Kidney Stones

Kidney stones, sometimes called renal calculi, form when minerals like calcium, oxalate, or uric acid crystallise in the kidneys because of dehydration, nutrition, or metabolic problems. Calcium oxalate stones make about 80% of instances, followed by calcium phosphate, struvite (from infections), uric acid, and cystine stones, which are very rare and caused by genetic abnormalities.

When stones clog the ureters, symptoms appear, including severe, wave-like pain in the back, side, belly, or groin; painful urination; frequent urges; cloudy, foul-smelling urine with blood; nausea; vomiting; and fever if infected. Small stones (less than 5 mm) usually come out on their own, but bigger ones need help.
Ultrasound, CT scans, or X-rays are used to make a diagnosis. Pain medication, alpha-blockers to help stones pass, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) to break up stones, ureteroscopy, or surgery for huge ones are all options for treatment. To prevent this, you should drink 2 to 3 litres of water every day, eat foods low in salt and oxalate, eat moderate amounts of animal protein, and drink citrus drinks to make your urine more alkaline.

Obesity, diabetes, a family history of the disease, and living in a hot climate are all risk factors. Men have a better chance than women. Early care decreases the risk of recurrence by half. Get in touch with nephrologists right away.