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Kidney Stones

Kidney Stones

Commonly kidney stones are formed when the urine is too concentrated. Crystals separate from the urine and build up on the inner surface of the kidneys. Over time this develops into kidney stones. Kidney stones are often heriditary. Kidney stones are often the result of kidney disorders or UTI or hyperparathyroidism. Gout and excess intake of Vitamin D can also lead to the formation of kidney stones.

Kidney stones can range from small granular ones to smooth larger stones. Usually they appear yellow or brown. Kidney stones are of different types. Calcium stones are the most common kidney stones. They are caused due to excess calcium. An infection stone or struvite stone is caused due to urinary tract infection. It contains the mineral magnesium and ammonia. This type of kidney stone is mostly seen in women. Uric acid kidney stones are formed when there is too much acid in the urine.

Extreme pain is often one of the first symptoms of kidney stones. The stone blocks the urinary tract and leads to blockage of urine. The patient suffering from kidney stone suffers sharp pain in the back or lower abdomen. The pain is also felt in the groin region. Vomiting and nausea may be present. There might be burning sensation during urination. There might be frequent urge to urinate. Urine might be cloudy or bloody.

Abdominal x-rays or ultrsound detect kidney stones. The physician gets information on the size and location of the kidney stone. Blood tests and urine tests aid in detecting any abnormality that can trigger formation of kidney stones. Spiral CT scan is used to detect kidney stones. A patient suffering kidney stones is asked to drink plenty of water and fluids. In some cases, the stone passes through while in others it gets stuck either in the ureter, urethra or bladder.

Kidney stones are surgically removed with tunnel surgery using a nephroscope. The kidney stones are often broken into smaller stones so as to allow them to pass through the urine. This can be done with shock waves. A kidney stone lodged in the ureter can be removed with a ureteroscope. Kidney stones formed due to parathyroidism necessitate treatment of the thyroid.

Kidney Disease

Kidney Disease is a chronic condition that is often not detected early. Persons suffering from high blood pressure or diabetes or heart disease are susceptible to develop chronic kidney disease. If left untreated, it can lead to kidney failure. Glomerulonephritis or kidney stones or enlarged prostate can lead to kidney disease. Repeated episodes of UTI can lead to kidney disease. Congenital kidney disease occurs due to any malformation of the urinary tract.

A person suffering from chronic kidney disease is likely to feel fatigue and have trouble concentrating. There is puffiness around the eyes, feet and ankles. There might be muscle cramping at night. Kidney disease can lead to anemia and deficiency of Vitamin D. Kidney disease may bring about constant itching in the patient. It can lead to depression and sexual dysfunction.

Blood tests for urine and serum creatinine indicate any possible kidney disease. A patient suffering from kidney disease must make changes in the diet that include reduction of salt as well as reduced intake of potassium and protein. Patients suffering chronic kidney disease may need Vitamin D supplements. Antihistamines can help control itching associated with this disease. Dialysis is the treatment for patients suffering from kidney disease.

Kidney biopsy

A kidney biopsy is often recommended for those who notice blood in the urine (hematuria), excess protein in the urine (proteinuria) or progressive kidney failure. Kidney biopsy might reveal the causes for improper functioning or rejection of a transplanted kidney. If urine tests, ulrasound or CT scan reveal possible kidney problems, kidney biopsy can aid in determining the cause. A patient undergoing kidney biopsy is given sedation through IV. The biopsy needle is inserted through the skin with the aid of ultrasound. A small sample tissue is taken for examination. There is likely to be mild soreness in the muscle and some blood in the urine for the next 24 hours. Serious complications include puncture of a major blood vessel or bleeding into the kidney. Abnormal results of kidney biopsy show signs of scarring or inadequate blood flow or signs of disease such as renal cancer. Patients with blood clotting disorder are not advised to undergo this diagnostic test. Obesity, UTI, hypertension are some factors that can affect the accuracy of kidney biopsy results.