Detailed Guide On Diagnosing Kidney Stones

Urine contains many dissolved minerals, and when they become concentrated, they form crystals inside the kidneys. These crystals grow and join together to form a stone. Stone can move down to the urinary tract and cause pain.

This is the most common kidney disease. The good news is it is treatable, even better, it is a preventable disease.

With some lifestyle changes and following a kidney-friendly diet you can prevent kidney stone formation.

Detecting kidney stones early helps in availing the best treatment and faster recovery. When you face a few or more kidney stone symptoms, you should get it checked.

There are various kidney stone diagnoses performed based on the symptoms. Detecting kidney stones early is crucial to prevent further complications and find effective treatment options.

At NU Hospitals, we have been treating patients with kidney stones for 26+ years. NU Hospitals is a trusted nephrology and urology care center in Bengaluru.

We have advanced technology, world-class diagnostic methods, expert specialists, and a well-trained and equipped team to give you the holistic care you deserve.

Read on to understand the methods and importance of kidney stone diagnosis.

Why Early Diagnosis of Kidney Stones is Important

Detecting kidney stones early makes it easier to treat them through non-invasive methods or medications.

Detecting kidney stones early helps minimize further complications and manage the symptoms effectively.

Here are the key benefits of early kidney stones diagnosis

●     Prevent complications

You can prevent some complications caused by kidney stones if treated timely. Urinary tract infections and kidney dysfunctions are some of the complications.

●     Reduce risks

If kidney stones are left untreated, you are prone to pain, infections, and kidney damage in the long run.

●     Prevention of kidney stones

Detecting kidney stones early helps you to treat them early or even prevent them in the future. Knowing what causes kidney stones and how to adjust your lifestyle accordingly is a powerful way to prevent kidney stones.

●     Cost-Effective

Early detection helps our urologists identify the type of stone and helps them plan affordable, non-invasive methods of treatment.

NU Hospitals is the trusted center of care for all kidney and urine-related problems. We have been serving our patients with cutting-edge technology combined with our comprehensive approach. Our experts diagnose and treat every patient with care and personally curated plans.

Common Symptoms That Indicate the Need for Kidney Stone Diagnosis

Some kidney stones are asymptomatic (bear no symptoms) but may show the following signs.

If you are facing the following, it’s time you get diagnosed with kidney stones:

●     Colic-like severe pain

A sharp or cramp-like pain might occur in the one side flank area radiating to the groin.

●     Blood in Urine

Blood in urine is a common sign of kidney stones. Pink, red, or brown discoloration of urine occurs as the stone causes mucosal injury/tear.

●     Frequent Urination

Discomfort while urinating and a repeated urge to urinate are likely when a ureteric stone comes close to the bladder.

●     Nausea and Vomiting

When the pain is severe, you may experience nausea and vomiting.

●     Cloudy/ Smelly Urine

Infections and high phosphate concentrations can cause cloudy and foul-smelling urine.

If you or your loved ones are experiencing these symptoms, visit NU Hospitals to seek immediate medical assistance.

Get a top-notch kidney stone diagnosis today!

Essential Tests to Confirm Kidney Stone Presence: what to expect

Diagnosing kidney stones can involve a few tests to confirm their presence and understand their composition, size, and position. This helps our expert urologists to plan the right treatment just right for your condition.

The series of tests include

1.    Physical examination

Urologists, in addition to your history of pain, will take detailed family history and shall do a physical examination to look for any tenderness in the flank region.

2.    Blood Tests for kidney stones

Blood tests for kidney stones are recommended to detect high levels of uric acid, calcium, albumin, Phosphorus, and Serum creatinine.

3.    Urine Analysis for kidney stones

Urine analysis for kidney stones gives you a whole picture of crystals, blood, and WBC, urine pH.

They also help in understanding the composition of the stone, which further helps in treatment planning.

4.    Imaging tests for kidney stones

Imaging for kidney stones like X-ray KUB region, Ultrasounds, and CT KUB region are used to analyse the size, shape, and location of kidney stones. These tests give precise and apt diagnoses.

NU Hospitals is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and advanced radiology equipment to provide you with accurate diagnosis. Our expert specialists work closely with you to plan your treatment options.

Advanced Imaging for Kidney Stones Detection

To detect stones accurately, imaging for kidney stones becomes important.

At NU Hospitals, we use the following:

1.    Ultrasound

Ultrasound is a safe, radiation-free option. This is suitable for everyone, especially pregnant women and children.

Benefits

●     Quick

●     Safe

●     Effective for initial analysis

2.    CT KUB

Computed Tomography gives you detailed 3D images of the entire urinary system (kidneys, tracts, and bladder) that help in easy diagnosis.

Benefits

●     Detects even small stones (1-2 mm)

●     Non-invasive

●     The golden standard for kidney stone diagnosis

3.    X-ray KUB

X-rays can be used to identify large or calcium-based stones

Benefits

●     Affordable

●     Suitable for follow-ups

Our advanced imaging for kidney stones at NU Hospitals allows precise identification of the stone and helps in personalising treatment plans.

The Role of Blood Tests  for Kidney Stones

Blood tests for kidney stones help in identifying the underlying conditions that affect the formation of kidney stones.

Blood tests for kidney stones provide you with:

●     Calcium Levels

High levels of calcium in the blood indicate calcium-based stones

●     Uric Acid

Uric acid stones are commonly connected with Gout arthritis. Blood tests for kidney stones depict high levels of uric acid to suggest uric acid stones.

●     Kidney Function

Key indicators of kidney function are Creatinine and GFR. These levels help in understanding the ability of the kidneys to filter waste effectively.

Getting regular blood tests for kidney stones can detect complications early. This helps in timely interventions, prevention, and reducing the risks.

Urine Analysis for kidney stones: Detecting Kidney Stones early

Urine analysis gives us insights into the causes and composition of kidney stones.

Urine Analysis for kidney stones  is used to recognise:

●     Stone presence

Crystals of calcium, oxalate, and uric acid can be detected in routine urine analysis.

●     Infection

We can detect bacteria, WBC (white blood cells), and RBC (red blood cells) that suggest urinary tract infections

●     pH Levels

Low pH levels indicate urine acidity. This increases the production of uric acid stones.

NU Hospitals is equipped with advanced laboratories. We ensure accurate, precise, and quick urine analysis for kidney stones.

NU Hospitals: Your Partner in Detecting Kidney Stones Early

NU Hospitals is a leading Kidney and Urinary health care provider in Bangalore. We take pride as the #1 Nephrology and #1 Urology Hospital in India and Bangalore. Our dedicated centers help patients with kidney stone disease by providing comprehensive treatment plans with empathetic and compassionate care.

Here is why patients trust us with kidney stone diagnoses:

1.    Cutting Edge Technology

We offer advanced imaging for kidney stones and accurate diagnostic services.

2.    Expert Team

Our multidisciplinary team of nephrology and urology specialists are experts in treating common and complex kidney stones.

3.    Patient-centric Approach

Patient comfort and safety is our priority. We ensure our patients are stress-free while availing our diagnostic procedures and further.

4.    Personalised Treatment

Our experts suggest diagnosis and treatment to each patient's peculiar needs.

Take care of your kidney and urinary health right away. Consult us today to schedule a consultation and make sure you receive a timely diagnosis and the right treatment for your kidney stones.