Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are pieces of hard material that form in the kidneys. They can block a ureter, which is a tube that carries urine from the kidneys to the bladder. A kidney stone may also have a small piece of urinary tract tissue, called sludge, with it.

Urine-containing sludge may appear cloudy or milky because of the presence of some blood cells and white blood cells from inflammation in the urine. These substances can be seen on X-rays as well as on ultrasound.

Kidney stones are often painless until they become very large. They may grow slowly or quickly, depending on the type of stone. Kidney stones usually affect both kidneys, but rarely they only occur in one kidney.

Urine is usually sterile, which means that it normally contains no bacteria or viruses. But sometimes bacteria grow in urine and begin to make extra amounts of acid. The acid may form crystals, which are masses of minerals that can be seen under a microscope. These crystals stick together and harden into small stones that can pass out through the ureters into the bladder to cause an infection called cystitis.

Diagnosis Kidney Stones

A doctor diagnoses kidney stones based on the nature of the pain, the stones' location, and their appearance on an x-ray or ultrasound. If a stone is present in the kidney or ureter, there are usually signs that the kidney is not working well. Blood tests will show whether there are any signs of infection. Blood tests may also reveal how much calcium and urine certain substances are excreted in the urine, especially uric acid and calcium.

Urine tests will show whether there are any abnormal levels of blood cells or white blood cells in the urine due to inflammation caused by a stone blocking the ureter. Urine tests may also show if there are any abnormal levels of sugar in the urine. This is known as glucose and may be present if the stone is due to diabetes or other metabolic disorders.

The doctor will ask the patient about previous stone episodes to help predict the type of stone that is causing pain since different stones have different causes.

Patients with recurrent stones often undergo imaging studies such as spiral computerized tomographic (CT) scanning or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These scans can provide detailed information about abdominal organs and urinary tract structural abnormalities that might not be seen on regular x-rays.

Treatment of Kidney Stones

Treatment for kidney stones depends on the type of stone, the location of the stone, the size of the stone, how much pain is present, and whether there are any signs that an infection is developing.

The most common treatments are the removal of the stones or dissolution of them. Laser treatment to break up or remove small stones may also be an option. Ureteroscopy may be used to treat some types of stones located in the ureter.

Pain relief for people who have kidney stones includes taking over-the-counter pain medicines such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil).

Home Remedies

· Drinking two to three glasses of water after meals can help prevent kidney stones. Drinking enough water helps in diluting the urine and flushing out the unwanted particles. It prevents the hardening of the urinary tract.

· Drinking plenty of water is an easy way to eliminate uric acid which forms kidney stones. Increasing intake of fluids also increases urine volume and thus helps in flushing out the particles causing the formation of stones.

· Green vegetables are naturally rich in potassium and they can help in dissolving excess calcium deposits in the body which is often a cause of the formation of stones. Foods that contain a high amount of fiber such as apples, pears, papayas, cranberries, etc. can also aid in preventing kidney stones.

Frequently Asked Questions Kidney Stones

How Does The Dairy Product Help With Kidney Stones?

Low-fat dairy products such as skimmed milk, low-fat yoghurt, and cottage cheese can help in reducing the risk of forming kidney stones. They also help in maintaining a healthy digestive system and the body's metabolism functions well so that it can digest protein properly.

Will Taking Spices Aggravate The Situation?

Certain spices have been found to have anti-inflammatory properties that could aid in dissolving kidney stones when consumed regularly.