Office worker Kim, in his 40s, initially dismissed his frequent bouts of indigestion as a minor stomach issue. However, as the pain intensified, he sought emergency care and was diagnosed with kidney stones, a condition that often flares up during the summer months.
Kidney stones form in the urinary tract, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. These stones can cause intense pain, ranking among the “three worst pains” alongside childbirth and severe tooth inflammation (acute pulpitis). Typically, pain lasts 20 to 30 minutes and is described as a stabbing sensation that frequently drives patients to seek emergency medical help. This issue becomes more common during the hot summer when sweating reduces urine output, allowing substances that form stones to concentrate and solidify.
Stones often originate in the kidneys and may not cause symptoms until they move to the ureters and obstruct urine flow. This can lead to severe side pain, nausea, vomiting, and even blood in the urine from injury to the urinary tract.
Professor Yoo Dae Sun from Daejeon Eulji University Medical Center’s Urology Department noted, “If the condition is temporary, recovery can be swift. However, if it persists, it could result in permanent kidney damage.”
He added, “Stagnant urine fosters bacterial growth, increasing the risk of infections such as pyelonephritis.”
Professor Ahn Soon Tae from Korea University Guro Hospital’s Urology Department warned, “If urinary stones are not treated promptly, they can block the ureters, leading to hydronephrosis, where urine builds up in the kidneys, potentially impairing kidney function over time.”
“As kidney function declines, the risk of renal failure increases, along with a heightened risk of urinary infections that can lead to conditions like pyelonephritis or sepsis. Therefore, it is essential to address these symptoms promptly and seek medical treatment,” cautioned Ahn.
Stones smaller than 0.2 inches (5 mm) often pass naturally with sufficient hydration and typically do not require special treatment. However, larger stones or those not passing on their own may necessitate more aggressive interventions. Treatment options depend on the size and shape of the stones and the patient’s overall condition, requiring a collaborative decision between the specialist and the patient.
Medication can aid in the passage of smaller stones. If the stones are larger or medications are ineffective, extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) may be used to break them into smaller fragments. Surgical methods, such as ureteroscopy, can also be employed to crush and remove stones.
Despite various treatments, urinary stones often recur, with an average recurrence rate of 7% within a year of treatment and about 50% within ten years. Therefore, individuals with a history of urinary stones should regularly consult a urologist to monitor for recurrence, even if they are asymptomatic.
To prevent kidney stones, it is beneficial to drink 2 to 3 liters (about 0.5 to 0.8 gallons) of water daily. Reducing excessive protein and sodium intake is crucial, as is consuming fruits and vegetables rich in citric acid, such as lemons, kiwis, and oranges.
Regular exercise can help with weight management, improve blood circulation, and enhance metabolic activity, thus reducing the risk of stone formation. However, high-intensity workouts may lead to dehydration, which can trigger stone formation, so selecting an appropriate workout intensity based on individual physical capabilities is important.
Professor Yoo Dae-sun emphasized, “Regular check-ups are crucial to preventing the recurrence of urinary stones. Also, consistent management through dietary and lifestyle changes is essential.”
