Kidney is one of the organs that can suffer from a wide range of conditions. Kidney stones in particular are so common that more than a million people, especially men, visit emergency rooms every year. It is the most painful disorder of the urinary tract but easily treatable if detected early.
When kidney stones are formed, they are in the shape of crystals and occupy the inner surface of the kidney. Just like the tartar on teeth, kidney stones do not automatically break up. When these crystals pass through the urethra, the pain becomes excruciating depending on the size and amount of crystals. In addition to pain, one can experience nausea, fever, vomiting and inability to urinate as well. People who are prone to kidney stones are those who eat imbalanced diet and lack exercise. Calcium stones are formed when the person eats too much calcium from various food sources such as spinach, coffee, dairy products and supplements. An excess intake of Vitamin D can also cause kidney stones. Uric acid stones are formed due to high meat intake. People who have previously received chemotherapy and who have kidney infection due to ammonia build up are also susceptible to kidney stones.
Kidney stones can also be caused due to genetics. And most people who experience this condition are those who are in their early thirties. The reasons are not limited to the above mentioned elements, even medications such as antacids, water pills and thyroid tablets may increase its risk. A high protein and low fiber diet is the common cause of kidney stones in men under the age of forty. Coupled with poor mobility, lack of exercise and dehydration, the matter can only become worse.
A physician diagnosing this condition will have the patient undergo multiple tests and procedures that are also used in kidney failure treatment, such as X-ray, visual inspection of the urine, blood test, ultrasound and die injected into the bladder to identify the location of the stones present in the system. Once identified, the removal process depends on the size and location. Most stones can be removed without surgery just by flushing them out by drinking two to three liters of water. If there is an infection caused by the stones, you will be prescribed antibiotics immediately. The pain can be subdued through pain killers and narcotics. Another treatment for kidney stones involves breaking up the crystals into smaller pieces with the use of sound shock waves. The last recommended procedure is surgery. However, almost all kidney stones at an early stage can be eliminated through a balanced diet, lots of fluid and daily exercise.
Improving the health of kidney lies in the hands of the patient. Always, prevention is the best medicine available in the world. For example, by urinating frequently, you are not only able to flush the stones but bacteria and parasites that may have present in the urinary system as well. Drinking water or cranberry juice can help prevent stones from forming in the first place.
