Kidney Stone Awareness

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A friend of mine last week reported that he was suffering from severe back pain. Also complained of passing urine with blood. Immediately he was taken to the nearby hospital for a medical check up. He was diagnosed with kidney stones and immediately he was put under medical treatment. After a few days of treatment, he was completely relieved of the symptoms. The doctor explained to us the causes and condition of kidney stones. It was quite informative and created an awareness among us. I am sharing the doctor’s perception over the kidney stones.

First he explained what kidney stones are. Kidney stones are nothing but formation of solid substances with shapes of small pebbles like stones in the kidney. Stones may vary in size and shape. He explained the effects of people affected with kidney stones. The patient will report severe back pain, sometimes accompanied with blood in the urine while passing. The coloration of the urine may be reddish or brownish. The affected person experiences severe abdominal pain while passing urine. He may find it difficult to pass urine and the frequency may be more than normal. In severe cases, the kidney may be damaged. Why are kidney stones formed in the kidneys? Accumulation of excessive calcium, oxalate or cystine in the kidneys. Gradually these small particles grow in size and become bigger in due course and affect the kidneys.

A habit of taking insufficient quantities of water makes the urine concentrate and the stones develop. Also taking too much salt, sugar or protein can aggravate the stone formation. Obesity and frequently being subjected to uribary tract infection causes kidney stone formation. Some are prone to it due to family history also.

Immediate treatment is hydration i.e. supplementng with more water and liquid diets, followed with medicines and adequate rest. In severe cases US U ultra sound) treatment is given to break the stones and extract it out. save the person from kidney damage. Surgery may be needed as a last resort.

Preventive measures
Consuming plenty of water especially during summer and after hard physical work where water is out with sweating. Taking a balanced diet and avoiding salt, sugar and excessive calcium intake. Regular medical checkup keeps one fit always. Awareness is created among people on kidney stones.

Prevention is better than cure should be the motto of everyone.

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