What is a kidney stone (nephrolithiasis)? – These are hard masses made from minerals and salts which form within the kidneys. Some of these stones may be tiny, but others can be unbearably painful to pass as they travel through the urethra. The blog post by Dr. Bismah explains its different forms, causes, risk factors, and treatment options. 

Types of Kidney Stones

It comes in four primary types, each with distinct compositions: 

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• Uric acid stones: They are generated when urine gets quite acidic due to excessive consumption of food containing animal proteins, purines, and in some medical conditions like gout.

• Cystine stones: Such disorders are rare and are mainly caused by a genetic disorder of cystinuria that leads to an excess release of cystine by the kidneys.

• Struvite stones: These are less frequent than calcium oxalate ones. Usually, these are associated with urinary tract infections. They occur mainly in women and people with urinary tract abnormality.

• Calcium oxalate stones: Consisting of a massive 75% of all kidney stones, this occurs when calcium binds to oxalate, a compound which is eaten in some foods or produced by the liver.

Likelihood of Developing This Disease

Several factors increase its incidence:

• Gender: Men are two times more prevalent rather than women.
• Obesity: Being overweight is well-recognized to be associated with increased risk.
• Medications: Some medications, like diuretics and weight-loss supplements that one can take, could increase the risk.
• History of urinary tract infections: Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections tend to increase the risk level, especially with struvite stones.
• Gastrointestinal conditions: Some medical conditions interfere with calcium and oxalate transport in the body and may contribute to this disease.

Contributing Key Factors

A lot of kidney stones come from when the balance of urine composition has been altered. Key factors contributing to their development include:

• Inadequate water intake leads to the formation of highly concentrated urine that creates a suitable environment promoting stone formation.
• Certain dietary behaviours could be the main reason for this. For example, diets which have a high content of animal proteins, salt, oxalates and sugar are more susceptible to this disease whereas diets consisting of fruits, vegetables and whole grains may prevent the development of this illness.
• Hyperparathyroidism and gout are a few medical conditions that can increase the risk of this happening.
• The appearance of family hereditary traits might be the cause of developing these health problems even from generation to generation

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Possible Symptoms

The stones may be barely noticeable or completely asymptomatic when they are sitting in the kidney. This is until they start crawling down the ureter, the tube linking the kidney with the urinary bladder. This movement typically induces intense pain, characterized by: 

• Sudden or strong pain in the lower back or abdomen, which might come to the groin.
• Pain that strikes irregularly and grows worse when walking.
• Painful urination
• Hematuria
• Nausea and vomiting
• The increase in the frequency and intensity of the necessity to urinate.
• Difficulty passing urine

Common Treatment Options

There are many variables influencing the type of treatment such as the size of the stone, its location, and the signs and symptoms of the problem. Common treatment options include:

• Pain management
• Hydration therapy
• Medications to aid stone passage
• Lithotripsy
• Ureteroscopy
• Percutaneous nephrolithotomy

Natural Remedies For Kidney Stones

Though not a substitute for professional medical care, certain natural remedies may offer relief: 

• Increased fluid intake: When you are well-hydrated, your urine becomes diluted which consequently helps in passing the stones through the urinary tract. Be sure to drink 8 to 10 glasses each day.
• Dietary adjustments: Reduce eating animal protein, salt and oxalate-rich foods and abstain from sugary drinks.
• Lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice contains citrate acid that may help prevent calcium oxalate formation in the body.
• Regular exercise: Regular physical activity helps prevent stones formation and their passage too.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Promptly seek medical attention if you experience:

• Severe pain in the lower back, abdominal or groin region.
• Urine with blood in it.
• Nausea
• Difficulty urinating
• Fever or chills (which can be additional symptoms to cause an infection)

Holistic Way to Kidney Health by the Dr. Bismah’s Clinic

If you are looking for personalized guidance and a kidney holistic approach towards your health, visit Dr Bismah’s Clinic. Our multidimensional strategies may encompass dietary counselling, lifestyle modifications, and coordinating with specialists for an inclusive treatment plan.

Also, learn about how Dr. Bismah’s Clinic provide a Holistic Approach to type 2 diabetes. Remember, prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential for managing kidney stones. By adopting preventive measures and seeking medical advice when necessary, you can safeguard your kidney health and overall well-being!