New Delhi: Abdominal pain is one of the most common complaints among people, but not all cases can be easily diagnosed. There are many instances in which people confuse acidity with kidney stone pain, as both conditions can cause abdominal pain. However, although there are many similarities between the two conditions, there are many differences as well.
As per Dr Bhanu Mishra, Consultant Nephrologist at Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, it is possible to differentiate between the two by understanding the location of the pain, its nature and the associated symptoms.
What causes acidity?
Acidity is a condition caused by an excessive amount of stomach acid or acid reflux, which affects the lining of the stomach and food pipe.
As per Dr Mishra, the pain is often experienced as a burning sensation in the upper abdomen or chest. It usually occurs after consuming spicy, greasy or heavy meals.
Some other symptoms of acidity include:
- Heartburn
- Sour belching
- Bloating
- Nausea
- A bitter taste in the mouth
How is kidney stone pain different?
Kidney stones occur due to mineral deposits that obstruct the flow of urine through the urinary tract.
In contrast to acidity, the pain associated with kidney stones usually starts suddenly and is sharp in nature. According to Dr Mishra, the pain is commonly felt in the back or side, below the ribs. As the stone moves, the pain may spread to the lower abdomen or groin and typically occurs in waves.
Other symptoms of kidney stones include:
- Pain during urination
- Blood in the urine
- Frequent urge to urinate
- Nausea
- Vomiting
The biggest difference lies in the location of the pain
One of the simplest ways to differentiate between the two conditions is by observing where the pain originates.
Pain caused by acidity tends to be centred around the upper part of the digestive tract and is usually linked to food intake.
Kidney stone pain, however, typically begins in the flank or lower back.
In what situations should you seek medical attention?
Dr Mishra suggests that severe and persistent pain should never be ignored, particularly if it is accompanied by blood in the urine, fever or difficulty passing urine.
Investigations such as:
- Urine tests
- Blood tests
- Ultrasound
- CT scan
are commonly used to diagnose the condition accurately.
Never diagnose yourself
Even though acidity and kidney stones share some similar symptoms, their treatment approaches are quite different. Self-diagnosis could lead to delays in medical treatment and increase the risk of further complications.
Dr Mishra suggests drinking plenty of water, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and avoiding excessive consumption of spicy and fatty foods.
