6 Myths About Kidney Stones

Kidney stone is a condition in which the minerals and salts gets accumulated in an individual’s urine and crystallizes. The stones found in the kidneys are usually calcium stones. There are other types of stones that contain struvite, uric acid and cysteine stones.

Myth : Removal of kidney stones should be done #

Fact #

• Not all kidney stones are required to be removed. A kidney stone can be removed after taking into consideration its size, composition, anatomical location, symptoms and lab parameters of the patient.

• Generally, physicians will be able to tell if treatment is required for kidney stones.

• Usually, small stones come out naturally, or with the help of medications.

• Intervention is required if the stone is larger, obstructive, or causes changes in renal parameters or infection.

• The treatment is determined by several factors.

• Some stones can be crushed using non-surgical treatments such as ESWL, in which an ultrasound ray is directed towards the kidney stone to crush it.

• The rest of the stones can be removed via endoscopy, which is a less invasive procedure.

Myth : Milk or milk products should be avoided #

Fact #

• Oxalates that found in dairy products can lead to the development of certain types of kidney stones that may increase if dietary calcium is fully stopped or reduced.

• As a result, milk or milk products should be consumed in moderation to neutralize dietary oxalates.

Kidney stones cause Stomach Pain #

Fact #

• Kidney stones are more like a contraction, and the pain can be more severe than child labor for some people.

• Though the discomfort might range from a stabbing sensation to menstrual cramp-like pain, it is not the same as a stomach ache.

Myth : Kidney stones Are caused by drinking soda #

Fact #

• The phosphoric acid in some sodas may be the cause of kidney stones, but not all sodas contain this acid. Therefore, this statement is only partially true.
• Another problem with soda is that it contains caffeine, which acts as a diuretic.
• This raises the salt concentration of the urine, which encourages kidney stones to form.
• So, drinking a soda is good, but following it up with an equal amount of water to reduce the concentration is also important.

Myth : The source of pain is in the lower back #

Fact #

• After the stone enters the ureter, the discomfort will usually be felt just below the abdomen.

• The ureter is funnel-shaped, but it narrows as it approaches the bladder.

• The pain due to a kidney stone is similar to getting a rock through a straw, which is why it hurts so much.

• An organ with many nerve endings causes intense pain when it is irritated.

• The stones obstruct urine flow, causing urine to back up in the kidney and spill out.

• This results in nausea and pain beyond anything else.

Myth : Cranberry juice is good for kidney stones #

Fact #

• Cranberry juice is an excellent choice for patients who want to avoid a urinary tract infection.

• It thickens the urine and flushes out accumulated particles, preventing the onset of infections.

• However, a kidney stone always makes the situation worse.

• Cranberries are high in oxalate, which can cause kidney stones.

• Skipping cranberry juice is the best choice to avoid kidney stone symptoms.