If you have Crohn’s Disease, you already know that this condition often produces a variety of different side effects. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can range from mild to severe in different individuals affected.
Many people may not realize that one of the common side effects of Crohn’s Disease is the development of kidney stones.
What are the Symptoms of Kidney Stones?
If you develop kidney stones, you will know fairly quickly.
Some of the most common symptoms of kidney stones include the following:
- Intense pain in the sides, lower back, or abdomen beneath the ribs
- Pain when urinating
- Pink, red, or brown urine
- Cloudy and/or foul-smelling urine
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- General malaise
Kidney stones are a serious health complication, so it’s very important to consult with your doctor if you begin experiencing any of these symptoms.
Your doctor may recommend increasing your fluid intake and/or taking a pain reliever if the kidney stone is small and can be passed.
However, if the stone is larger or spiny, then medical intervention like surgery may be necessary.
Why Do People With Crohn’s Disease Get Kidney Stones More Often?
There are a number of reasons why people with Crohn’s Disease are more likely to get kidney stones.
Kidney stones are formed when there is a decrease in urine volume and an increase in stone-forming substances in the body.
One of the most common causes of kidney stones is malabsorption. This is a condition where the small intestine isn’t able to absorb nutrients properly. For example, fat in the small intestine could bind to calcium, releasing oxalates. This stone-producing substance can then absorb into the kidneys.
In addition, dehydration is a significant risk factor for kidney stones.
Those with Crohn’s Disease are more likely to have these two symptoms. Also, they may have more concentrated urine, which is another risk factor for kidney stones.
Kidney stones are a serious health concern. They cause pain and discomfort and create the potential to block normal urine flow. Speak with your treating physician as soon as you notice the warning signs of a kidney stone developing.
Other Complications Associated With Crohn’s Disease
Unfortunately, when you have Crohn’s Disease, whether mild or severe, this condition can impact your health in a variety of different ways aside from kidney stones.
This may include ulcers, inflammation throughout the digestive tract, malnutrition from lack of vitamin absorption, colon or colorectal cancer, bowel obstruction, and more. It’s important to speak with your treating physician about any new or different symptoms that may pop up.
Occasionally, these issues may become so severe that surgery is required to remove or temporarily bypass diseased or obstructed parts of the bowel. This typically leads to a need for colostomy or ileostomy supplies.
At 180 Medical, we carry a wide variety of ostomy products and accessories to assist those who have been impacted by Crohn’s Disease to the point of needing ostomy surgery. We’d love the opportunity to help you find the right supplies for your individual needs. Contact us today!
