Kidney Stone Symptoms, Causes & Treatment in Bathinda

What Are Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones (nephrolithiasis) are hard, crystalline mineral deposits that form inside the kidneys when certain substances in urine — such as calcium, oxalate, and uric acid — become too concentrated and crystallize. They can range in size from a tiny grain of sand to a large pebble, or even a golf ball in rare cases. While small stones often pass through urine without treatment, larger stones can cause intense pain, urinary blockage, infection, and kidney damage if left untreated.

Kidney stones are extremely common in Punjab and the Malwa region of Bathinda district, partly due to hard water consumption, dietary habits high in salt and protein, and inadequate fluid intake. Dr. Swaranjeet Kaur at Pragma Medical Institute, Bathinda, provides comprehensive evaluation and management for kidney stone patients from across the region.

Types of Kidney Stones

Symptoms of Kidney Stones

Small stones may pass without any symptoms. However, when a stone moves into the ureter (the tube connecting kidney to bladder), it can cause severe pain and other symptoms:

• Severe flank pain — Sharp, cramping pain starting in the back or side below the ribs, radiating to the lower abdomen and groin. This is called renal colic and is often described as one of the worst pains imaginable.
• Blood in urine (haematuria) — Urine may appear pink, red, or brown due to blood from the stone scraping the urinary tract lining.
• Painful urination — Burning sensation when passing urine, especially when the stone is near the bladder.
• Frequent urge to urinate — Feeling of needing to urinate more often than usual.
• Nausea and vomiting — Pain is so severe it can cause nausea and vomiting.
• Fever and chills — If an infection develops alongside the stone (a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment).
• Cloudy or foul-smelling urine — May indicate associated urinary tract infection.

Common Causes and Risk Factors

• Chronic dehydration — most common cause; concentrated urine promotes stone formation
• High-salt diet — excess sodium increases calcium in urine
• High-protein diet (excessive meat, fish)
• High-oxalate foods (spinach, nuts, chocolate, tea)
• Family history of kidney stones
• Recurrent urinary tract infections
• Obesity and metabolic syndrome
• Certain medications (calcium supplements, vitamin D supplements in excess)
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Previous kidney stone (increases risk of recurrence)

How Are Kidney Stones Diagnosed?

Dr. Swaranjeet Kaur uses the following investigations to accurately diagnose kidney stones, determine their size, location, and type:

• Urine routine test — Detects blood, crystals, or infection in urine
• Kidney ultrasound — First-line imaging to detect most kidney stones
• CT scan (non-contrast) — The most accurate method to detect all types of stones and their exact size/location
• X-ray KUB — Detects calcium-containing stones
• Blood tests — Check kidney function, calcium, uric acid, and electrolyte levels
• 24-hour urine collection — To determine the chemical cause of stones for recurrence prevention

Kidney Stone Treatment Options in Bathinda

1. Conservative Treatment (Small Stones <5mm)

Most small stones (less than 5mm) pass naturally with sufficient fluid intake (2.5–3 litres of water daily), pain relief medicines, and alpha-blockers (medicines that relax the ureter muscles to help the stone pass faster). Dr. Swaranjeet Kaur guides patients through this process with regular monitoring.

2. Medical Expulsive Therapy

For stones between 5–10mm that are likely to pass, medicines like tamsulosin help relax the ureter to facilitate stone passage. Regular follow-up to check if the stone is moving is essential.

3. Shock Wave Lithotripsy (SWL)

For stones 10–20mm, shockwaves from outside the body break the stone into small fragments that then pass in urine. This is a non-invasive procedure that does not require incisions.

4. Ureteroscopy (URS)

A thin telescope is passed through the urethra and bladder into the ureter to visualize and remove or break up the stone using a laser. Very effective for ureteric stones of any size.

5. Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL)

For very large stones (above 20mm) or staghorn calculi, a small incision is made in the back to directly remove the stone from the kidney. This is the most effective approach for large stones.

Preventing Kidney Stone Recurrence

• Drink plenty of water — aim for at least 2.5–3 litres daily (more in summer)
• Reduce sodium intake — less salt means less calcium in urine
• Limit high-oxalate foods (spinach, nuts, chocolate)
• Moderate protein intake — especially animal protein
• Do not take calcium supplements without medical advice
• Regular urine and blood tests for stone-forming substances
• Specific medicines as advised by Dr. Swaranjeet Kaur based on stone type