Your Health: Kidney Stones
Most people have certain chemicals in their urine which helps to inhibit the formation of these crystals but, in some people, these luhibitors do not always work correctly. A less common type of stone is caused by an infection of the urinary tract, and these are called struvite, or infection stones. Kidney stones can form for a variety of reasons and can be made up of different composites, but one thing that’s known for sure is the fact that, once a person gets a kidney stone, they are more likely to develop more of them in the future.
At one time, it was believed that certain foods caused people to develop kidney stones. Recent findings, however, suggest that foods may promote the formation of kidney stones in those who are susceptible, but that it doesn’t appear that particular foods have any bearing on the formation of kidney stones in a person who is not susceptible. However, it is more likely for a person who has a family history of kidney stones to develop them.
The truth of the matter is that kidney stones may form for a variety of reasons; urinary tract infections, kidney disorders and certain metabolic disorders, such as hyperparathyroidism have also been linked to the formation of kidney stones. 70% of those who suffer from renal tubular acidosis, an unusual hereditary disease, develop kidney stones and the condition is most prominent in men, from age 40-70 years. Women get stones less frequently then men, but occasionally they occur, usually around the age of 50.
The most common kidney stones are calcium-based and related to a condition known as hypercalciuria, an inherited condition which causes stones when calcium is eaten in excess. Some other causes can include cystinuria and hyperoxaluria (two rare, inherited disorders of the metabolism), hyperuricosuria (a disorder of the uric acid metabolism), gout, excess intake of Vitamin D, blockage of the urinary tract (as in urethral stricture disease), some diuretics, or even calcium-based antacids have been known to cause problems in some people. Additionally, people with chronic inflamation of the bowel or those who have had an intestinal bypass surgery or ostomy operation may be at risk, as well as those who take a protease inhibitor known as endeavor, which is commonly used to treat HIV related infections.
While kidney stones don’t always cause symptoms, most of the time they do. The first symptom of a kidney stone is usually extreme pain. Kidney stones block the flow of urine and pain occurs when the stones try to shift and move. This causes a sharp, cramping pain, usually in the back and side by the kidneys and may be accompanied by a blood-tinted urine. Occasionally nausea and vomiting will accompany the pain and the patient may experience the need to urinate more. However, when they do go to urinate, they may experience a pressure and burning sensation. If there is a presence of fever or chill, though, this suggests that there may be an infection and one should seek a doctor immediately.
Fortunately, surgery is rarely necessary for the removal of kidney stones and most usually pass naturally. Drinking 2-3 quarts of water, per day, may help to flush out the system and cranberry juice is known to help some people develop fewer kidney stones, when drank regularly.
