A Guide to Kidney Stones

Kidney stones can be extremely painful and cause severe bleeding. Some kidney stones are small enough to pass through the urinary tract and go unnoticed. Larger kidney stones can get stuck in the urinary tract, blocking urine flow, and become unbearable. If the stones are large enough, a removal procedure may be necessary to clear the urinary system and restore it back to normal. Kidney Stone Formation Kidney stones are formed from a high concentration of minerals that develop in the urine. The minerals develop a stone-like round substance that can inhibit proper urine flow. Although minerals such as Vitamin C or Vitamin D are the main culprits, there can be other contributing factors such as high levels of oxalate, calcium supplements or excessive dehydration.

Symptoms of Kidney Stones Kidney Stones come with their set of symptoms that are instantly recognizable. Symptoms include: · Severe pain in the lower back or around the sides · Pain in the lower groin area · Pain that occurs at intervals with increased severity · Pain that occurs during urination · Stomach pain and nausea · Higher rate of urination than normal · Fever-like symptoms and chills · Urination is a shorter period than normal

Treatment When kidney stones become so large that they will not pass, it's time to see a doctor in dialysis henderson. After a diagnosis, a procedure may be required to remove the stones or help them pass through the system. Doctors can use various treatments for severe kidney stone cases. Modern methods include heavy sound waves to break up the stones, conventional surgery, or a scope procedure. Failure to treat kidney stones can lead to urinary problems including kidney failure where dialysis becomes necessary. It can also lead to severe urinary tract problems and a backup of urine in the system, which can be excruciating.

How to Prevent Kidney Stones Although kidney stones may be inevitable for some people, some steps can be taken to reduce the risk of stones. Drink More Water. Water flushes out the system and can remove mineral deposits in the urinary tract. Reduce Oxalate Intake. Certain foods have higher levels of Oxalate which can develop stones. These may include rhubarb, beets, okra, spinach, Swiss chard, sweet potatoes, nuts, tea, and chocolate. Increase Calcium Intake. Calcium significantly reduces the risk of kidney stones. Most doctors recommend eliminating calcium supplements from the diet. Low Sodium Diet. Too much sodium can cause numerous health problems. Kidney Stones are one of them.