Kidney stones, locally known as bato sa kidney are the hard deposits formed in a part of a kidney called the renal pelvis. These tiny crystals are formed from the chemicals in the urine that vary in size.

Some small stones can travel through the bladder and exit the body through urine after a few days or weeks, while medium-sized stones may take time to pass through but can be relieved through medications. However, larger stones may get stuck in the renal pelvis as they travel through the bladder, causing severe symptoms.

How common are kidney stones?

Having kidney stones is common, that it may reoccur after a few years, even to those who get treated. People at any age can be affected by kidney stones, but those ages 40 to 60 are most prone to have a formation of kidney stones.

Bato sa Kidney: What are the types of kidney stones?

There are four different types of kidney stone, such as the following:

• Calcium Oxalate. It is the most common type of kidney stone formed as calcium oxalate. Oxalate is a compound made from some diet food, such as nuts, chocolate, tea, potatoes, and spinach. Inadequate fluids may also contribute to its formation.
• Uric Acid. This type of kidney stones is formed due to the consumption of large amounts of protein, such as red meat and poultry. Protein causes the pH balance of urine to drop below 5.5 and get saturated with uric acid crystals. It causes the formation of uric acid stones. This type is more common in men, people who have gout, and who had chemotherapy.
• Struvite. These stones form due to bacterial infection that causes ammonia. These bacteria increase the urine pH, making it alkaline that forms struvite stones. These grow faster, tend to occupy the entire kidney, and cause complications.
• Cystine. Cystinuria is a genetic disorder that causes the formation of cystine stones. It contains an excessive amount of amino acid cystine, and it forms in the kidneys, bladder, and ureters.

Am I at Risk for Kidney Stones?

The following are some of the causes and risk factors that may increase the chance of kidney stones formation:

• Dehydration, lack of fluids intake every day and sweating a lot
• Eating foods with too much protein, salt, calcium, and sugar
• Obesity, measured through body mass index (BMI)
• Medical conditions, such as diabetes, gout, and urinary tract abnormalities
• Family history of kidney stones formation
• Medications like vitamin C, dietary supplements, laxatives, and certain medicines for depression and migraine
• Digestive system diseases and surgery, such as bowel conditions, chronic diarrhea, and gastric bypass surgery

Bato sa Kidney: What are signs we should watch out for?

Small kidney stones barely show any symptoms. However, when large kidney stones start to block the renal pelvis through the ureter, some of the main symptoms may manifest, include the following:

• Little to severe levels of pain, affecting the lower abdomen, belly, or back and can also spread to the genitals
• Painful urination
• Frequent urge to release urine
• Blood in the urine
• Fever, nausea, and vomiting

How can I treat kidney stones?

Complications from kidney stones are rare to occur if given early treatment. However, if left untreated, it can lead to other severe health issues, including kidney disease, hematuria or blood in the urine, urinary tract infection, and kidney failure.

Treatments for kidney stones or bato sa kidney vary depending on the sizes, as follows:

Small stones:

• Drinking water. At least 3 liters every day helps to prevent the formation of kidney stones and also produces clear urine.
• Pain relievers. In some cases, small stones may cause slight discomfort. Taking recommended medications from a doctor will help to relieve the pain.
• Medical Therapy. This medication is also known as an alpha-blocker. The process includes relaxing the muscles in the ureter resulting in quick travel of kidney stones with less pain.

Large stones:

• ESWL. The procedure that uses sound waves in breaking the kidney stones is called Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL). It creates a strong vibration to break the stones into tiny pieces. Some effects may occur during the procedure, such as bruising in the back or abdomen, blood in the urine, pain, and discomfort.
• Surgery. This procedure is called nephrolithotomy, wherein the large stones will be removed through surgery using small telescopes and other instruments. It is recommended if the ESWL is unsuccessful.
• Scope. It uses a thin-lighted tube called a ureteroscope with a camera for locating smaller stones blocking the ureter or kidney. It also uses some special tools for breaking kidney stones into pieces and passing them through urine.
• Parathyroid gland surgery. This treatment is applicable when the calcium phosphate level is too high.

How can I prevent bato sa kidney?

• Drink plenty of water, at least 3 liters of fluids each day
• Reduce the amount of salt in your diet
• Eat foods with the recommended amount of calcium and low oxalate levels
• Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and less meat
• Take medications based on a prescription of the health care provider

Key Takeaways

Kidney stones or bato sa kidney is a common condition for all people at any age. After all, small stones exit on their own after a few weeks through urine.

You can prevent kidney stones by following some steps and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

However, some large kidney stones formed in the renal pelvis may block the ureter, causing severe symptoms like blood in the urine and other complications if not treated early.

If you suspect that you might have this condition, consult your doctor as soon as possible.