What is the difference between kidney stones and gallstones, their symptoms, and effective treatment methods? Kidney stones are composed of minerals in the urinary system, while gallstones are composed of bile and cholesterol in the digestive system.
Both are common, and their large presence in the body prevents the normal flow of fluids through the body's systems. They differ in the location of pain, symptoms, and methods of eliminating them. We will learn about the difference between each and their effective treatment methods.
What are kidney stones
Kidney stones, also known as urolithiasis or renal calculi, are solid objects composed of minerals and salts in urine and form inside the kidneys.
What are gallstones
Gallstones are solid deposits in the digestive fluid that can form in the gallbladder. The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ located on the right side of the abdomen below the liver. The gallbladder contains a digestive fluid called bile.
Symptoms of Kidney Stones
Kidney stones usually don't cause symptoms until they move within the kidney or pass through one of the ureters. They may block urine flow and cause severe pain. The following symptoms may appear:
- Severe pain in the side and back below the ribs.
- Pain or burning sensation when urinating.
- The pain appears in waves and varies in intensity.
- Pain extends to the lower stomach area.
- Pink, red, or brown urine.
- Upset stomach.
- Vomiting.
- Cloudy urine.
Gallstones don't cause any symptoms. If a gallstone becomes stuck in a passageway, it causes a blockage and the following symptoms appear. The pain from the stones may last from several minutes to several hours:
- Sudden pain in the upper right side of the abdomen.
- Sudden, rapid pain in the center of the abdomen below the breastbone.
- Pain in the right shoulder.
- Vomiting and nausea.
- Pain in the back between the shoulder blades.
- Nausea or vomiting.
Causes of Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are not usually caused by a single, specific factor. However, there are many factors that may increase the risk of developing them, including:
- Lack of fluid intake. Not drinking enough water increases urine concentration, which facilitates stone formation.
- A diet rich in sugars, protein, and sodium may increase the risk of developing certain types of stones.
- Obesity and excess body fat increase the risk of kidney stones.
- A family history of kidney stones increases the risk.
Causes of Gallstones
Gallstones are formed from a chemical imbalance in bile. As a result:
- The liver secretes a large amount of cholesterol, which bile cannot dissolve, leading to the formation of gallstones.
- This may increase bilirubin production, leading to the formation of pigment stones, such as bile duct inflammation and cirrhosis.
- Insufficient gallbladder emptying may increase the risk of stone formation.
- A lack of bile salts in bile makes it unable to dissolve all the cholesterol, leading to the formation of stones.
Types of Kidney Stones
The body may develop several types of kidney stones, including:
- Calcium stones, which are the most common type, are composed of calcium oxalate, but they can also be composed of calcium phosphate.
- Uric acid stones, which are waste products that pass from the body and accumulate in the urinary tract.
- Struvite stones, which form when a person suffers from a bacterial infection, such as a urinary tract infection.
- Cystine stones, which result from a genetic disorder called cystinuria.
What is the difference between kidney and gallstones
Kidney stones form in the urinary tract and are usually composed of calcium and salts, while gallstones form from cholesterol and bile in the digestive tract.
Kidney Stone Treatment Methods
Kidney stones can be treated depending on their size, type, and location. Small stones may pass spontaneously by:
- Drinking plenty of water (about 1.8-3.6 liters per day) to facilitate urine flow and dilute its concentration.
- Taking pain relievers such as ibuprofen or naproxen to relieve mild to moderate pain.
- The doctor may prescribe alpha-blockers such as tamsulosin to relax the ureter muscles, thus facilitating the stone's passage.
- Drinking diuretics or antioxidant drinks such as parsley or pomegranate juice to cleanse the urinary tract.
The Best Drink to Dissolve Kidney Stones
There is no single drink that dissolves stones, but there are natural drinks that help dissolve small stones and facilitate their passage, the most important of which is plenty of water.
Drinking certain juices such as basil juice, which contains acetic acid, and lemon juice, which contains citric acid.
How can I differentiate between gallbladder and kidney pain
Pain from kidney stones is primarily concentrated in the lower back and sides, and sometimes extends to the lower abdomen and groin.
Gallstone pain is usually located in the upper right abdomen and may extend to the shoulder or back.
Gallstone Treatment Methods
Gallstone treatment relies on surgery, the most common method for removing the gallbladder completely. Stones are removed through :
- laparoscopy
- open surgery.
- Ultrasound lithotripsy
- laser lithotripsy depends on the type and size of the stone.
Summary of the Difference Between Kidney and Gallstones
Kidney stones form in the urinary tract and are usually composed of calcium and salts. The resulting pain is concentrated in the lower back or sides and may extend to the lower abdomen.
Gallstones, on the other hand, are composed of cholesterol and bile from the digestive tract. The resulting pain is concentrated in the upper right abdomen and may extend to the shoulder and back.