A common ailment of the urinary tract that we get to hear is the presence of stone in the kidney. It is rampant yet people are not aware of all the causes and symptoms of the problem. Quite painful, kidney stones are small chunks of solid material that form in the pair of organs that filter blood.
This condition arises when the concentration of normal kidney elements like calcium, oxalate and phosphorus increase substantially. Also known as nephrolithiasis, this condition can be due to various lifestyle factors like low fluid intake, poor diet or medications such as calcium-based antacids that affect the level of urinary substances. Some other causes of this problem can be a family history of the same, blockage of the urinary tract along with recurring infections and digestive problems. The most common cause of kidney stones can be attributed to dehydration and low fluid intake which leads to greater risk. Low calcium intake and high salt and protein diet also lead to this condition.
Often, the first symptom of kidney stone is a pain in the abdomen and side of the back. Though vague initially, the pain becomes sharp and severe with time as the muscles of the urethra contract and relax around the stone. Other symptoms include nausea and vomiting, blood in the urine, abnormally colored urine, increased tendency and difficulty to urinate, and a burning sensation while urinating. These symptoms should not be taken lightly and an individual must get oneself checked in the face of these conditions.
Kidney stones range from being as small as a grain of sand that can easily pass out of the body to the largest being the size of a golf ball. This blocks the passage of urine out from the body thus giving rise to complications. However, timely help and medication can help prevent and treat the problem. An adequate fluid intake every day is the best precaution and medication that anyone can take to avoid the problem. Drinking at least 6 to 8 glasses of water is essential. Often, over- the-counter medicines too can be taken to relieve pain but it is always advised that an individual takes proper medication only after consulting a doctor. It is important to know about the kinds of stones for effective treatment. The last resort is standard open surgery or procedure which is of various kinds and is decided upon depending on the condition of the ailment.
Mike Morgan is a health enthusiast and has written several health articles for various health magazines.
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