procedure can cause discomfort.

Ureteroscopia

If a kidney stone becomes stuck in the ureter or the bladder, a healthcare provider may perform a ureteroscopy to retrieve it. A ureteroscopy involves inserting a ureteroscope (a small camera attached to a wire) through the urethra into the bladder. A small cage on the instrument is then used to capture the stone and remove it.

While kidney stones usually pass on their own or with aid from medication/​surgery, there can be some complications if a kidney stone is not addressed or taken care of, including:

• Hematuria, también conocida como sangre frecuente durante la micción
• ITU
• Severe pain due to a stone blocking the urinary system and preventing urination
• Possible loss of kidney function/​infection

Si se presentan síntomas de cálculos renales, es importante buscar ayuda médica para prevenir complicaciones.

While kidney stones can happen for a variety of reasons, there are some ways to help prevent them from forming, including

• Mantenerse correctamente hidratado: drinking plenty of water and fluids prevents dehydration, which is a common factor in kidney stone formation.
• Comer más fruta y verdura: Consumir más frutas y verduras, como naranjas, pomelos, brécol y lechuga, puede ayudar a que la orina sea menos ácida.
• Reducir el consumo de sal: Los alimentos y dietas ricos en sodio pueden contribuir a la formación de cálculos renales, por lo que utilizar sal con moderación puede ayudar a prevenirlos.
• Reducir las proteínas animales: Las proteínas animales como la ternera, el cerdo, el pollo y el pescado pueden aumentar los niveles de ácido úrico, contribuyendo a la formación de cálculos de ácido úrico.
• Limitar los alimentos con alto contenido en oxalato: Las personas propensas a padecer cálculos renales de oxalato cálcico deben limitar alimentos como las espinacas, las bayas, el chocolate, el salvado de trigo, los frutos secos, la remolacha, el té y el ruibarbo.
• Consumir suficiente calcio: despite the name ​“calcium stones,” having an appropriate intake of calcium foods can actually prevent kidney stones, because calcium from foods such as dairy binds with oxalate before they reach the kidneys. Talk to your healthcare provider regarding the appropriate amount of calcium for you.
• Tomando medicación: certain medications can be taken that will help prevent the formation of kidney stones, such as:
  • Alopurinol para los cálculos de ácido úrico
  • Diuréticos tiazídicos para los cálculos de calcio
  • Bicarbonato sódico o citrato sódico para hacer la orina menos ácida
  • Soluciones de fósforo para evitar la formación de cálculos de calcio

¿Son frecuentes los cálculos renales?

Los cálculos renales son una afección relativamente frecuente, ya que pueden afectar hasta a un 10-15% de la población estadounidense, y es probable que 1 de cada 10 personas sufra al menos un cálculo renal a lo largo de su vida.

¿Pueden prevenirse los cálculos renales?

A person can take measures to potentially prevent kidney stones, such as maintaining proper hydration and making dietary changes. However, it’s worth noting that certain factors such as gender, underlying medical conditions, and genetics may also play a role in the development of kidney stones.

¿Son graves los cálculos renales?

Los cálculos renales no tratados pueden dar lugar a complicaciones graves, como infecciones renales, que pueden suponer un riesgo para su salud e incluso poner en peligro su vida. Si experimenta síntomas de cálculos renales, es esencial que acuda rápidamente al médico para evitar complicaciones mayores.

¿Cuál es la forma más rápida de aliviar el dolor provocado por los cálculos renales?

It’s important to discuss pain relief options with a provider before moving forward with a treatment plan as treatments can vary depending on stone size and its location in the body. However, common treatments for quick relief can include:

• Tomar analgésicos como ibuprofeno (Advil), naproxeno (Aleve) o paracetamol (Tylenol).

• Mantenerse hidratado bebiendo mucha agua y otros líquidos

• Utilizar una almohadilla térmica en la zona afectada o tomar un baño caliente

¿Los cálculos renales requieren hospitalización?

Although some kidney stones can pass naturally, others can cause severe symptoms that require medical attention. If the stone doesn’t pass and the symptoms worsen, healthcare professionals may need to intervene, which could include a visit to the emergency room and possibly hospitalization.

¿Me quitarán los cálculos renales en urgencias?

Si el cálculo es lo bastante pequeño como para expulsarse por sí solo, es probable que le recomienden beber mucho líquido para facilitar el proceso. Si el cálculo es grande o provoca una obstrucción, el personal de urgencias puede utilizar técnicas para romperlo, como la litotricia, o extraerlo quirúrgicamente mediante ureteroscopia.