Los cálculos renales, también conocidos como cálculos, son formaciones cristalinas que pueden desarrollarse en uno o ambos riñones. La condición médica conocida como nefrolitiasis se refiere a la presencia de cálculos renales, los cuales pueden obstruir el flujo de orina y, en casos graves, provocar insuficiencia renal. Estas formaciones se producen cuando las sales presentes en la orina se agrupan y solidifican. En la mayoría de los casos, los cálculos renales son expulsados del cuerpo sin causar dolor al momento de orinar, sin embargo, si una piedra se aloja en el uréter (el conducto que conecta el riñón con la vejiga), se puede obstruir el flujo de orina y requerir un tratamiento adecuado. Los síntomas relacionados con los cálculos renales pueden no ser evidentes hasta que estos lleguen al uréter.
Severe Back Pain (Below the Ribs)
A persistent pain can be felt in the lower back or on one side of the abdomen, which can last for minutes or even hours. This persistent pain that can extend around the front and even the groin or testicles is called “renal colic”. The pain can be so intense that it can result in nausea, often accompanied by vomiting. It can give a sensation similar to a fluctuating wave of unbearable pain that can leave the back and sides sensitive to pain. Episodes of sudden and intense pain in the abdominal region should not be taken lightly and should be reported to a doctor.
Frequent Urination (Usually Painful)
One of the most significant and early warning signs of kidney stones is an unexplained urge to urinate. You will notice an increase in the frequency and intensity of urination, even when you haven’t consumed an abnormally large amount of fluids. Even after the urge passes, you will expel very little urine mainly because there isn’t much fluid to expel in the body. When you do produce a regular amount of urine, it can be very painful to pass. The movement of the kidney stone from the bladder to the urethra can cause a burning sensation. As the stone moves through the urinary tract, the risk of developing a urinary tract infection (UTI) is very high.