What are Renal Stones?

Renal stones, also called kidney stones, are hard collections of salt and minerals often made up of calcium or uric acid. They form inside the kidney and can travel to other parts of the urinary tract. These stones can vary in size, some are as small as a fraction of an inch or grow so large they take up the entire kidney.

Types of Renal Stones

  • Calcium
  • Uric acid
  • Struvite
  • Cystine

What are Some Signs of Developing Renal Stones?

  • Pain in back, abdomen, or sides
  • Pain or burning sensation while urinating
  • Frequent urinary urgency
  • Bloody, cloudy, or smelly urine
  •  Nausea and vomiting
  • Fever and chills

Treatments

For Small Stones:

  • Drinking water
  • Taking pain relievers
  • medical therapy

For Large stones:

  • Using sound waves to break up stones
  • Surgery
  • Using a scope to remove stones

Ways to Prevent Renal Stones

  • Stay hydrated
  • Eat fewer oxalate- rich foods
  • Change to a low sodium and animal protein diet
  • Eat calcium rich foods