kidney stones more for_patients.

When calcium oxalate or other chemicals in the urine form crystals that stick together a hard mass is formed called kidney stone. It can grow into stones ranging from a size of grain to a size of golf ball. Kidney stone is very common among men at the age of 20-40.

Causes
Urine contains substances such as potassium, vitamin C, magnesium and vitamin B6 that prevent crystal from forming. But there is deficiency in some people. The main factors responsible for stone formation include-
Limited activity for several weeks
Urinary tract blockage
Too little fluid intake
Certain genetic and metabolic ailments
Misuse of certain medications
Chronic urinary tract infection
A diet high in uric and purine content.

While some people do not show symptoms at all, there are some common signs that last from a few minutes to several hours
Blocked flow of urine
Blood in the urine
Cloudy or foul smelling urine
Fever, chill and weakness
Nausea and vomiting

Diagnosis
Through x-rays one can identify these stones. Specialised x-ray techniques or sound waves are used to identify more accurately the size and location of the stones and to test kidney functions as well.



Prevention
Kidney stone can be prevented by having lot of fluid, reducing animal protein of beef, fish, chicken, pork and eggs will help to get rid of kidney stones. The diet should be rich in bitter gourd, horse gram, barley, pineapple, coconut water, bananas, almonds, carrots. If you have calcium stone, you have to cut on salt and sodium intake. Too much calcium obtained from cucumber, mushroom, tomatoes, amla, spinach, chikoo, cashew nuts, brinjal is also harmful. If you have kidney stone that contains oxalate then you should limit high oxalate foods like oranges, tofu, sweet potatoes, chocolate, dark leafy vegetables, beans, coffee, peanuts, tea, instant coffee, berries and rhubarb. The best prevention is having lot of water. Have at least 8 to 10 glasses of water everyday and in summer you have to drink more than 10 glasses of water to make up for fluid loss from sweating.

Treatment
Change in your diet and medication, have lot of fluid intake, if you follow this 90% of stones will pass by themselves within 3 to 6 weeks and through proper medication some will be dissolved. However it is difficult to dissolve stones containing calcium. Some stones are removed by passing a telescopic instrument into the bladder or into the uterus tube that connect the bladder and kidneys. Shock waves or laser beams are used to pull the stones or break them into small fragments.
The latest method used is called extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy. This technique breaks down stones into small pieces by using high energy shock waves from a device outside the body.