According to ascientific report, 1 out of 10 people suffer from kidney stones worldwide. Doesn't matter if you have ever faced kidney stones or not, but you must be aware of everything related to kidney stones. Though relatively common nowadays, kidney stone is one of the most excruciating pains your body can ever experience.
Geetanjali Medical College and Hospital has a nephrological and urological center to treat all kinds of kidney stones. Geetanjali Medical College and Hospital, Udaipur is the first kidney transplant center in South Rajasthan. Here is a blog telling you all the critical facts about kidney stones.

What is a kidney stone?

The kidney is an organ of the excretory system that is responsible for fluid purification inside the body. It eliminates waste from the blood. Kidney stone is a medical condition also known as nephrolithiasis or urolithiasis. A solid lump, crystal or stone is formed inside the kidney during this disease. The size varies from a dot to a frisbee. The presence of a stone inside the kidney may prevent urine from leaving your body and cause bleeding.

What are the types of kidney stones?

There are broadly five kinds of kidney stones present inside the human kidney.
1. Calcium stones: Most common kidney stones. When the calcium is accumulated inside the kidney and forms a stone.
2. Uric acid stone: Mainly caused when you intake a high-protein diet or when your urine contains high uric acid.
3. Struvite stone: These stones are formed because of ammonia and most likely occur in women.
4. Cystine stone: These stones are caused by a genetic disorder called cystinuria.

What are the symptoms of kidney stones?

· Some kidney stones pass out from the body by urine themselves, while some stay there and can cause painful symptoms like:
· Vomiting
· Nausea
· Pain in the lower abdomen and testis in males make it worse.
· Blood or pus in the urine.
· Fever
· Irritation or burning sensation while urinating.

What are the causes of kidney stones?

The cause of kidney stones is an accumulation of chemicals like calcium, oxalate, xanthine, phosphate, and cystic and uric acids. For some reason or other, these chemicals accumulate inside the kidney and cause the formation of stones.

How are kidney stones diagnosed?

Any of the following tests diagnosis kidney stones:
· Blood test
· Urine test
· CT scan
· Ultrasound
· X-Ray scan

What is the treatment of kidney stones?

The painful symptoms of kidney stones are controlled by analgesics such as Acetaminophen and antiemetics such as Promethazine. Alpha-blockers such as Tamsulosin and Nifedipine are also given to ensure easy passage out of stones from the body. In severe cases, the following medications and surgeries are done:
1. Ureteroscopy: Usually done when the kidney stone is present in the kidney or ureter. Physicians spot the pinpoint location of a kidney stone and then remove it using basket-like instruments. Later, the large stone is broken into small pieces using a laser and doesn't require incisions.
2. Lithotripsy: Also known as shock wave lithotripsy, the procedure employs X-Ray and shock waves. Again, the kidney stone is broken into smaller pieces to pass out via urine.
3. Percutaneous nephrolithotomy: Under this procedure, a small incision is made in the patient's back, and then the kidney's stones are removed.

What are the preventative steps for kidney stones?

Any person suffering from kidney stones can take the following preventive steps;

1. Drink plenty of water.
2. Avoid a high-protein diet.
3. Reduce the consumption of salt.
4. Eat healthy fruits and vegetables.
5. Take prescribed medications.
6. Avoid overuse of over the counter painkillers
7. Avoid herbal/Chinese medicines

When to consult a doctor?

As soon as you face any of the mentioned symptoms, it is better to get the presence of stone checked to get early treatment.

To avoid the matter getting worse, you can simply visit Geetanjali hospital. Geetanjali hospital provides the best nephrologist and urologist in Rajasthan. For more information, visit us today.