Onboard Bow Fitness: Understanding Kidney Stone

Internal News | 05.08.25

This article was published more than one year ago. The information may be outdated.

In this issue of Bow Fitness, we take a closer look at what kidney stones are, their symptoms, how they’re diagnosed, and the steps we can take to prevent them.

Hard, stone-like lumps called kidney stones develop in the kidneys because of minerals and salts found in urine. They develop when chemicals in urine solidify due to excessive concentration. They can be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball.

Calculus (Calculi): This term can be used to describe a single stone or multiple stones formed within the urinary tract.
Renal Calculi: This is another term for kidney stones, with "renal" referring to the kidneys and "calculi" referring to stones.

Symptoms

Hematuria – defined as the presence of blood or red blood cells in the urine, occurs when urine appears red, brown, or tea-colored due to the presence of blood.
Lower Abdominal pain – kidney stones are associated with severe pain in your abdomen, lower back, and sides.
Nausea and Vomiting – It's common for people with kidney stones, stone irritates the urinary tract, these vagal nerves can be triggered, causing stomach upset and nausea.
Painful urination – that can be very painful. At that point, serious, sharp pain in the side and back, below the ribs.
Cloudy urination – smelly or cloudy urine; feeling queasy or nauseous due to the intensity of the pain; also signs of infection, including fever, chills and vomiting.

Diagnosis

Medical History and Physical Examination: A doctor will ask about symptoms, past medical conditions, medications, diet, and family history. They will also perform a physical exam to check for signs like flank pain.

Imaging tests

CT Scans: These are often the preferred method for detecting kidney stones due to their ability to show the size, location, and number of stones, as well as potential blockages in the urinary tract.

Urine tests

Urinalysis: this test can detect blood, signs of infection, and the presence of crystals that may indicate the type of stone.

Prevention

Increasing fluid intake, especially water, to keep properly hydrated and dilute urine is the best way to prevent kidney stones.
Dietary changes can also help lower the risk, such as reducing animal protein and sodium intake and consuming fewer foods high in oxalate like (spinach, nuts, chocolate and tea).

Treatment

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy – using sound wave to break up stones, still it depends on the size and site of the stones.
Surgery (Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy) – involves removing a kidney stone using small telescopes and tools inserted through a small cut in the back or side.

NOTE: If you think you might have a kidney stone, you should seek medical attention right away. In particular, a fever with a kidney stone or a urinary tract infection (UTI) with a kidney stone are surgical emergencies.