KIDNEY STONES

Kidney Stones: Understanding, Preventing, and Relieving

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Definition

Kidney stones are hard deposits formed from minerals and crystals in urine. They may remain silent or cause intense pain when moving through the urinary tract.

Common causes

  • Chronic dehydration

  • Excess salt, animal protein, or oxalate-rich foods (spinach, chocolate, black tea)

  • Family history of kidney stones

  • Certain metabolic diseases (hyperparathyroidism, gout)

Symptoms

  • Severe flank or back pain (renal colic)

  • Blood in urine (hematuria)

  • Frequent or painful urination

  • Nausea, vomiting

Diagnosis

  • Urine analysis (crystals, blood, infection)

  • Kidney ultrasound or CT scan

  • Abdominal X-ray in some cases

⚕️ Treatments and solutions – Medical options

  • Increased hydration (2–3 liters/day unless contraindicated)

  • Pain relief medications prescribed by a doctor

  • Drugs to facilitate stone passage (e.g. alpha-blockers)

  • Shock wave lithotripsy (breaking the stone into pieces)

  • Surgery for large or complicated stones

🪷 Complementary solutions and comfort

Prevention

  • Drink enough water daily

  • Limit salt and animal protein intake

  • Reduce oxalate-rich foods (spinach, cocoa, beets, nuts)

  • Avoid long-term self-medication

  • Maintain healthy weight and regular exercise

Conclusion

Kidney stones can be extremely painful but are often preventable. 🌿 Daily hydration and balanced nutrition are the keys to prevention.

 

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