Around 500,000 visits to the emergency department each year are attributed to kidney stone problems. One in 10 people will suffer from kidney stones at sometime in their lives, as per the National Kidney Foundation. The most frequent cases are in people in their 40s or 50s.
Kidney stones consist of the common minerals that are that are found in urine. The minerals form crystals and crystals when an imbalance is present. This could indicate either too much or less of a particular mineral or the amount of certain minerals is excessively high.
Certain stones may be smaller than one grain of sand and go through without issue. However, larger stones may be trapped within the ureter. This is the tube which connects your kidneys to the bladder. These stones that are larger can hinder the flow of urine and cause pain that is severe, and may require intervention.
How do you avoid getting kidney stones?
The reasons for what causes kidney stones are not within our control (such the genetics). However, what you consume can influence the formation kidney stones. Other ailments, like the diabetes as well as gout may contribute to kidney stones.
What are the foods that could cause kidney stones?
Here are some of the habits and foods we eat or drink that may cause kidney stones:
- Insufficient fluids: Not hydrating and drinking enough fluids is likely to be the largest risk reason for kidney stones.
- Salty foods: Avoid canned food as well as prepackaged meals. You can also add sodium to your meals. The addition of sodium can raise levels of calcium in urine.
- Animal proteins: A high amount of any animal protein, such as beef, chicken pork, fish, and other meats can increase the risk of developing kidney stones. There is no animal protein that is more effective than another in the case of kidney stones.
The most common misconception is that eating foods containing calcium may cause kidney stones. But, the truth is opposite. Insufficiently eating foods that contain calcium can increase your risk of getting kidney stones. The reason is that a low calcium diet is often the cause of excess oxalate within your urine. Oxalate is an element present in many food items and is often is found within kidney stones. When you eat calcium, you can lower the oxalate levels in your urine.
How do kidney stones look like?
Kidney stones that just within the kidneys typically don’t cause any symptoms. Kidney stones that grow to stop the ureter, the tiny tube which drains the kidneys generally cause discomfort. The pain is usually located on the lower part of back area but may also be felt located in front, closer to the groin. Kidney stones may also cause pain when you urinate.
Other kidney stone indications may be:
- The urine contains blood.
- Urination frequency or a strong urge to Urinate
- Nausea and vomiting
Can kidney stones be avoided?
It is possible to try to avoid kidney stones. Drinking plenty of non-alcoholic fluids, ranging from 8-12 cups, will help in preventing kidney stones. It is best to drink water. drink, however other fluids can be beneficial, as well. Also, you should reduce your sodium intake as well as the amount of protein from animals that you consume.
How can you eliminate kidney stones?
The treatment for kidney stones will depend upon the type of stone, size and where the stones are located. The majority of specialists begin with the procedure that is least invasive. If you have smaller kidney stones the doctor might give you medication or fluids to aid in passing them.
Other invasive procedures that can help eliminate kidney stones comprise:
- Lichotripsy with shock wave: Shock waves with high energy break big stones down into pieces. This allows it to be easier to pass through your urination.
- Ureteroscopy: The scope, which is long and thin, can be passed through the urinary tract (the tube that carries urine from inside your body) and then into your ureter and bladder. Specialists can remove the stone or use a laser break it up into smaller pieces.
- Percutaneous nephrolithotomy: This procedure is generally used for kidney stones that are large. Your doctor makes a tiny cut in your back and inserts the scope inside your kidney. They might remove kidney stones or utilize lasers to break them down into smaller pieces.
What can UC Davis Health help patients suffering from kidney stones?
We provide a quarterly kidney stone treatment clinic in which patients consult a urologist and dietitian, and nephrologist in the same time. This provides the best medical treatment for our patients, taking them out of their time and co-coordinating their treatment. Adult patients see doctors in the morning, and children in the afternoon.
Urologists (a doctor who is specialized in urinary tract conditions) as well as a nutritionist with a specialization in kidney stones will examine their patient initially. If needed they’ll recommend the patient to an kidney specialist (a specialist in kidney diseases). This is usually the case for patients who have multiple kidney disorder.