Kidney
Stones
A kidney stone is a hard mass that occurs when calcium oxalate or other
chemicals in the urine form crystals that stick together. These crystals may
grow into stones ranging in size from a grain of sand to a golf ball. Normally,
urine contains substances that prevent crystals from forming. However, these do
not work for everyone. Factors that can contribute to stone formation in
susceptible people include:
·
Too little fluid
intake
·
Chronic urinary
tract infections
·
Misuse of
certain medications
·
Urinary tract
blockage
·
Limited activity
for several weeks
·
Certain genetic
and metabolic diseases
Symptoms:
·
Severe pain in
the kidneys or lower abdomen, which may move to the groin; pain may last for
minutes or hours, followed by periods of relief
·
Nausea and
vomiting
·
Fever, chills
and weakness
·
Cloudy or
foul-smelling urine
·
Blood in the
urine
·
Blocked flow of
urine
Most stones can be treated with increased fluid intake,
changes in diet and medication. About 90 percent of stones will pass by
themselves within three to six weeks. Certain types of stones may sometimes be
dissolved using medications; however, calcium-containing stones (the most
common type in the
Stones should always be removed when infection, obstruction or kidney damage are present. When removal becomes necessary, several different methods are available.
Source: National
Kidney Foundation
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