Kidneys are the organs that get rid of body waste in the form of urine, there are two kidneys, one on either side of the spine under the lower ribs, the ureters transport urine from the kidneys To the bladder through a tube called the urethra, stones can form anywhere in the urinary system. They develop when certain chemicals in the urine form crystals that stick together. The crystals grow into a stone that can range in size from a grain of sand to a golf ball. Larger can block urine flow or irritate the lining of the urinary tract. doctor-ndtv“.
Q: What are the causes of kidney stones?
Urine contains chemicals that prevent crystals from forming. Some people seem to be more prone to developing kidney stones than others. Factors such as frequent urinary tract infections, reduced fluid intake, and urinary tract obstruction lead to stones. Consuming too much oxalate or uric acid in the diet may lead to the formation of stones. Too much vitamin C or D, some medications and metabolic diseases can lead to kidney stones.
Q: What are the symptoms of kidney stones?
Kidney stones may remain without any symptoms for a long time, they may have episodes of severe pain that usually begins suddenly in the lower back under the ribs or in the lower abdomen, and moves to the groin, the pain, which often accompanies vomiting, may last for minutes or hours, may The stones cause blood in the urine, if there is a urinary tract infection, there may be a burning sensation during urination accompanied by the need to urinate.
Q: How is the diagnosis made?
A complete medical exam, x-rays and other tests are required to diagnose a kidney stone. Your doctor will perform a complete physical exam and ask questions regarding previous kidney disease, diet, medication use, and family background.
Simple X-rays show the abdomen, including the kidneys, ureters, and bladder area. Some less common stones can be seen using an injection of dye, or an ultrasound test, blood tests such as calcium and phosphorous, a uric acid estimation, and urine tests may be needed to see if there is an underlying cause..
Q: What is the treatment for kidney stones?
Most small stones (with a size of less than 5 mm) usually pass through the body on their own within hours or a few days. Drinking plenty of fluids helps with this process. Certain types of stones can be dissolved with medication.
Stones that do not pass on their own and cause a urinary tract obstruction with symptoms of pain/discomfort or swelling of the kidneys, and related urological treatment, cannot be dissolved.
One of the treatment methods is a non-surgical technique called extra shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) which use high-energy shock waves to break up stones into small fragments such as sand. This stone dust then passes with urine over the next few weeks. This treatment can be used successfully in many cases where the stones are relatively small.
The other method is with an operation that can be performed either with an endoscopic (ureteroscopy, nephroscopy) or with the standard open technique, more and more stones can now be treated without having to resort to an open operation.
Q: Are there ways to prevent the formation of kidney stones?
Certain precautions can be taken to help prevent kidney stones from forming. If there are no underlying health problems, drinking at least 2 liters of fluid per day along with a low-salt diet will help prevent recurrence of stone formation. In the case of calcium oxalate stones, you should not Eating very large amounts of dairy products or foods high in oxalate (such as tea or chocolate), limiting red meat intake in cases of uric acid stones.
Q: What are the complications?
Besides causing recurring episodes of severe pain, kidney stones can cause bleeding with urine. An infection may occur that may affect the kidneys. If the stones block the downward flow of urine, the kidneys swell with urine that can negatively affect their function over years..