Kidney Stones - UK Health Insurance

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[Kidney Stones]

KIDNEY STONES

A mineral formation in the urinary tract is called calculus or a kidney stone.

TARGET GROUP:

Kidney stones are more frequent in men than in women and chances of getting stones increases with age. A person who has already got one kidney stone has the chance of getting more stones.

TYPE OF DISEASE:

Kidney stones are formed when excess minerals, such as calcium, are present and concentrate into a hard lump on the inner surfaces of the kidney. They may exist without causing discomfort, or they may cause a blockage that can interfere with the normal functioning of the body.

 

SYMPTOMS:

If the stone becomes too large to pass easily it may cause immense pain in the back or sides just below ribs. As the stone moves from the urethra to the bladder, the pain may spread out to the lower abdomen and groin. Other signs are frequent and painful urination, nausea, vomiting, blood in the urine, or chills and fever.

AFFECTED AREA:

The kidneys and the urinary tracts are affected by it.

CAUSES:

Excess calcium in the body may come from a diet rich in calcium or vitamin D, or by calcium released by fractured bones. A hereditary disease called renal tubular acidosis can cause kidney stones. Other causes of kidney stones are urinary tract infections, kidney disorders, metabolic disorders, gout, and blockage of the urinary tract.

RISK TO OTHERS

A family history of kidney stones increases the chances of getting kidney stones. Lack of fluids especially water and a high protein and low fiber diet may increase your risk of some types of kidney stones. A sedentary lifestyle puts you at a risk for stones because limited activity can cause bones to release extra calcium. Certain medications also cause stones.

 

RISK TO SUFFERER

Kidney stones can cause urinary tract infection, bleeding or kidney damage if left untreated for a long time.

TREATMENT:

Medications to prevent calcium and uric acid stones are also prescribed. These drugs control the amount of acid or alkali in the urine. Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy and percutaneous nephrolithotomy is are the most frequently used methods for the treatment of kidney stones.