Treatment for Kidney Stones

Also called as renal calculus, a kidney stone is a formation of a crystal, which is made up of oxalates and phosphates. Kidney stones are formed in the kidneys. Kidneys stones are generally found more in men than in women. This is because female hormones prevent the formation of such stones. If the size of the stones is small, it does not pose any serious problems. If they are left undetected and grow larger in size, then they can block smooth flow of urine through the ureters and can cause severe pain in the abdomen. Know

Causes of kidney stone:

Kidney stones are formed when the volume of urine has decreased, and the number of stones formed has increased. A very common form of kidney stone is made up of a combination of oxalates or phosphates. Dehydration due to less intake of water, or heavy exercise without consuming the right quantity of water can lead to the formation of stones. Hot and dry climatic conditions can increase dehydration and cause formation of stones inside the kidney. Urinary tract infections too can lead to the formation of kidney stones; these are known as infection stones or struvites.

Below mentioned medical conditions too can be responsible for formation of kidney stones.

• Gout-

  Gout is a metabolic disease. It is the inflammation of the joints, especially the big toe and the feet because of the presence of uric acid in the blood.

   

• Hypercalciuria-

  When excess amount of calcium is absorbed from food and passed through urine, it can lead to a heavy formation of calcium phosphate or calcium oxalate stones.

   

• Cystinuria and hyperoxaluria are two other disorders which can lead to the production of kidney stones. Under cystinuria too much of amino acid cystine is formed, which leads to kidney stones, and under hyperoxaluria, there is excess salt formation.

   

• Inflammtory bowel disease, hyperthyroidism, diabetes and high blood pressure too can increase the risk of kidney stones.

   

• Foods and drinks containing oxalates, can also lead to kidney diseases. Such foods are-
  • Spinach
  • Beets
  • Chocolate
  • Wheat germ
  • Sweet potato
  • Peanuts
  • Excessive sugar intake
  • High salt diet
  •  Animal protein
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