A kidney stone is a hard, crystalline mineral material formed within the kidney or urinary tract. Kidney stones are a common cause of blood in the urine (hematuria) and often severe pain in the abdomen. Kidney stone treatment becomes vital if you experience signs of a kidney stone.
Dr. M. Asif Baloch is a urologist in Lahore who practices at Iqra Medical Complex. He is an FCPS qualified urologist with 10 years of experience.
In this session with oladoc, he discusses one of the most common problems i.e. kidney stones. The discussion involves the types of the problem, signs of kidney issues and kidney stone treatment in Pakistan.
Q.1. What are the early signs of kidney stones?
Well, it’s symptoms can be tricky to figure out. Sometimes, it can be silent as well. Majority of the kidney stone patients come to us with pain complaint. Blood in the urine is a major symptom of kidney stone.
Q.2. What are the main types of kidney stones?
There are many types of kidney stones. Most common kidney stones are in the form of calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate. Uric acid stones can also form. Xanthine stones may also form.
Q.3. What happens if kidney stones go untreated?
Well, kidney stones must be treated. The urgency of the treatment will depend on the size of the stone and it’s location in the kidney. If we don’t get it treated, then an infection might occur or worse, kidney failure may occur. So, I would definitely suggest an accurate diagnosis and timely treatment.
Q.4. Can kidney stones go away on their own?
Yes, we call it spontaneous passage, in which the stone passes away on its own. The factors that decide this is the size of the stone and its location in the urinary tract. If the stone is 5mm in diameter, then the chances of spontaneous passage are greater. The greater the stone, then the chances of spontaneous expulsion of the stone reduces.
Q.5. What is the treatment of kidney stones?
Well, treatment for kidney stone can involve medications and surgery. We look at the type of stone, its size and location and offer the appropriate treatment.
Nowadays, we try to extract the kidney stones endoscopically, that is more commonly known as the “camera-operation”. There are some other treatments such as shock wave therapy, or laser even. However, as I mentioned before, the treatment depends upon the composition, location and size of the stone.
If you want to learn more about kidney stones treatment, watch the full interview. For any health concerns, contact a general physician or a urologist at your earliest.
You can also book an appointment with a top urologist through oladoc.com, or call our helpline at 042-3890-0939 for assistance to find the RIGHT professional for your concerns.
