What is a kidney stone?

A kidney stone is a solid piece of material that forms from crystallization of excreted substances in the urine. The stone may remain in the kidney or break loose and travel down the urinary tract. A small stone may pass all of the way out of the body, but a larger stone can get stuck in a ureter, the bladder, or the urethra. This may block the flow of urine and cause great pain. A kidney stone may be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a pearl, and some are as big as golf balls. They may be smooth or jagged, and are usually yellow or brown in color.

Who is affected by kidney stones?

Kidney stones are one of the most painful disorders, and one of the most common disorders of the urinary tract. It is estimated that about a million people in the United States are treated for kidney stones each year. Consider the following statistics: Caucasians are more prone to kidney stones than are African-Americans. Although stones occur more frequently in men, the number of women who develop kidney stones has been increasing. Kidney stones strike most people between the ages of 20 and 40. Once a person develops more than one stone, he/she is more likely to develop additional stones.

Types of kidney stones

A kidney stone develops from crystals that separate from urine and build up on the inner surfaces of the kidney. Normally, urine contains chemicals that prevent or inhibit the crystals from forming. However, in some people, stones still form. Crystals that remain small enough will travel through the urinary tract and pass out of the body in the urine without even being noticed.

The four major types of kidney stones: Calcium is the most common type of stone. Calcium can combine with other substances, such as oxalate (the most common substance), to form the stone. A uric acid stone may form when your urine contains too much acid. A struvite stone may form after an infection in your urinary system. Cystine stones are rare. The disease that causes cystine stones runs in families.

The symptoms of kidney stones

Extreme, sharp pain in the back or side that will not go away Blood in the urine Nausea and vomiting Cloudy or odorous urine Frequent urination A burning feeling when you urinate Fever and chills

Treatment for kidney stones

Specific treatment for kidney stones will be determined by your physician based on: your age, overall health, and medical history extent of the disease your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies expectations for the course of the disease your opinion or preference

CON.

Some kidney stones pass out of the body without any intervention by a physician. In cases that cause lasting symptoms or other complications, kidney stones may be treated with various techniques, including the following:

CON.

shock waves or extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) - use of a machine to send shock waves directly to the kidney stone to break a large stone into smaller stones that will pass through the urinary system. There are two types of shock wave machines: with one machine, the patient sits in a tub of water, with the other, the patient lies on a table. ureteroscope - a long wire with a camera attached to it is inserted it into the patient's urethra and passed up through the bladder to the ureter where the stone is located. A cage is used to obtain the stone and remove it.

Con .

tunnel surgery (Also called percutaneous nephrolithotomy.) - a small cut is made in the patient's back and a narrow tunnel is made through the skin to the stone inside the kidney. The physician can remove the stone through this tunnel.

Kidney stones - self-care

Drinking a lot of fluid is important for treating and preventing all types of kidney stones. Staying hydrated (having enough fluid in your body) will keep your urine diluted, and that makes it less likely stones will form. Water is best. You can also drink ginger ale, lemon-lime sodas, and fruit juices. Drink enough liquids throughout the day to make at least 2 quarts of urine every 24 hours. Drink enough to have light-colored urine. Dark yellow urine is a sign you are not drinking enough.

CON.

If you drink bottled water, read the label. Make sure it does not contain calcium or other ingredients that may be harmful. Ask your doctor if you are not sure. Limit your coffee, tea, and cola to 1 or 2 cups a day. Caffeine may cause you to lose fluid too quickly, and that can make you dehydrated. Avoid these foods if you have uric acid stones: alcohol, anchovies, sardines, oils, herring, organ meat (liver, kidney, and sweetbreads), legumes (dried beans and peas), gravies, mushrooms, spinach, asparagus.

CON.

Other suggestions for your diet include: Do not eat more than 3 ounces of meat at each meal.

Avoid fatty foods such as salad dressings, ice cream, fried foods, and dressings.
Eat enough carbohydrates. If you are losing weight, lose it slowly. Quick weight loss may cause uric acid stones form.

Preventing kidney stones:

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Kidney Diseases, the best ways to prevent kidney stones are the following: Drink more water. Up to 12 full glasses of water a day can help to flush away the substances that form stones in the kidneys. Ginger ale, lemon-lime sodas, and fruit juices are acceptable. Limit coffee, tea, and cola to one or two cups a day. The caffeine may cause a rapid loss of fluid. Consult your physician regarding dietary modifications. Medications may be prescribed to prevent calcium and uric acid stones from forming.

References

http://medicalcenter.osu.edu/patientcare/hea lthcare_services/urinary_bladder_kidney/uro genital_disorders/overview_urogenital_disord ers/kidney_stones/Pages/index.aspx http://www.singhealth.com.sg/PatientCare/C onditionsAndTreatments/Pages/MinimallyInvasive-Surgery-Urology-roboticsurgery.aspx?gclid=CLWDyO39za4CFUOzAodtUdJ_w http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/pa tientinstructions/000135.htm

 Fawzia GH Meaad Samia