Kidney Stones

Kidney stones is a small, hard deposit that forms in the kidneys and is often painful when passed.

Kidney stones are hard deposits of minerals and acid salts that stick together in concentrated urine. They can be painful when passing through urinary tract, but usually don`t cause permanent damage. Kidney stones can be formed when substances such as calcium, oxalate, cystine or uric acid are at high levels in the urine.

Possibel Causes

• Drinking too little water
• Exercise (too much or too little)
• Obesity
• Weight loss surgery
• Eating food with too much salt or sugar

Symptoms

• Pain can occur during urination.
• Gastrointestinal; nausea or vomiting.
• Urinary; blood in urine or frequent urination.
• Common sweating.

Treatment

• Treatment includes pain relievers and drinking lots of water to help pass the stone. Medical procedures may be required to remove or break up larger stones.

Medication

• Alpha-blockers can help relax the muscles in the ureter making easier to pass the stone.
• Potassium citrate may be prescribed to help prevent the formation of stones or make them easier to pass.
• Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL); Uses shock wave to pass stones.
• Ureteroscopy; At thin tube is inserted through the urethra and bladder into the ureter to break stones.
• Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy; surgical procedure used for larger stone or those that don`t respond to other treatments. It involves removing the stone through a small incision in the back.

Kidney Stones

• Surgical removal; rarely needed, but may be considered for very large stones or when other methods fail.

Preventive Measures

• Increase fluid intake.
• Dietary changes.
• Sometimes medication.

Conclusion

Kidney stone is treatable by a medical professional and requires a medical diagnosis. Lab tests or imaging often required. The good thing is that is a short-term illness and can be resolved within days to weeks.