Kidney stones, also called as renal calculus, are formed when there is an abnormal level of salts, water, minerals and oxalates in the urine. Men are at a higher risk of developing kidney stones than women. The symptoms of this condition include sever pain in the lower back, abdomen, or groin, nausea and vomiting, fever and chills, and difficulty urinating.
Substances
present in the kidney are usually excreted through urination. As a result of
reduced volume of urine and some other factors, these substances stick together
and eventually turn into stone. Some of the causes of kidney stone include: low
water intake, poor die, hormonal imbalance and heredity.
The presence
of kidney stone can be determined by a CR scan. Most kidney stones will the
urinary tract within 48 hours if there is sufficient fluid intake. To provide
relief from pain, anti-inflammatory and narcotics may be prescribed. A few
other medications may also be needed to speed up the passage of kidney stone.
Kidney stones that do not exit on their own require medical procedure known as
lithotripsy. This procedure involves making use of shock waves to disintegrate
kidney stones into smaller pieces.
You can prevent kidney stone by drinking plenty of water, eating a
low oxalate diet and exercising regularly. Although drinking a lot of fluids
help, certain drinks like sodas and iced teas may aggravate the condition.
Beverages that contain high levels of sugar and oxalate are a leading cause of
kidney stones. Also, foods that are high in oxalate should be taken in
moderation. It is also recommended to exercise regularly as it helps in the
passage of calcium out
of the bloodstream and into the bones.