Advertisement

Thursday 6 March 2014

KIDNEY STONES AND THEIR CAUSES

Kidney stones


Kidney stones result when urine becomes too concentrated and substances in the urine crystallize to form stones. Symptoms arise when the stones begin to move down the ureter causing intense pain. Kidney stones may form in the pelvis or calyces of the kidney or in the ureter. Some of the substances in urine, uric acid and calcium in particular, may crystallize within the kidney, forming rock-like particles (calculi) called stones. The medical term for this condition is nephrolithiasis or renal stone disease. Kidney stones may be as small as a grain of sand or larger than a golf ball. Depending on their composition, they may be smooth, round, jagged, spiky or asymmetrical. Most stones are yellow to brown in color, although variations in chemical composition can produce stones that are tan, gold or black.
Some stones stay within the kidney, where they often produce no symptoms. Other stones may break loose and travel down the urinary tract. The smallest, smoothest stones may pass out of the body with little resistance and minimal discomfort to the patient. Larger, irregularly shaped stones cause intense pain. They also can become lodged in the ureter, bladder or urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body.

CAUSES OF KIDNEY STONES


Basically, kidney stones are made of acids, minerals and salts that are found normally in urine. The stones are formed in the kidneys when the balance of urine gets thrown off, allowing the minerals to crystallize and form hard, tiny masses - kidney stones. There are two major factors that can lead to kidney stones:

•    Not drinking enough water, and
•    A medical condition.

Experts recommend that everyone drink at least 8-10 glasses of water a day. If your urine appears clear, then you are more than likely drinking enough water

No comments:

Post a Comment