What are Kidney Stones?

Kidney Stones Picture

Kidney stones are solid accumulation of chemical deposits that are formed inside the urinary tract. The medical term for these stones is renal calculi. They are hard, and could be as small as a microscopic speck or larger than a marble.

When a stone is very small it can easily pass through the ureter ( narrow tube which connects the kidney to the bladder), and into the urine. These tiny stones usually exit the body, unnoticed, during urination. Large stones, however, can create serious problems. They may remain in the kidneys or travel into the ureters, where they can become trapped.

Risk Factors for Renal Calculi

Approximately 1 in every 10 persons will develop a kidney stone in their lifetime. They are more common in Caucasian males, over the age of 30 years. Persons who previously had renal calculi are at greater risk of recurrence. Also, persons with relatives who have or had this condition are at risk of being affected by it.

It should also be noted that dietary habits can contribute to risk factors. Poor diet and dehydration are among the root causes of kidney-stone. Persons who are prone to this condition should note that good nutrition should be an integral part of any prevention strategy or program.

Some preliminary studies seem to suggest that there is a possibility that there is a link between diabetes and renal calculi. While it is unlikely that diabetes is the only factor driving the increase incidence of renal calculi, it could be a significant risk factor. The results of those studies at this point are, however, inconclusive.

How are Kidney-Stones formed?

One of the key functions of the kidney is to filter the blood and remove waste chemicals from the body, through the urine. These waste products such as uric acid, phosphates, and calcium oxalate are usually kept in a liquid form by natural protective chemical compounds.

Occasionally, these protective compounds are unable to maintain the waste substances in a soluble form. When this happens, these substances begin to crystallize and clump together... forming what is known as renal calculi.

How does a Kidney-Stone affect the kidney?

Tiny stones, sometimes called "silent stones", may never cause any problems. In fact, most people with these stones never know or suspect that they have them. They usually pass out in the urine without any problems.

Large stones are quite different and can cause problems when they restrict the normal flow of urine. Apart from the severe pains they cause, they can block the flow of urine down the ureters and create pressure on the kidneys. Eventually, the pressure caused by backed-up urine can cause the kidney to become swollen. Over an extended period of time, the kidney may become damaged and infection may develop.

If a stone is lodged further down the ureter, the backed up urine may also cause the ureter to become swollen. The presence of a stone in the ureter may cause spasm, which result in severe pain. Any major blockage of the urinary system, especially the ureter, must be treated urgently. If the stone is not dislodged on its own then surgery may be required or doctors may recommend the use of a ureteric stent to allow the urine to drain into the bladder.

How is Kidney-Stone Diagnosed?

Diagnosing kidney stone is based on, among other things, a patient's history of very severe pain in the back, sides, or groin area. Severe pain is one of the first symptom of kidney stone. To confirm the presence of kidney stone a physician will usually perform a urine test and an X-ray.

X-ray of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder may or may not reveal the presence of kidney stone. A series of x-rays taken after injecting iodine dye into a vein is usually a more reliable way of seeing a kidney stone. This procedure is known as intravenous pyelogram (IVP). The dye is like a highlighter which lights up the urinary system as it travels along. If a stone causes obstruction, the dye will be stopped or will only be able to trickle slowly past the stone.

Once a patient has passed a stone it is usually analyzed to determine the type of stone (chemical composition). It is important to know the type of stone that affected a patient, as this helps to diagnose the cause and formulate an effective treatment and prevention strategy.

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Renal calculi is becoming an increasingly common medical problem, especially in Western societies. This is largely the result of poor dietary and lifestyle habits. If you possess any of the risk factors for renal calculi, it is wise to start paying attention to your dietary habits.

If you have been diagnosed with of suspect that you may have a kidney stone, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. A competent medical doctor will be able to properly diagnose your condition and prescribe an appropriate course of treatment.

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