Kidney stones, also known as renal calculi or nephrolithiasis, are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside the kidneys. These stones vary in size — from as small as a grain of sand to as large as a golf ball — and can affect any part of the urinary tract.
At Gurukrupa Urology Clinic, you’ll receive expert care from the best doctor for kidney in Aurangabad, ensuring timely diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of kidney stones.
What Are Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones develop when minerals and salts in your urine crystallize and stick together. While small stones may pass without symptoms, larger ones can cause severe pain, block urine flow, and lead to complications like infections or kidney damage.
How Common Are Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones are a common condition, affecting 1 in 10 people during their lifetime. They are most frequently seen in men aged 30–50 but can affect women and children as well.
Symptoms of Kidney Stones
Common signs and symptoms include:
- Sharp pain in the lower back or side (flank pain)
- Pain radiating to the groin
- Nausea and vomiting
- Pain or burning during urination
- Blood in the urine (hematuria)
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
- Frequent urge to urinate
- Fever or chills (if infection is present)
Small stones may not cause noticeable symptoms and can pass silently.
Causes of Kidney Stones
Kidney stones form due to a concentration of minerals like calcium, oxalate, and uric acid in urine, especially when hydration is poor. Common contributing factors include:
- Low fluid intake
- High sodium or sugar intake
- Diets high in animal proteins
- Vitamin C overuse
- Family history of stones
- Urinary tract obstruction
- Certain medications or supplements
Types of Kidney Stones
- Calcium Stones (most common): Calcium-oxalate or calcium-phosphate based
- Uric Acid Stones: Caused by diets rich in red meat and seafood
- Struvite Stones: Linked to urinary tract infections
- Cystine Stones: Resulting from a rare genetic disorder called cystinuria
Risk Factors
You may be at higher risk if you:
- Don’t drink enough water
- Have a high-protein or high-salt diet
- Are overweight or diabetic
- Have a history of GI surgeries (e.g., gastric bypass)
- Take certain medications like diuretics or calcium-based antacids
Medical conditions such as gout, IBD, cystic fibrosis, or high blood pressure also increase risk.
Diagnosis: How the Best Doctor for Kidney in Aurangabad Can Help
- Urine Test: To check for blood, infection, or stone-forming crystals
- Blood Tests: To assess kidney function and detect excess minerals
- Imaging Tests: Ultrasound, X-ray, or CT scan to locate and size the stone
Kidney Stone Treatment Options
Conservative Management
For small stones (≤4 mm), treatment may include:
- Drinking more fluids
- Pain relievers
- Medications to relax the ureter (e.g., Tamsulosin)
Interventional Procedures
For larger or obstructive stones:
- Shockwave Lithotripsy (SWL) – Non-invasive method using sound waves
- Ureteroscopy – Scope-based removal via the urinary tract
- Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) – Keyhole surgery for large or complex stones
- Laparoscopic Surgery – Used in rare, complex cases
As the best urologist in Aurangabad, Dr. Mayur Dalvi ensures that each patient receives the most suitable and minimally invasive treatment.
Can Kidney Stones Pass on Their Own?
Yes, especially if the stone is small. However, it can take 1–3 weeks, and the process may be painful. Follow-up is essential if the stone does not pass or causes complications.
Prevention Tips
Preventing kidney stones involves lifestyle and dietary changes:
- Drink 2.5–3 liters of water daily
- Limit sodium, sugar, and animal proteins
- Eat a balanced diet rich in calcium from food, not supplements
- Avoid high-oxalate foods like spinach, beets, and nuts (if prone to calcium-oxalate stones)
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Use prescribed medications if advised by your doctor
When to Visit a Urologist?
Visit Dr. Mayur Dalvi, Urologist in Aurangabad, if you experience:
- Severe or persistent pain
- Blood in urine
- Nausea and vomiting
- Difficulty urinating
- Recurring urinary tract infections
Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are key to avoiding complications like kidney infections, hydronephrosis, or chronic kidney disease.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of kidney stones or want to discuss prevention and treatment options, schedule a consultation with Dr. Mayur Dalvi today.