.svg)
Symptoms of Urolithiasis
The pain often comes in waves and can be very intense. Often described as sharp or cramping, painful kidney stones are typically felt in the back or side and radiating to the lower abdomen and groin (known as renal colic).
Blood in the urine, which may appear pink, red, or brown.
Frequent need to urinate or a persistent urge to urinate.
Discomfort or burning sensation during urination.
Often accompanying and/or caused by severe pain.
May indicate a concurrent urinary tract infection. If fever and chills occur with severe flank pain, this can be an emergency. Seek urgent medical care or go to the emergency department.
Causes of Urolithiasis
A diet high in oxalate-rich foods (such as spinach, beets, and nuts) can contribute to calcium oxalate stones, especially if fluid intake is low. Excessive salt (sodium) increases calcium excretion in the urine, raising the risk of calcium-based stones. Inadequate hydration is one of the most common causes, as concentrated urine allows minerals to clump together more easily. Most people are advised to drink enough fluid to keep their urine pale yellow.
A family history of kidney stones is a well-recognized risk factor. Genetic influences may affect how the kidneys handle calcium, oxalate, and uric acid, making some individuals more prone to forming stones.
Disorders that alter the body’s balance of calcium, phosphate, or uric acid increase the likelihood of stones. For example, hyperparathyroidism causes elevated blood calcium levels, which in turn increases urinary calcium and promotes calcium stone formation.
Several health conditions raise the risk of urolithiasis. Gout increases uric acid levels in the blood and urine, often leading to uric acid stones. Diabetes, obesity, and metabolic syndrome are associated with changes in urine chemistry that increase both uric acid and calcium stone risk.
Recurrent or chronic infections, particularly those caused by certain bacteria that break down urea, can lead to the formation of struvite stones. These stones can grow quickly and become quite large.
Urolithiasis Risk Factors
When the body does not receive enough fluid, urine becomes more concentrated. This high concentration of minerals and salts creates an environment where crystals are more likely to form, eventually developing into stones.
A high intake of protein can increase uric acid levels, raising the risk of uric acid stones. Excess sodium causes the kidneys to excrete more calcium, which can lead to calcium-based stones. Diets rich in processed foods and added sugars also encourage stone formation. Conversely, inadequate intake of fruits, vegetables, and fluids can reduce natural protective factors in the urine, which normally helps prevent stones from crystallizing.
Being overweight or obese is linked with metabolic changes that predispose a person to stones. Also, obesity often correlates with other risk factors such as poor diet and reduced physical activity, compounding the likelihood of developing kidney stones.
Some diuretics, calcium-based antacids, and other drugs can increase the risk. Never stop a prescription medication on your own. Talk to your doctor if you’re concerned about stone risk.
Urolithiasis Investigations
Before recommending treatment, it is important to clearly identify the type, size, and location of the stone. At Uro Westmount, we use a combination of urine testing and imaging studies to accurately diagnose kidney stones and guide the most effective treatment plan.
Provides insight into kidney stone risk factors such as family history, past or present digestive and kidney diseases, diet, and past episodes of calcium stones or uric acid stones.
Detects blood and infection, while also identifying crystals that suggest the stone type. Urine analysis detects blood and possible infection, and can also identify crystals that suggest the stone type. For example, calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate crystals may indicate calcium stones, while uric acid crystals suggest uric acid stones.
CT Scan: Considered the most accurate method for diagnosing most kidney stones, regardless of size. It is especially reliable for detecting small kidney stones that might be missed on other tests. Your doctor will choose CT or other imaging based on your situation, including factors like radiation exposure.
Ultrasound: Used to identify stones and obstructions, especially in pregnant women.
X-ray (Kidney Ureter Bladder): Best for identifying calcium oxalate stones and calcium phosphate stones, which are radiopaque. However, it is less effective at visualizing uric acid stones or cystine stones, which may not appear clearly.
.svg)
Urolithiasis Treatment & Management
Treatment for urolithiasis depends on many factors, including the stone’s composition, location, and whether it is causing symptoms. Options range from medications and lifestyle measures for small stones, to minimally invasive procedures and surgery for larger or more complex cases. Stones causing infection (fever, chills) or severe symptoms may need urgent treatment in hospital.
A surgical procedure using a scope inserted through the urethra to remove or break up kidney stones
A surgical procedure involving the insertion of a cystoscope into the bladder to break and remove bladder stones.
Non-invasive procedure using shock waves to break stones into smaller stone fragments that can be passed in the urine.
Surgical procedure for large or more complex kidney stones removal, using a small incision in the lower back.
To manage pain (NSAIDs, opioids), facilitate stone passage (alpha-blockers), and prevent recurrence (thiazide diuretics, potassium citrate). It’s important not to self manage. These medications are prescribed and adjusted by your doctor; do not start or stop them on your own.
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
