Symptoms and Treatment of Kidney Stones
The kidneys work as a filtration system for the body, removing excess fluids and wastes from the blood, producing urine. The urine then moves on to the bladder where it remains until enough gathers, trigging the body to urinate. The components of urine, typically diluted by natural chemicals include excess calcium, minerals, and acid salts. However, when urine becomes concentrated, crystallization becomes possible causing the minerals to stick together and form hardened masses called kidney stones.
What are the Causes of Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones form when the natural chemicals that prohibit crystallization are not working properly. Factors that may cause upset in the natural chemicals and how your body processes urine include:
* Urinary tract blockage
* Not enough fluid intake, specifically water
* Sedentary lifestyles
* Chronic infection of the urinary tract
* Overuse of medication
* High protein, high salt intake
* Gout
* Kidney disease
* Metabolic disease
* Inflammatory bowel disease or chronic diarrhea
* Certain medications for treating AIDS, high blood pressure, seizures, and heart failure
* Obesity
* Family history – hereditary
Types of Kidney Stones
There are several types of kidney stones, each one comprised of different crystal components found in urine. The stone’s composition will help your doctor better suggest a course of treatment. Some types of kidney stones are:
* Calcium stones – these are the most common type of kidney stone, accounting for an estimated four out of every five stones. Calcium stones are comprised of calcium and oxalate.
* Uric acid stones – these stones are formed by a metabolism byproduct known as uric acid. Those who suffer from gout or eat high protein diets are more susceptible to these stones.
* Struvite stones – these stones form due to urinary tract infections and are prevalent in women.
* Cystine stones – these stones form due to the excretion of excess amino acids.
Symptoms of Kidney Stones
Kidney stones affect people differently depending on the type of stone they have as well as their size. Some people may exhibit no symptoms while others may be quite uncomfortable. Symptoms that may be present with kidney stones include:
* Lower stomach and back pain that comes and goes
* Fever and chills
* Blood in the urine
* Bad smelling or cloudy urine
* Nausea
* Constant urge to urinate
Treatments for Kidney Stones
As with symptoms, treatment of kidney stones will vary depending on the type and size of the stone. Some stones are simple to remove simply by increasing your physical activity level and drinking more water, which will flush your kidneys and help to pass the stone. However, stones that are too large, bleeding, have caused infection, or kidney damage will need specialized treatment from your doctor. Some of those treatments include:
* Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) – this treatment uses shock waves that will blast the kidney stone in to smaller pieces, allowing passage during urination, which may take several months.
* Percutaneous nephrolithotomy – this treatment, usually reserved for very large stones, requiring a small incision to the back for removal.
* Ureteroscopic stone removal – this treatment uses one of two devices for stone removal, laser energy or an ureteroscope in cases where the kidney stone lies lodged in the ureter. Laser energy will break up the stone and allow passage in urine, while use of an ureteroscope manually removes the stone.
* Parathyroid surgery – this treatment is one less used and requires surgery to the parathyroid glands. If the parathyroid glands, located by the thyroid gland, become overactive, the body produces and releases too much calcium in the urine. Over activity of the parathyroid gland usually indicates small tumors on one or more of the glands, which require removal by parathyroid surgery.
It is sometimes possible to prevent kidney stones by taking an inventory of your lifestyle habits. For example if you eat high amounts of protein and salt, you may want to cut back as these things contribute to stone formation. Increasing physical activity levels and fluid intake will help to prevent kidney stones by flushing the kidneys. The best fluids to drink on a daily basis are water and real lemonade. Water is best for hydrating and flushing your system, while the lemonade will help increase citrate levels in your urine, which helps to prevent kidney stone formation.
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DISCLAIMER: All information is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a guarantee of any success. This information has been previously researched but you should do your own research to expand your knowledge. This should not be consider as medical advice.