Common Myths About Kidney Stones

It is observed that most people will suffer from kidney stone at some time in their lives. There are various wastes dissolved in urine which forms crystals. The crystals join together to form a solid hard object that slowly gets larger in size forming stones in the kidney. These stones which vary in size and shape block the passage of urine, and that is when these stones cause severe pain.

Kidney stones cause acute pain in the lower back along with blood in urine, vomiting or nausea, and fever until they are passed out through the urine or being treated properly.

 

A few possible causes include:

1.Drinking very little water

2.Too much or too little of physical exercise

3.Obesity

4.Consuming food with excess salt /sugar

5.Infections

 

With kidney stones, certain common myths always prevail. This blog will help you understand the false beliefs about kidney stones.

Myth 1: Iced tea, coffee and soda trigger kidney stones

Fact: Beverages like soda, iced tea or coffee high in calcium or caffeine don’t augment the chances of kidney stones for everyone, rather the chances vary from people to people. Drink more fluids and consult with your doctor for better treatment.

Myth 2: Cranberry juice prevents kidney stones

Fact: Lemon juice, and not cranberry juice is better in preventing kidney stones. Cranberry contains high amounts of oxalate, which in turn triggers the formation of kidney stones. Research shows that citrus beverages like lemon juice increase the citrate levels in urine which help to minimize stone formation. The more you consume fluids there is a greater chance of the stones to flush out.

Myth 3: Milk activates the chances of forming kidney stones

Fact: Milk contains calcium that are helpful to your body. One of the reasons of stone f form is due to lack of calcium. Drink a glass of milk or eat yoghurt every day. Also, try to intake magnesium because it helps binds oxalate in the diet and reduce the chances of stone formation in the kidney.

Myth 4: Larger kidney stones cause more pain than smaller ones

Fact: Not only size but the position of kidney stones determine the cause of pain. A small stone that creates blockage in the path of urine can be very painful.

Myth 5: Most stones get dissolved in urine with water along with medications

Fact: Research shows that only about 1% of kidney stones dissolve with more hydration and increasing urinary output. However, stones containing calcium hardly dissolve and require proper treatment.

Myth 6: All urinary stones are painful

Fact: Generally kidney stones form in the urinary tract, block the passage of urine and cause pain, bleeding while urinating or develop an infection. However, not all stones are always painful, especially in the first stage; it is only when they are not treated and become larger or come in the wrong place, they cause pain.

Myth 7: Stones can be removed by applying coconut oil exteriorly

Fact: The distance between skin and kidney is around 10-15 cm and thus it is not possible to remove stones barely by applying oil. Through endoscopic surgical methods, and with great care doctors remove these stones. However, in some cases drinking lot of water or fluids helps to flush out stones through urine.

Myth 8: Kidney stones are more common in males

Fact: Women and men are both equally likely to develop stones if they do not consume enough water or have more acidic diet or take too much salt and there is a prevalence of obesity, diabetes etc.

Myth 9: If the pain goes away it means the stone has passed

Fact: Often we get a short-term relief from pain and we think that the stone has passed. But this is not true. The level of pain varies as the stone grows in size and starts moving. Normally, the stones pass themselves within four to six weeks. However, if the pain still exists even after a month, talk to a specialized doctor and follow his advice.

Myth 10: Once a stone is gone, it won’t come again

Fact: Chances of recurrent stone formation in the urinary tract happen, even if you already have had a stone. Taking adequate precautions can prevent the formation of stones.

Myth 11: Taking calcium supplements may increase the chances of stones

Fact: Those whose kidneys function properly, the intake of calcium actually helps in preventing stone formation. Calcium helps in binding oxalate in the intestines and thus stops their absorption thereby help in preventing recurrent stone formation.

 

If you think you are having symptoms of having kidney stones, your first step would be to consult a specialized doctor. The department of Urology at Neotia Getwel Multispecialty Hospital is committed to deliver advanced urology care including kidney stone treatment, management of urinary tract infections & prostrate problems, paediatric urology and a wide range of other urological disorders.

 

Disclaimer

Though all attempts are made to provide correct information on the subject, inadvertent & typographical errors arising out of manual intervention cannot be ruled out. It is requested to bring any such discrepancies to the notice of the blogger for correction