Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are hard deposits consisting of minerals and salts which develop inside your Kidneys. They develop when the body is unable to dilute certain compounds, such as calcium, oxalate, and uric acid, and their concentration in the urine increases. These chemicals have the potential to crystallize, gather, and form stones.  

The size of kidney stones can vary. Small stones can grow into large stones. They may stay the same size but a stone is not made all of a sudden. By the body without you noticing, but others may grow into a significantly size stone, which could cause problems. 

Small kidney stones may not show any symptoms at all and frequently pass through the body in the urine without the need for treatment. Larger stones, on the other hand, can be quite uncomfortable and may result in additional symptoms, including:  

• Pain that radiates to the lower abdomen and groin 
• Severe pain in the side and back, below the ribs 

• Nausea and vomiting 
• Pain during urination 
• Pink, red, or brown urine (a sign of blood in the urine) 
• Frequent urination 

Kidney Stones are urological problem faced by many. Anybody can get them, but some things make it more probable. Being a Male, over the age of 40, a family history of kidney stones, chronic dehydration, certain diets high in salt, sugar, and protein, obesity, and specific medical diseases including renal tubular acidosis, cystinuria, and hyperparathyroidism are among them.  

Pain control and drinking lots of water to assist the stone pass are the main treatments for kidney stones. When the stones are bigger, medical intervention may be required, including percutaneous nephrolithotomy, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), medicine to help the stone pass, and ureteroscopy.  

Preventive measures include drinking plenty of water, eating a diet low in salt and animal protein, and receiving enough calcium from food. 

Remember, it's crucial to seek medical help right away if you think you could have a kidney stone in order to avoid complications and create a successful treatment plan with your doctor.  

1."Kidney Stones." Mayo Clinic, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/kidney-stones/symptoms-causes/syc-20355755  (Accessed on August 18, 2023)  

2. "Kidney Stones." National Kidney Foundation, www.kidney.org/atoz/content/kidneystones   (Accessed on August 18, 2023) 

3. "Kidney Stones." National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/kidney-stones  (Accessed on August 18, 2023) 

4. "Kidney Stones." MedlinePlus, medlineplus.gov/kidneystones.html (Accessed on August 18, 2023)