Due to today’s fast lifestyle and unhealthy eating habits, people are facing health problems. One of the common problems among them is kidney stone. This is a medical condition that occurs due to the formation of small stones in the kidney. Today we will learn about the causes, symptoms and treatment of kidney stones.
What is kidney stone?
Kidney stone is a solid crystal deposit that is formed by the deposition of minerals and salt in the kidney. These stones sometimes pass out on their own through urine, but if the size is large, it can cause severe pain and other complications.
Main causes of kidney stone
There can be many reasons for kidney stone, some of the common reasons are:
- Drinking less water – Due to drinking less water, minerals get deposited in the urine and stones start forming.
- Consumption of more salt – Excess salt retains calcium in the body, which can be the cause of kidney stones.
- High protein diet – High consumption of meat and dairy products also increases the risk of kidney stones.
- Oxalate rich foods – Foods like spinach, tomato, beetroot, chocolate contain high oxalate, which can be the cause of stone formation.
- Family History – If someone in the family has had kidney stone, then the possibility of other members also getting it increases.
- Obesity – Obesity can also be a major reason for kidney stone.
Symptoms of Kidney Stone
The following symptoms can occur when kidney stone occurs:
- Sharp Pain – There is severe pain in the side of the abdomen and stomach which is sometimes unbearable.
- Frequent Urination – Urine comes frequently and there can be a burning sensation.
- Blood mixed urine – Presence of blood in urine is also a major symptom.
- Nausea and Vomiting – The patient often experiences nausea or vomiting when there is a stone.
- Fever and Chills – If there is infection along with kidney stone, then fever and chills start occurring.
How is kidney stone diagnosed?
If you are feeling the above symptoms, consult a doctor immediately. The following tests can be done to detect kidney stone:
- Ultrasound – This is the most common test that helps in detecting kidney stone.
- CT Scan – This is a detailed imaging test that tells the exact location and size of the stone.
- Urine Test – This test shows whether there are any abnormal minerals in the urine.
- Blood Test – This test checks the level of calcium and uric acid in the body which can cause kidney stone.
Treatment of Kidney Stone
The treatment of kidney stone depends on its size and severity.
1. Home Remedies (Gharelu Upay)
- Drink more water – Drinking at least 8-10 glasses of water daily can remove the stone naturally.
- Lemon Juice and Apple Cider Vinegar – Both of these help in breaking the kidney stone.
- Coconut Water – This is a natural diuretic which helps in removing toxins from the kidney.
- Tulsi Water – Tulsi juice or water helps in dissolving kidney stone.
2. Medicinal Treatment
- Painkillers – Doctors prescribe painkillers to reduce pain.
- Alpha Blockers – These medicines relax the ureter so that the stone can be passed easily.
- Diuretics – These increase urine output which helps in passing the stone.
3. Medical Procedures
If the stone size is large and natural treatment does not work, doctors recommend the following procedures:
- Shock Wave Lithotripsy (SWL) – The stone is broken by high-energy sound waves.
- Ureteroscopy – A thin tube is inserted through the urethra and the stone is removed.
- Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) – If the stone is large, it is removed by surgery.
Ways to avoid Kidney Stone
- Maintain Hydration – Make it a habit to drink 8-10 glasses of water daily.
- Follow a Balanced Diet – Try to avoid oxalate rich foods and high protein diet.
- Do not consume excess salt – excess salt can be harmful for the kidney.
- Do Regular Exercise – It is important to maintain an active lifestyle.
- Get Regular Checkup from the Doctor – If you have already had kidney stone, then get regular checkup done.
Conclusion
Kidney Stone is a painful condition which can be prevented through proper lifestyle and diet. If you notice symptoms of kidney stone, contact a doctor immediately. You can avoid this problem by drinking more water and following a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your health and avoid kidney stone!