Kidney Stone

What is Kidney Stone?

In today’s, many problems are spreading. Including those of kidney stone, this problem mainly occurs in people who are between 20 and 50 years of age. That is why this discussion has become a topic among the people.

Kidney stone is a solid coagulation made of minerals and salt. Their size can range from as small as a sand grain to as large as a golf ball. They can live in your kidneys or exit your body through the urinary tract. The urinary tract consists of kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Kidney stone is one of the most painful medical conditions.

 

Before the kidney stones are there, our body starts giving us many signals. If you recognize the symptoms of kidney stones in due course of time and get the right treatment, then you do not have to face much trouble. Actually, kidney stones are a very painful disease. In such a situation, the patient experiences severe pain which becomes unbearable at times. Pain occurs in the lower abdomen due to kidney stones. There is a desire to urinate frequently and the smell of urine increases the color of urine.

 

Types of Kidney Stone –

There are mainly 4 types of kidney stones, which are as follows:

 

1.       Calcium Stone –

Calcium stone is the most common type of kidney stone. They may be made of calcium oxalate (most common), phosphate, or Millet. Eating less oxalate foods can reduce the risk of developing this type of stone. Potato chips, peanuts, chocolate, beetroot and spinach have higher oxalates.

 

2.       Uric Acid Stone –

This type of kidney stone is more common in men than women. This is more likely to happen to people suffering from gout problems or those undergoing chemotherapy. This type of stone occurs when the amount of acid in the urine is very high. Urine is a colourless substance present in animal proteins such as fish, shellfish and meat.

 

3.       Struvite Stone –

This type of stone is mostly found in women suffering from urinary tract infection. These stones can grow large and cause urinary obstruction. These stones are caused by kidney infection. Treating basic infections can prevent the growth of Struvite stone.

 

4.       Cystine Stone –

There are very few cases of cysteine stone. It occurs in men and women who have a genetic disorder cystinuria (a genetic disorder in which the stones formed by the amino acid cysteine are formed in the kidneys, ureters, and bladder). In this type of stone, cysteine (an acid that occurs naturally in the body) is released from the kidneys into the urine.

What are the Symptoms of Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones have some symptoms of their own, which indicate this problem. Therefore, if a person sees the following symptoms, then he should take them seriously and should inform the doctor immediately –

 

Pain while Urinating- This is a common symptom of kidney stone, in which a person has severe pain while urinating. In this condition, pain occurs before the urine expire.

 

Frequent Urination- If a person has to go for frequent urination, he may have kidney stone. Therefore, the person should take this problem seriously, and they should get an immediate visit from the doctor.

 

Bleeding in the Urine- Other symptoms of kidney stone are also blood in the urine. Therefore, no person should take any step in this situation without consulting the doctor, because doing so may prove to be harmful for him.

 

Vomiting- It has been seen many times that a person has vomiting again and again due to stones disease. Although vomiting is not taken seriously, in this case one should take it seriously so that he does not face any other problem.

 

Stopping of Urine- If a person has obstructive urine, it can be a symptom of the kidneys because it indicates this problem. Such a symptom should not be ignored by anyone, and should seek medical help immediately.

 

Fever - If a person has a fever, and does not recover from any medicine, he should meet a doctor immediately as it may be a symptom of kidney stone.

What are the Causes of Kidney Stones?

Heredity - Some people are more likely to have kidney stones due to heredity. Kidney stones can be caused by high levels of calcium. High levels of calcium in the urine may be passed down from generation to generation. Some rare genetic diseases can also cause kidney stones such as tubular acidosis or problems digesting certain body chemicals such as cysteine ​​(an amino acid), oxalate (a salt of an organic acid) and uric acid and other chemicals.

 

Geographic Location - Your place of residence may also be responsible for kidney stones. Living in an area of hot climate and insufficient fluid intake can be the cause of stones.

 

Dieting in Excess of Protein, Salt or Glucose- If a person eats a diet that is high in protein, salt or glucose, he or she may have kidney stones. This is the reason why a person should eat such food which has sufficient amount of protein, salt or glucose etc.

 

Medicines - People taking diuretics and high calcium antacids may have higher calcium levels in the urine, which may also cause stone formation. Vitamin A and Vitamin D can also increase calcium levels. Some medication for the treatment of HIV can cause stone formation. In addition, some drugs can also cause stone formation.

 

Inherent Diseases - Some chronic diseases are related to the formation of kidney stones such as cystic fibrosis, renal tubular acidosis and inflammatory bowel disease.

 

Risk Factors of Kidney Stones –

 

·       Kidney stones are more likely to occur in men between 30 and 50 years of age.

·       Women with low Estrogen levels and women who have ovaries removed are more likely to have kidney stones.

·       Dehydration.

·       Obesity

·       Hyperthyroidism condition (excess of parathyroid hormone in the bloodstream).

 

Prevention of Kidney Stone –

 

Drink Extra Water - Water dissolves the substances present in the urine that cause stones. Drink so much water daily that you get 2 liters of urine. Drinking some citrus drinks like lemonade and orange juice can also help you. The citrate present in these beverages helps prevent stone formation.

 

Take Calcium - Taking less calcium can increase oxalate levels which can cause kidney stones. To prevent this, take the required amount of calcium according to your age. Try to get calcium from foods because according to some studies taking calcium supplements can also cause stones.

 

Take Less Sodium - High sodium diet can cause kidney stones as it increases the amount of calcium in your urine. That is why reduce the amount of sodium in your diet to avoid kidney stones. Daily sodium intake should be limited to 2,300 Milligram per current guidelines. If you have previously had kidney stones from sodium, try reducing your daily intake of sodium to 1500 Milligram. It will also be good for your blood pressure and heart.

 

Limit Animal Protein - Eating foods such as red meat, poultry, eggs, and seafood increases uric acid levels which can cause kidney stones. A high protein diet also lowers the level of citrate (a chemical present in the urine that prevents the formation of stone).

 

Do Not Take Stone-Forming Foods - Beetroot, Chocolate, Spinach, Rhubarb, Tea and most nuts contain oxalate and cola contain phosphates which both constitute stones. If you are suffering from stones problem then your doctor may advise you to avoid these foods or take them in small quantities.

 

Some studies have shown that men who take high doses of vitamin C in the form of supplements are at higher risk of kidney stones. This may be because the body converts vitamin C into oxalate.

The information here is taken from various sources. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy, timeliness and genuineness of this information. However, it does not belong to ovihealth.com. We humbly request you to contact your doctor before trying any remedy. Our aim is just to provide you information.