Kidney stones are very hard mineral deposits that happen to form in the kidney. They start off like a small microscopic particle and after a period of time develop into stones. These are formed when urine is highly concentrated. Due to this level of concentration the minerals and other floating particles in urine form into crystals which over a period of time turn into hard mass and later into a stone. Finding out kidney stones is not that easy as there may not be any sign or symptom to detect it.
These stones cause lot of pain when it happens to break and move towards the bladder. The stones tend to pass out from the body which causes pain. If the stone happens to be big it may block the flow of urine causing pressure. This pressure causes stretches and spasms which pains a lot.
Some of the different kinds of stones found in our body are
- *Calcium Stones is one of the most common stones found in the body. Due to excess calcium in urine these stones are formed.
- *Uric Acid Stone is nearly found in 10% of patients. Due to digestion uric acid is produced. If the acid level reaches beyond a certain level or is excreted,
Drinking liquids
- In most cases, drinking enough liquids each day is the best way to help prevent most types of kidney stones. Drinking enough liquids keeps your urine diluted and helps flush away minerals that might form stones.
- Though water is best, other liquids such as citrus drinks may also help prevent kidney stones. Some studies show that citrus drinks, such as lemonade and orange juice, protect against kidney stones because they contain citrate, which stops crystals from turning into stones.
- Unless you have kidney failure, you should drink six to eight, 8-ounce glasses a day. If you previously had cystine stones, you may need to drink even more. Talk with a health care professional if you can’t drink the recommended amount due to other health problems, such as urinary incontinence, urinary frequency, or kidney failure.
- Kidney stone removal
A urologist can remove the kidney stone or break it into small pieces with the following treatments:
- Shock wave lithotripsy. The doctor can use shock wave lithotripsy NIH external link to blast the kidney stone into small pieces. The smaller pieces of the kidney stone then pass through your urinary tract. A doctor can give you anesthesia NIH external link during this outpatient procedure.
- Cystoscopy and ureteroscopy. During cystoscopy, the doctor uses a cystoscope to look inside the urethra and bladder to find a stone in your urethra or bladder. During ureteroscopy, the doctor uses a ureteroscope, which is longer and thinner than a cystoscope, to see detailed images of the lining of the ureters and kidneys. The doctor inserts the cystoscope or ureteroscope through the urethra to see the rest of the urinary tract. Once the stone is found, the doctor can remove it or break it into smaller pieces. The doctor performs these procedures in the hospital with anesthesia. You can typically go home the same day.
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