What causes kidney stones?

Some information about kidney stones that you should know

A- Kidney stones or Renal calculus are an accumulation of urinary salts and minerals in concentric layers. It can be formed at any level in your urinary collecting system, but most often in the renal pelvis.

B-The calculus may be primary or secondary to another disease. The absence of disease or renal abnormality with the presence of kidney stones indicates primary infection.

C- People often feel the pain in the back and side. The pain may radiate to the groin area and sometimes to the lower abdomen. The absence of guarding of muscles in the lower abdomen excludes appendicitis and makes us think more about kidney stones.

D-Severe pain due to kidney stones is termed ''Renal colic''. People may feel difficulty urination and decreased urine output. they should harry up and go to the doctor immediately to avoid other secondary infections that may occur due to kidney stones.

Symptoms

1- Severe pain in the back and side, and might be sudden.

2- Difficulty urination and decreased urine output.

3- Pain associated with urination

4- Vomiting or diarrhea is sometimes present

5-Blood while urinating may indicate secondary infection or even acute obstruction of ureters by a big stone.

6-The urine is foul-smelling

7- Urge to urinate

Causes

1- High concentration of crystalloids in which also the balance with colloids is disturbed in case of hypercalciuria, cystinuria, hyperoxaluria.(1)

2- Urinary tract obstruction as in nodular hyperplasia of prostate ( Benign prostatic enlargement ), Strictures, Tumors.(2)

3- Deficiency of Vitamin A causes the desquamation of epithelium and makes infection probability increased.(3)

4- Bacterial infection causes splitting of urea which favors phosphate precipitation.(4)

5- Urinary bilharziasis as it makes you prone to cystitis and then the ova and nucleus act as the nucleus for stone formation.(5)

 Types of kidney stones 

1- Oxalate stones ( these stones are spiky and small fragmented stones with rough surface causing bloody urine ).

2- Struvite stones ( these stones are associated with urinary infection ).

3- Uric acid stones ( due to increased protein and alcohol intake ).

4- Cystine stones ( Rare stone from high levels of cystine ).

Complications of urinary stones

1- Renal colic (  acute sudden pain ).

2- Hematuria especially with oxalate stones.

3- Infections like cystitis as occurring with urinary bilharziasis.

4- Hydroureter and Hydronephrosis if incomplete prolonged obstruction.

5- Chronic irritation and increased liability of urinary bladder cancer incidence.

What to do if you have kidney stones?

1- If you feel the pain and concerned about kidney stones go to the doctor.

2- Any medications given to you must be taken carefully to avoid side effects.

3- If you notice one of the complications, tell the doctor immediately.

Foods that you have to avoid? ( Oxalate rich food should be avoided ) 

1- Spinach

2- Potatoes

3- Beans

4- Nuts and Seeds

5- Wheat bran

Foods that you should eat? 

1- Banana

2- Broccoli

3- Yogurts

4- Berries

5- Milk

6- Fruit and Vegetables

Always try to drink plenty of water like 6-8 cups a day, it will play a big part in the treatment of kidney stones.