Kidney Stones and the Related Gastrointestinal Problems - An Overview

What Are Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones are also known as nephrolithiasis and renal calculi. It is the most prevalent condition that affects the urinary system. Around 12 percent of the world's population suffers from kidney stones, with 600,000 cases occurring annually in America.

Kidney stones primarily develop when the urine contains a higher concentration of crystal-forming chemicals than the fluid in the urine can dilute, such as calcium oxalate and uric acid. A higher risk of end-stage renal failure, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and hypertension are associated with kidney stones.

What Causes Kidney Stones?

Eighty percent of nephrolithiasis patients have calcium stones, most of which are predominantly made of calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate. Uric acid, cystine, and struvite (magnesium ammonium phosphate) stones are the other main forms. Moreover, it is also possible for a patient to have stones with many crystal types. The following factors can increase the chances of developing kidney stones:

• An individual with a history of kidney stones increases the chance of developing kidney stones by 15 percent in the first year and 50 percent in the following ten years.

• Family history of kidney stones.

• Formation of increased calcium oxalate crystal results from increased enteric oxalate absorption, which is often caused by malabsorption.

• Urinary tract infections change the urine pH and cause struvite crystals to form.

• Dehydration and low fluid intake.

• History of diabetes, gout, high blood pressure, etc.

• Obesity.

• Acidic urine.

What Are the Symptoms of Kidney Stones?

The symptoms of kidney stones are:

• Most patients with kidney stones are asymptomatic.

• Sudden pain originating from the groin.

• Once the stone starts moving down the ureters from the kidneys, the patient may complain of acute pain.

• The pain may be dull, colicky, and severe in nature.

• Nausea and vomiting.

• Due to the damage to the genitourinary tract caused by the stone, hematuria (bloody urine) is also frequently reported.

• Patients may experience fever, chills, or other symptoms of escalating systemic infection if the stone becomes infected.

• Symptoms of gastrointestinal problems.

Can Kidney Stones Cause Gastrointestinal Problems?

Symptoms of kidney stones typically include lower back pressure and pain, fever, frequent urination, painful urination, and discolored urine. However, gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort, can occasionally be caused by kidney stones. Therefore, the possibility of kidney stones causing gastrointestinal symptoms cannot be ruled out as a connection between these two conditions has been found, and a history of gastrointestinal problems can raise the risk of developing kidney stones.

What Are the Gastrointestinal Problems Caused by Kidney Stones?

Some initial symptoms that a person with kidney stones may experience have gastrointestinal origins. The gastrointestinal symptoms are:

• Pain: The most typical sign of kidney stones is pain in the gastrointestinal tract. Renal colic is the other name for this pain. This pain typically feels strong and sharp and frequently comes and goes in waves. The patient may experience it in their lower back, groin, sides, and abdomen.

• Nausea: Additionally, nausea from kidney stones is possible and may occur as a pain-related reaction. The patient may require urgent medical attention if they have this symptom, which is less common than the pain.

• Vomiting: Like nausea, vomiting is one of the less frequent symptoms of kidney stones, although it can still occur.

What Are the Potential Gastrointestinal Complications of Kidney Stones?

The patient may develop additional gastrointestinal problems due to kidney stones. Potential gastrointestinal complications occurring due to kidney stones are:

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Irritable bowel syndrome is a disorder of the intestine that causes pain, diarrhea, or constipation. According to a Taiwanese study, adults have a higher risk of developing irritable bowel syndrome after having a kidney stone. Moreover, within six months of being diagnosed with kidney stones for the first time, more than 30 percent of new cases of irritable bowel syndrome were reported.

• Bowel Obstruction: A partial or total obstruction of the small or large bowel that prevents the proper passage of food, fluids, gas, and stool is known as bowel obstruction. Although bowel obstruction is very rare, it can occur in some cases.

Can Gastrointestinal Problems Cause Kidney Stones as Well?

So it is established that kidney stones can cause gastrointestinal problems; however, the vice versa is also true. Gastrointestinal problems can also lead to the development of kidney stones. The following gastrointestinal problems can cause kidney stones:

• Diarrhea: There are numerous causes of diarrhea characterized by frequent, urgent watery bowel movements. Kidney stones are uncommon to develop after a brief diarrheal episode. But chronic diarrhea can cause dehydration, and this is one of the major reasons why kidney stones form.

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease: There may be regular loose stools and diarrhea in people with inflammatory bowel illnesses like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. Along with being inconvenient, this can cause dehydration, which can result in concentrated urine and the development of kidney stones.

• Bariatric Surgery: Undergoing bariatric surgery can impact how the gastrointestinal tract functions. Oxalates are the main component of kidney stones and are often absorbed by the gastrointestinal system. Gastric bypass and sleeve surgery, for example, can occasionally result in complications like diarrhea or malabsorption, which can eventually result in the formation of kidney stones. By drinking plenty of water, consuming less sodium, and limiting foods high in oxalates, including beets, spinach, almonds, chocolate, and tea, one can lower their risk of getting kidney stones after having bariatric surgery.

• High-Protein Diet: Increased animal proteins may raise the risk for kidney stones if a person follows a diet like the paleo or the keto diet, both of which increase protein intake. These animal proteins may cause uric acid to build up in the urine.

When to See a Doctor?

Allowing kidney stones to pass naturally by letting them pass out of the body with urine is the least invasive treatment for kidney stones. However, kidney stones may occasionally be too large to move through the body without risk.

If left untreated, this can result in a blockage. A doctor's examination is the only way to determine whether a stone is small enough to pass. Therefore, it is best to consult a doctor if the symptoms are severe and there are associated gastrointestinal problems. Other gastrointestinal problems, such as nausea or vomiting, may indicate a more serious kidney stone if they are present. It is necessary to get medical help right away in this situation.

Conclusion:

Kidney stones and gastrointestinal problems are closely related; kidney stones can cause several gastrointestinal problems, and gastrointestinal problems can cause kidney stones. However, the presence of gastrointestinal symptoms, along with kidney stones, suggests that the patient may have severe kidney stones and require immediate medical aid. It may be a sign that kidney stones are more serious if someone has both gastrointestinal problems and kidney stones simultaneously. The best course of action if the person suspects kidney stones is to see a doctor right away and one can get a UTI prescription online by filling out a medical questionnaire and receiving a diagnosis and treatment plan from a qualified healthcare professional.