What Are Kidney Stones? What Causes Kidney Stones?

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Main Category: Urology / Nephrology
Article Date: 17 Jun 2009 - 0:00 PDT

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Kidney stones, usually comprised of a compound called calcium oxalate, are the result of a build-up of dissolved minerals on the inner lining of the kidneys. These deposits can grow to the size of a golf ball while maintaining a sharp, crystalline structure. They may be small and pass unnoticed out of the urinary tract, but they may also cause extreme pain upon exiting. Kidney stones that remain inside the body can lead to many conditions, including severe pain and ureter (the tube connecting the kidney and bladder) blockage that obstructs the path urine uses to leave the body.

Scientists at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, USA, say that people with kidney stones are at a significantly higher risk of developing chronic kidney disease.

What causes kidney stones?

The leading cause of kidney stones is a lack of water. Stones commonly have been found in those that drink less than the recommended eight to ten glasses of water a day. When there is not enough water to dilute the uric acid (component of urine), the pH level within the kidneys drops and becomes more acidic. An excessively acidic environment in the kidneys is conducive to the formation of kidney stones.

Medical conditions such as Crohn's disease, urinary tract infections, renal tubular acidosis, hyperparathyroidism, medullary sponge kidney, and Dent's disease have been known to lead to kidney stones. It also has been suggested that water fluoridation - the addition of fluoride to drinking water - is responsible for some cases of kidney stones.

Who gets kidney stones?

Kidney stones are twice as common among males as females. Most people who experience kidney stones do so between the ages of 30 and 50. A family history of kidney stones also increases one's chances of developing them at some point in life. Similarly, a previous kidney stone occurrence increases the risk that a person will develop subsequent stones in the future if preventative action is not taken.

Certain medications can increase the risks of developing kidney stones. Scientists found that opiramate (Topamax), a drug commonly prescribed to treat seizures and migraine headaches, can increase the propensity of calcium phosphate kidney stone.

The more overweight a person is the more at risk he or she is for forming uric acid kidney stones, a study found.

Additional risk factors for kidney stones include diets that are high in protein and sodium but low in calcium, a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, high blood pressure, and conditions that affect how calcium is absorbed in the body such as gastric bypass surgery, inflammatory bowel disease, and chronic diarrhea.

US scientists believe that kidney stones may become more common as the temperature rises across North America and causes more people to become dehydrated.

A study indicated that kidney stones among children are on the rise.

Astronauts have a much higher risk of developing kidney stones - a study indicates this may be due to nanobacteria.

What are the symptoms of kidney stones?

A kidney stone usually remains symptomless until it moves into the ureter. When symptoms become apparent, they include:

• Severe pain in the groin and/or side
• Blood in urine
• Vomiting and nausea
• White blood cells or pus in the urine
• Reduced amount of excreted urine excreted
• Burning sensation during urination
• Persistent urge to urinate
• Fever and chills if there is an infection

How are kidney stones diagnosed?

Several different tests can verify the existence of a kidney stone. A physical examination may reveal colicky pain (in the groin) and pain in the lower back by the kidneys - often warning signs of the condition. An analysis of the urine will indicate whether or not there is blood in the urine and if there is a subsequent infection. Blood tests can be done to identify complications that may accompany a kidney stone and check the validity of the diagnosis.

A CT scan of the abdomen is the most thorough way to test for kidney stones. A CT scan will ascertain the state of the ureter, bladder, and kidneys, whether or not a stone exists, the kidney stone's exact size and location, whether or not a blockage exists, and the state of the other adjacent organs such as the appendix, aorta, and pancreas. Pregnant women may receive an ultrasound rather than a CT scan in order to avoid unnecessary radiation.

Once a patient is diagnosed with a kidney stone, simple x-rays will be used to track the stone's progress through the excretory system.

How are kidney stones treated?

Treating kidney stones primarily is focused on symptom management; passing a stone can be very painful. If a person has a history of kidney stones, home treatment may be suitable. A person who has never passed a kidney stone should seek the help of a medical professional.

If hospital treatment is sought, personnel will hydrate the patient via an intravenous tube and administer anti-inflammatory medication. Narcotics are often used as medication in an attempt to make the pain of passing the stone tolerable. Anti-emetic medication can treat a patient suffering from nausea and vomiting.

In some cases, a urologist can perform a shock wave therapy called lithotripsy - a treatment that will break the kidney stone into smaller pieces and allow it to pass. A study indicated that shock wave therapy for kidney stones is linked to an increased risk of diabetes.

Patients with large stones located in regions that do not allow for lithotripsy may receive surgical procedures such as percutaneous nephrolithotomy (removal of the stone through an incision in the back) or ureteroscopic stone removal (removal of the stone through a thin tube into the urethra).

A study carried out by researchers at the University of California stated that patients stone disease may benefit from drinking diet sodas.

How can kidney stones be prevented?

For individuals in good health, preventing kidney stones can be as easy as staying hydrated. Diluting the urine with water keeps the minerals from concentrating and forming stones. When one's urine is clear, rather than yellow colored, the chance of stone formation is reduced. Doctors may also prescribe medicines to prevent certain types of stones for individuals who are at higher risk.

A study found that a daily glass of orange juice can help prevent the recurrence of kidney stones better than other citrus fruit juices such as lemonade.

If you are prone to kidney stones you should watch your caffeine intake, a study concluded.

Written by Peter Crosta M.A.


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