Kidney Stones

3. Kidneys remove wastes and extra fluid from your body.
Your kidneys also remove acid that is produced by the
cells of your body and maintain a healthy balance of
water, salts, and minerals—such as sodium, calcium,
phosphorus, and potassium—in your blood.
Kidney stones also called Renal Calculi,
Nephrolithiasis or Urolithiasis are hard deposits
made of minerals and salts that form inside your
kidneys.
Causes : Diet, excess body weight, some medical
conditions, and certain supplements and medications
are among the many causes of kidney stones.

5. Types of Kidney Stones :
 Calcium oxalate: The most common type of
kidney stone which is created when calcium
combines with oxalate in the urine.
 Uric acid: This is another common type of
kidney stone.
 Struvite: These stones are less common and
are caused by infections in the upper urinary
tract.

6. Kidney stone symptoms:
1. Vomiting, Chills, Pain, Fever, Nausea
2. Sharp pain in the lower abdomen, typically on one
side.
3. A burning sensation or pain while urinating.
4. Urinating frequently.
5. Feeling like you're urinating incompletely or in small
amounts.
6. Urine that is brown, red or pink, which indicates the
presence of blood.
7. Smelly or cloudy urine

7. Kidney Stones Diagnostics:
Imaging Tests: An X-ray, CT scan and ultrasound will help
your healthcare provider see the size, shape, location and
number of your kidney stones. These tests help your
provider decide what treatment you need.
Blood Test: A blood test will reveal how well your kidneys
are functioning, check for infection and look for
biochemical problems that may lead to kidney stones.
Urine Test: This test also looks for signs of infection and
examines the levels of the substances that form kidney
stones.

8. Treatment of Kidney Stones:
Medications
may be prescribed to decrease pain and manage
nausea/vomiting.
Surgery
There are four types of surgeries used to treat kidney
stones
Ureteroscopy - This instrument shows the kidney stones
and then retrieves them in a surgical “basket,” or breaks
them apart using a laser. These smaller pieces of the
kidney stones are then easily able to exit your body
through your urinary tract.

9. Shockwave lithotripsy - High-energy shockwaves are
sent through water to the stone(s). The shockwaves
break apart the stones, which are then more easily able
to exit your body.
Percutaneous nephrolithotomy - When kidney stones
can’t be treated by the other procedures — either
because there are too many stones, the stones are too
large or heavy or because of their location —
percutaneous nephrolithotomy is considered. In this
procedure, a tube is inserted directly into your kidney
through a small incision in your back.

10. Risk factors for developing kidney stones:
Not drinking enough liquids.
Having a diet that includes the substances that form the stones (phosphate, for
example, is in meat, fish, beans and other protein-rich foods).
Having a family history of kidney stones.
Having a blockage in your urinary tract.
Certain medical conditions can also increase your risk of developing stones.
Hypercalciuria (high calcium levels in your urine).
High blood pressure
Diabetes
Obesity.
Osteoporosis
Gout and cystic fibrosis

11. Home Remedies:
There are three liquids rumored to help with kidney
stones:
Cranberry juice. Although cranberry juice can help
prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs) it doesn’t help
with kidney stones.
Apple cider vinegar. Vinegar is acidic and it can
sometimes create changes to your urine, which helps
with kidney stones.
Lemon juice. Lemon juice is rich in citrate, which can
help prevent kidney stones from forming.
Coffee. Studies show that coffee may decrease your
risk of developing kidney stones.
Avoid soda and other drinks with added sugar or
fructose corn syrup. They increase your risk.

12. Prevention of Kidney Stones:
There are several ways to decrease your risk of kidney stones,
including:
Drink water. Drink at least six to eight 8-ounce glasses every day
(about 64 ounces). Staying hydrated helps you urinate more often,
which helps “flush away” the buildup of the substances that cause
kidney stones. If you sweat a lot, be sure to drink even more.
Limit salt. Eat less sodium. You may want to connect with a dietician
for help with planning what foods you eat.
Lose weight. If you’re overweight, try to lose some pounds. Talk to
your healthcare provider about an ideal weight.
Take prescriptions. Your healthcare provider may prescribe some
medications that help prevent kidney stones. The type of medication
may depend on the type of stones you get.