A kidney stone is a hard, crystalline substance formed in the kidney or urinary tract.
What causes kidney stones?
Not drinking adequate amounts of water
Accumulation of dissolved minerals in the kidney
Calcification in kidneys or urethra
Decreased urine output
Diet and hereditary factors
Medication or supplements
Symptoms of presence of kidney stones
Unbearable pain in the groin or on the side above the thigh
Traces of blood when passing urine
Vomiting and nausea
Pus when passing urine
Decreased urine output
Burning sensation when urinating
Persistent urge to urinate
Fever
Chills
Infection
Incontinence[1]
Also Read: Diet of a Kidney Disease Patient[2]
Treatment for kidney stones
In mild cases, when the stones are small, they could be flushed out with constant hydration (Pain management may be needed)
Lithotripsy – In this treatment, a shockwave is sent into the kidney stone to break it up into smaller pieces (Pain management and anti inflammatory treatment may be needed)
Large stones which do not respond to above treatment may need surgical procedures like percutaneous nephrolithotomy (removing stone through an incision in the back) or ureteroscopic stone removal (removing stone by inserting a thin tube into the urethra)
Preventing occurrence of kidney stones
Drink adequate amounts of water (at least 8 to 10 glasses a day)
Sip water throughout the day
Consume less oxalate-rich foods
Maintain a low sodium diet
Decrease protein rich foods
Consult with doctor[3] on calcium supplements
Risks associated with kidney stones
Kidney stones have the chance of re-occurring.
People who are prone to kidney stones have a higher risk of other kidney problems.
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