Kidney Stones
Referred to as "silent stones," kidney stones often do not cause any symptoms. The first indication of a kidney stone is often a sudden feeling of extreme pain as the stone blocks the flow of urine. Kidney stones are one of the most painful urologic disorders and one of the most common disorders of the urinary tract.
Most kidney stones - which are hardened masses that develop from crystals that separate from the urine in the urinary tract - are passed out of the body without surgical intervention by a doctor.
A less common type of kidney stone, called a struvite or infection stone, is caused by infection in the urinary tract.
Doctors are not always able to diagnose the cause of a kidney stone, which is why it's important to learn how to prevent them in the fist place. A person who has had a kidney stone in the past may likely form another one.
Recently Answered
- Q Why might a child have a kidney stone?
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Kidney stones, once believed to be the domain of adults only, also appear to be increasing among young children. The cause is unknown, but researchers hypothesize the increase in obesity, poor diets--excessive salt, poor water drinking, may be associated... Full Answer
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- Q What are kidney stones?
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Dr. Michael Roizen, Internal MedicineThe Rolling Stones aren't the only stones that can change your life. Another type will make you keel over like a rugby player who's been kneed in the groin. Kidney stones form when urine becomes concentrated, forming small crystals and then stones. They... Full Answer
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- Q Should I avoid calcium in my diet if I have a history of kidney stones?
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Dr. Robin Miller, Integrative MedicineA healthy amount of calcium makes a person less likely to have a reoccurrence of kidney stones compared to those who consume smaller amounts, says Robin Miller, MD. Watch this video to find out why. Full Answer
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- Q How can I tell if lower back pain might be a symptom of kidney stones?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyIt’s easy to write off lower back pain as the result of lifting something too heavy, but it could be a sign of kidney stones. Ordinarily, your kidneys act as your body’s filter, taking toxic waste out of your blood and expelling it in your... Full Answer
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- Q How are kidney stones diagnosed?
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Your doctor can diagnose your kidney stones (and rule out other possible causes of your symptoms) with urine and blood tests. You may also have a sonogram or computerized tomography (CT) scan so that your doctor can obtain images of your stones. Most... Full Answer
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- Q What causes kidney stones?
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Kidney stones are formed when certain materials in your urine accumulate to an unhealthy level and your body is unable to dilute the materials with fluid. This is often caused by a combination of factors such as diet, dehydration, family history,... Full Answer
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- Q What are the symptoms of kidney stones?
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Kidney stones can cause pain in the lower abdomen, especially the lower back, sides, and groin area. Other symptoms include blood in the urine, vomiting or nausea, painful urination, and an urge to urinate frequently. You might also experience chills... Full Answer
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- Q What foods should I eat to help prevent new kidney stones?
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Alberta Scruggs, Nutrition & DieteticsA tailored nutrition assessment that compliments medical care is most beneficial in the prevention of new kidney stone formation. Dietary interventions should include: Increased fluid intake (approximately three liters with half coming from water).... Full Answer
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- Q Does simvastatin cause kidney stones?
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It is unlikely that simvastatin causes kidney stones. Other factors cause kidney stone formation. Sometimes your body chemistry is such that you are more prone to them. Some foods, like rhubarb, spinach and beets are high in oxalate and may... Full Answer
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- Q What is the treatment for kidney stones in children?
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A detailed evaluation in conjunction with pediatric nephrology (the study of kidneys) is necessary. Using shock wave lithotripsy or endoscopy the stone can be disintegrated without the need for surgical incisions. Less commonly, the stones need... Full Answer
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