Kidney stones affect millions of people worldwide. It is one of the most common health problems in men and women of all ages. Yet, there are many kidney stone myths and misconceptions. If you indulge in these myths, there could be possible delays in treatment. But most of all, your symptoms can worsen with time.
In other words, one of the first steps in kidney stone prevention is to stop believing myths. What are these common kidney stone myths? Let’s explore.
Myth 1: Only Older Adults Get Kidney Stones
Many people automatically assume that kidney stones affect people in their 50s or 60s. This is far from the truth. Kidney stones can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or whether they are young, old, men, women, young adults, or teenagers.
Stones in the kidney have nothing to do with age. Stone formation depends on factors like diet, dehydration, and family history.
Myth 2: All Kidney Stones Cause Severe Pain
Stones are small and located inside the kidney. This is one of the most common kidney stone myths. Kidney stones form in the urinary tract and are hard masses. This can cause pain and block off urine flow. You can experience sharp pain in the back or sides. There could be bleeding, too. However, it is incorrect to assume that all kidney stones are painful, particularly in the early stages or when the stones are small.
Recognising early kidney stone symptoms like frequent urination, cloudy urine, or nausea can help you seek timely treatment before complications arise.
Myth 3: Myth About How To Pass A Kidney Stone
Many people think that kidney stones pass naturally. Others believe that if the pain has subsided, then the stones have passed. Both of these kidney stone myths are untrue. The truth is that small stones can pass on their own. The bigger ones definitely require medical attention. You will need to visit a urologist for kidney stones.
Similar is the case with subsiding pain. As the stone grows and moves, the pain can vary. Remember, if kidney stones have to pass, they will do so at the onset itself (usually within 4 to 6 weeks). If your pain does not go away within a month, it is best to consult with a urologist for kidney stones.
Myth 4: Kidney Stones Are Recurrent
One kidney stone myth is that once you have had stones, you will get them again and again. By following the healthy life style and diet with proper hydration, the risk of stones can be reduced significantly.
Myth 5: Beer Helps In Flushing Kidney Stones
Beer is a diuretic, causing increased urination. But beer alone cannot help pass stones from the kidney. Beer is not the ideal choice for hydration and maintaining kidney health. Beer contains alcohol, and too much can dehydrate the body. Dehydration is one of the most common causes of an increased chance of stones. The fact is that drinking water for kidney stones is the safest way of reducing risks.
Believing in kidney stone myths can cause unnecessary suffering. It is better to stay informed. Follow proper medical advice to lower your risk, and in case of symptoms, consult with a urologist for kidney stones.
