More and more people in the United States, especially children, are getting kidney stones. Doctors attribute this to poor diet, obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure.The kidneys are located behind the abdomen and are the size of two small fists.
They flush out toxins from the blood in the urine. Men are more prone to suffer from this condition than women and it is generally diagnosed between 30 and 50 years of age.
They are formed by the concentration of urine and can be found anywhere in the urinary tract. They can be of different sizes and cause obstruction, pain, and infection. Most stones are made up of calcium combined with phosphate or oxalate.
They can be calcium oxalate, calcium phosphate, cystine, ammonium phosphate, uric acid or infection stones. These materials leave a residue in the kidneys. Some chemicals act as inhibitors in the urine, but if they are not present then stones form.
Kidney stones can be caused by the kind of diet you are on and this even affects the type of stones that are formed. If the weather is very hot, extreme sweating will deplete the bodily fluids.
So the urine will be highly concentrated and stones will form. Infection of the urinary tract, kidney disorders such as polycystic kidneys, and metabolic disorders can all lead to the formation of stones.
A family history of kidney stones also increases your chances of developing them. Urine’s pH can also cause stones to form in the urinary tract if the urine is alkaline.
When you have kidney stones the pain can be excruciating. It fluctuates and is apparent as back pain or pain under the ribs and in the kidney region. Nausea, chills, fever, clouded and bad smelling urine, blood in the urine, a constant urge to urinate, and frequent urinary infection are all symptoms of kidney stones.
The kidneys and the bladder are x-rayed to detect kidney stones or a sonogram or urogram may be done. An ultrasound can reveal large or small stones.
Kidney stones are treated by a change in diet and lifestyle. Fluid intake should be increased and this may make small stones pass out on their own. Rest may be prescribed along with a local heat treatment. Surgery may be an option to remove large stones.
In order to prevent kidney stones from forming, drink lots of water and lower the salt in your diet. Drink at least 3 liters of fluid every day. Avoid snacks loaded with sodium, processed meats, canned products, and soft drinks and sodas.
Spinach, nuts, tea, and coffee should also be taken in moderation as in some cases they can lead to kidney stones. Certain medications such as antacids, thyroid treatment drugs, and diuretics are risk factors for stones.
A high protein diet coupled with constant dehydration is a severe risk factor. Your doctor will help you decide your diet, your medication, and the amount of fluid that is good for you as the kind of stones people are prone to varies from person to person.
