Introduction:
The kidneys are a vital organ in the body and their importance increases with age. The functions of the kidneys can significantly change with age along with conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. Other conditions including urinary tract infections, kidney stones and dehydration can also affect the kidneys. Regular checkups can help identify any of these conditions.
Regal Hospital offers nephrology and urology services along with diagnostic and other specialization services. Located in Tirumanahalli, North Bangalore, along the Thanisandra-Yelahanka corridor, the hospital provides kidney care services to the people of Thanisandra, Hennur, Yelahanka and other surrounding areas.
Changes in Ageing and Kidneys
Changes in kidney function can occur with age. Older people can also have several medical conditions and can be on multiple medications. Regular evaluation and checkups can be beneficial in such cases.
Just because a person is above a certain age, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the person will develop kidney problems. Older people can also have diabetes and hypertension for which kidney problems can occur. Older people can also have urinary infections and kidney stones from which kidney problems can occur. Regular checkups to evaluate kidney function can be beneficial in such cases.
Older people can also have conditions which can cause changes in the color or odor of their urine, fluid retention, chronic fatigue, and other conditions which can be Evaluating kidney and urinary functions can help in diagnosing such conditions.
What are Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones are formed when salts and minerals in urine do not dissolve and rise to the surface in a crystal-like formation. Stones can grow and obstruct the flow of urine in the kidney.
Kidney stones can be as small as a grain of sand and may not require medical treatment. Larger stones may require surgery.
Regal Hospital’s Urology Department offers treatment for kidney stones as well as other urological conditions and minimally-invasive urological surgeries.
Symptoms of Kidney Stones in the Elderly
The location and size of kidney stones affect the symptoms associated with the condition. Some of the symptoms include:
Pain in the back, side, abdomen, and groin
Urinating in small quantities, or only being able to urinate by doing so repeatedly
Strong, foul smelling, or bloody urine
Vomiting and nausea
Treatment for kidney stones is important to avoid complications and blockages.
Causes of Kidney Stones
Dehydration is one of the leading causes of kidney stones. Not drinking enough fluid can increase the risk of stone formation. However, in some elderly adults, particularly those suffering from cardiac and renal conditions, increasing fluid intake may worsen the condition.
Diet
Depending on the stone, a change in diet may be advised by the doctor. A diet change may help prevent stone formation by limiting intake of salt or animal protein or by avoiding food containing oxalates.
Medical Conditions
Stone formation may be caused or made worse by obesity or diabetes. Other conditions that may increase stone risk include metabolic disorders or urinary tract infections.
Previous Kidney Stones
Having formed a kidney stone increases the risk of developing additional stones.
Medications and Supplements
Certain medications and supplements may increase stone risk. It is recommended that the individual discuss his/her medications with a doctor before discontinuing or altering them.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Not all cases of kidney stones may be managed at home.
Kidney stone symptoms requiring immediate medical attention include:
Fever or chills
Vomiting, especially if blood is present in the vomitus
Urinating blood
Inability to urinate
Pain that may indicate an infection
Weakness
Other conditions may also increase the risk of a blockage and infection of the urinary tract. This is of special concern in the elderly and debilitated.
Symptoms that arise suddenly and quickly worsen require immediate medical attention.
How are Kidney Stones Diagnosed?
A physical exam will be followed by recommendations for additional tests based on symptoms.
Depending on the situation, diagnosis may consist of:
Urine test
Blood tests to estimate kidney function and other related functions
Ultrasound
X-rays (only if needed)
A computed tomography scan (if needed)
Depending on the nature of the problem other tests may also be ordered.
Regal Hospital has a number of diagnostic facilities and also has nephrology and urology facilities.
A variety of options are available for the treatment of kidney stones in Bangalore. The right treatment option depends on the size of the stones, where the stones are located, the symptoms, if there is a blockage, infection, how well the kidneys are functioning, and the health of the person.
Some small stones may be treated conservatively with medicines and may be observed to see if the stones pass on their own.
Because some of the medicines used to treat urinary and kidney stone pain may have adverse effects on the cardiac and renal system, the elderly should not take medicines without first consulting a qualified health care practitioner.
Fluid and Ashyama (food)
may be restricted or altered depending on the type of kidney stones.
Ureteroscopy and Laser Surgery
Ureteroscopy (URS) involves the insertion of a scope through the urethra and into the urinary tract to reach stones. A laser may be used to break the stone into smaller pieces.
Regal Hospital’s Urology Department provides information about ureteroscopy and laser stone treatments on its website.
Surgery for Large or Complex Stones
If a stone is large, complex or cannot be treated by other methods, surgery like Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) may be required. A decision on the type of surgery to be performed is made after assessment by a urologist and review of relevant images.
In the case of a large stone, other procedures may be required and should always be individualized to the case.
Preventive Measures for Kidney Stones and Senior Citizens
Stone formation can be treated, but prevention is equally important. After treatment, the following measures may be recommended.
Maintain a healthy fluid and nutrient balance by urine stone synthesis.
Undergo regular follow-ups and assessments to determine the health of the stone and other organs.
Adhere to a prescribed healthy lifestyle by controlling BP and BGL.
Avoid over-the-counter or unregulated medicines to treat or relieve kidney stone symptoms.
Chest and abdominal symptoms may signal a stone, and thus, return for an evaluation.
Prevention is individualized based on conditions and consideration of senior citizens is always appreciated.
- What Makes Regal Hospital a Top Choice for Kidney Care in Bangalore?
Regal Hospital is an advanced multidisciplinary hospital in Bangalore, with experienced teams in various specialties including Nephrology and Urology. It provides a wide range of kidney care services including kidney transplants and dialysis.
When selecting a hospital for elderly patients, convenient location and integration of various specialties become essential. Located in Tirumanahalli on Thanisandra – Yelahanka road, Regal Hospital provides comprehensive services for the residents of North Bangalore and the surrounding areas like Thanisandra, Hennur, Yelahanka, Hebbal, etc.
Being able to integrate multiple specialties including urology, nephrology, diagnostic services, and emergency care, helps to provide a comprehensive assessment of an elderly patient.
- What are the main symptoms of kidney stones in older adults?
Symptoms may include pain in the back or side (flank pain) and/or pain in the lower abdomen. Pain may be intense and may come in waves. Blood may be in the urine (or other fluid) and/or the urine may be cloudy. Other symptoms may include frequent (and/or painful) urination, nausea, and/or vomiting. Fever and chills may mean there is an infection.
- Which kidney stone treatment in Bangalore is the best?
The ideal treatment will depend on a number of factors including the location of the stones, the size of the stones, how bad the obstruction is, how ill the patient is, how stable the patient is, etc. Treatment may include no treatment (with or without medicine), ESWL, ureteroscopy + laser treatment, or PCNL.
- Are annual kidney function tests necessary for older adults?
It will depend on the individual. People who may benefit from regular tests may include people who have diabetes, hypertension, previous renal problems, urinary problems, or renal calculi.
- In what situations should a kidney stone diagnosis be emergency for a senior citizen?
It may include symptoms of an infection (i.e. fever), inability to urinate, vomiting, and/or renal calculi. It is always best to play it safe and consult a doctor when in doubt.
Book a Senior Citizen Health Checkup at Regal Hospital
Call us today: +91 888 405 8888.
Visit us: Near Thanisandra-Yelahanka Road, Bengaluru
Learn more: www.regalhospital.com
