Introduction
Kidney stones are one of the most common urinary tract disorders and can affect people of all ages. These hard mineral deposits form inside the kidneys and may remain unnoticed until they begin to move through the urinary tract. When a stone blocks the flow of urine or travels through the ureter, it can cause severe pain and other distressing symptoms.
Fortunately, most kidney stones can be successfully managed with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Depending on the size and location of the stone, treatment may include medications, increased fluid intake, or minimally invasive procedures to remove or break the stone.
At Prabhakar Bhurke Clinic, our super specialist nephrologist provides comprehensive kidney stone evaluation, advanced diagnostic testing, personalized treatment plans, kidney stone prevention, dialysis planning when required, kidney transplant evaluation, and long-term kidney care.
What Are Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside the kidneys when substances in the urine become highly concentrated and crystallize.
The most common types include:
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Calcium stones
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Uric acid stones
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Struvite stones
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Cystine stones
Identifying the type of stone helps guide treatment and prevention.
Common Symptoms of Kidney Stones
The symptoms depend on the size and location of the stone.
Common signs include:
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Severe pain in the side or lower back
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Flank pain below the ribs
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Pain that radiates to the lower abdomen or groin
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Blood in the urine
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Burning during urination
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Frequent urination
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Urgent need to urinate
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Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
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Nausea and vomiting
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Difficulty passing urine
If infection develops, symptoms may also include:
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Fever
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Chills
These require immediate medical attention.
What Causes Kidney Stones?
Several factors increase the risk of kidney stone formation.
Common causes include:
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Inadequate water intake
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High salt intake
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Excess animal protein
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Obesity
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Family history of kidney stones
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Recurrent urinary tract infections
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Certain metabolic disorders
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Some medications
Your nephrologist may recommend additional evaluation to identify individual risk factors.
Who Is at Higher Risk?
Kidney stones are more common in people who:
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Have had kidney stones before
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Have a family history of kidney stones
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Drink inadequate fluids
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Eat a diet high in salt
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Have obesity
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Have diabetes
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Have gout
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Have recurrent urinary tract infections
Lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the risk of recurrence.
How Are Kidney Stones Diagnosed?
At Prabhakar Bhurke Clinic, our super specialist nephrologist performs a detailed kidney stone evaluation.
Medical History and Physical Examination
Your doctor reviews:
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Symptoms
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Previous kidney stones
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Family history
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Medical conditions
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Current medications
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Lifestyle habits
Blood Tests
Important investigations include:
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Serum Creatinine
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Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR)
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Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
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Electrolytes
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Calcium
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Uric Acid
These tests assess kidney function and identify possible metabolic causes.
Urine Tests
Urine investigations may include:
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Routine Urinalysis
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Urine Microscopy
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Urine Culture
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Stone Risk Assessment
These tests help detect blood, infection, crystals, and other abnormalities.
Imaging Studies
Depending on your condition, investigations may include:
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Kidney Ultrasound
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X-ray (when appropriate)
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Non-Contrast CT Scan (NCCT KUB)
Imaging accurately identifies the size, location, and number of kidney stones.
Kidney Stone Treatment
Treatment depends on the size, location, and severity of symptoms.
Conservative Treatment
Small kidney stones often pass naturally.
Treatment may include:
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Adequate hydration (unless medically restricted)
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Pain management under medical supervision
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Medications that may help stone passage when appropriate
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Regular follow-up to monitor progress
Minimally Invasive Procedures
Larger stones or stones causing obstruction may require minimally invasive treatment.
Common procedures include:
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL)
Shock waves break the stone into smaller fragments that pass naturally through the urine.
Ureteroscopy with Laser Lithotripsy (URS)
A thin scope is passed through the urinary tract, and a laser breaks the stone into tiny fragments.
Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery (RIRS)
A flexible scope is used to remove or fragment selected kidney stones within the kidney.
Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL)
PCNL is recommended for large or complex kidney stones and involves removing the stone through a small incision in the back.
Our nephrologist coordinates care with experienced urology specialists whenever surgical treatment is required.
Can Kidney Stones Be Prevented?
Yes.
Many patients can reduce the risk of recurrence by:
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Drinking adequate water unless medically restricted
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Limiting salt intake
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Eating a balanced diet
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Maintaining a healthy body weight
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Following dietary advice based on stone type
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Managing diabetes and blood pressure
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Treating urinary tract infections promptly
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Attending regular nephrology follow-up appointments
Stone prevention is an important part of long-term kidney health.
When Should You Seek Immediate Medical Care?
Seek urgent medical attention if you experience:
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Fever or chills
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Severe persistent pain
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Persistent vomiting
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Blood in the urine
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Difficulty passing urine
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Reduced urine output
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High creatinine levels
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Swelling
These symptoms may indicate urinary obstruction or kidney infection.
Why Choose Prabhakar Bhurke Clinic?
Patients trust Prabhakar Bhurke Clinic because we provide:
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Consultation with a super specialist nephrologist
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Comprehensive kidney stone evaluations
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Advanced kidney function testing
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Personalized treatment plans
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Expertise in kidney stones, chronic kidney disease, urinary tract infections, and kidney failure
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Kidney stone prevention strategies
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Coordination with experienced urology specialists for minimally invasive stone removal procedures
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Dialysis planning and kidney transplant evaluation when required
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Compassionate, evidence-based, patient-centered care
Our goal is to relieve symptoms, prevent recurrence, and preserve long-term kidney health.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the first symptoms of kidney stones?
Common early symptoms include severe flank pain, lower back pain, blood in the urine, burning during urination, nausea, and frequent urination.
Can kidney stones pass naturally?
Yes. Many small stones pass naturally with hydration and medical management, but larger stones may require minimally invasive procedures.
Is laser treatment safe for kidney stones?
Laser lithotripsy is a commonly performed minimally invasive procedure for suitable patients. Your treating specialist will determine the most appropriate treatment based on the size and location of the stone.
Which doctor should I consult for kidney stones?
A super specialist nephrologist evaluates kidney stones, assesses kidney function, manages medical treatment, helps prevent recurrence, and coordinates surgical care with experienced urology specialists when needed.
Conclusion
Understanding kidney stone symptoms and treatment is important because early diagnosis can prevent serious complications such as urinary obstruction, kidney infections, hydronephrosis, and reduced kidney function. Symptoms such as severe flank pain, blood in the urine, burning during urination, nausea, or difficulty passing urine should never be ignored. Modern treatment options—including medications, ESWL, laser lithotripsy, RIRS, and PCNL—offer excellent outcomes for most patients.
At Prabhakar Bhurke Clinic, our super specialist nephrologist provides expert diagnosis, comprehensive kidney stone evaluations, advanced kidney function testing, personalized treatment plans, kidney stone prevention strategies, and coordinated care with experienced urology specialists. Through evidence-based treatment and compassionate care, we are committed to helping patients achieve lasting kidney health.
Book an Appointment Today
If you are experiencing severe flank pain, lower back pain, blood in the urine, recurrent kidney stones, urinary obstruction, high creatinine levels, reduced eGFR, or symptoms of kidney stones, schedule a consultation at Prabhakar Bhurke Clinic. Our super specialist nephrologist will perform a comprehensive evaluation, explain your treatment options, and develop a personalized care plan to relieve your symptoms and protect your kidney health.
