A kidney stone is a salt, hard mineral, and crystalline material that form pebbles within the kidney or urinary tract. They can vary in size and in number. They form when there is a decrease in urine volume or an excess of stone forming substances in the urine. One out of every twenty people develop kidney stones. Dehydration increases the risk of developing the stones. The most common cause is not drinking enough water. They can also result from infection of the urinary tract. People who have already had a kidney stone are prone to develop more stones. A family history of is also a risk factor for the development of kidney stones. Gout, hypercalciuria (high amounts of calcium in the urine), hyperparathyroidism, cystinuria, hyperoxaluria, high blook pressure, inflammatory bowl disease, and some medications can all lead to developing kidney stones.
Some stones do not produce symptoms. especially while they are still in the kidneys. As they begin to pass,most people report a sudden severe abdominal pain or cramping, low back pain, and pain in the groin. This pain does not decrease with changing body positions like muscle cramps often do. The pain often comes and goes in waves. There is often pain with urination or a change in urine color. Urination may become more frequent. Sometimes the person complains of nausea and vomiting. They sometimes have blood in the urine. There may be fever and chills if there is infection.
You should call your doctor if you think you have kidney stones. The most common way to diagnose a kidney stone is though a helical CT scan. An x-ray, MRI, or ultrasound can also be done. The doctor may want to test your uric acid level.
Most kidney stones pass through the urinary tract on their own within two days. Treatment called lithotripsy is usually required if the stone is larger than 9 mm because they can not pass on their own. In this procedure shock waves are used to break up a large stone into smaller ones that are able to pass. Surgery can also be done to remove the stone. A stent can be placed in the ureter to keep it open so the stones can pass. Calcium channel blockers can increase the passage of the stones. Pain medication can provide some relief.
Prevention of kidney stones can be to simply drink water. Water helps to flush away the substances that form stones in the kidneys. Depending on the cause of the kidney stones and an individual's medical history, dietary changes or medications are sometimes recommended to decrease the likelihood of developing further kidney stones. You may also have to change your diet. Do not drink grapefruit juice, it could increase the risk of developing stones.
