Many people are not aware of it but there are actually different types of kidney stones that some individuals suffer from. Among those types, the most common that most people develop is called "calcium oxalate stone." While others are called "struvite stones," "uric acid stones," and "cystine stones." These types vary depending on what cause them and their characteristics.
People who are prone to kidney stones must familiarize themselves with the different types as early as possible so they would know what to adjust. Aside from setting lifestyles changes, knowing what type of kidney stones develop in the body is also important because it will help you do the things that will prevent their existence in your body system.
The symptoms of kidney stones
To be able to address the condition properly, it a must for people who are prone to having kidney stones to familiarize themselves with the condition. In order to determine if one is suffering from kidney stones, here are some medical alerts or symptoms to be noted:
1. Pain in all levels. As vague as it is, pain in varying levels is one of the major medical alerts of kidney stones. Considered as a common symptom for kidney stones, pain may vary depending on the size of the kidney stone and the length of time that it remains undiagnosed. Experts say that pain—which can be mild or extreme—is normal for people who suffer from kidney stones. This is because as the stone increases in size and weight, the more discomfort it brings especially during urination. Another form of pain that can be experienced due to kidney stones is from renal colic, which brings waves of severe pain that lasts for more than 10 minutes and can even last for an hour depending on the location of the kidney stone.
2. Blood in the urine or "hematuria." The presence of blood in the urine is quite disturbing but this is one of the most common medical alerts of kidney stones.
Other symptoms of kidney stones include nausea or vomiting, pain with urination, and at times, the urgent need to urinate which are usually characterized among children and adults.
The importance of diagnosis
Did you know that almost 50 percent of the people who suffer from kidney stones would likely have them again in the next 10 years or so? This is because many of the sufferers do not continue medication and they cease from maintaining healthy diet and lifestyle.
People who are likely to suffer from kidney stones can go to any hospital's Emergency Room or "ER". Here, you can ask the attending physician or the hospital clerk on duty to undergo testing. It is advantageous for you to go straight in the ER because hospital people will attend to you directly. In most cases, it would take a long time before one can actually set at check up with a specialist. So it would be best if you go directly to the ER and get the prompt attention that you need.
Diagnosis can be done through an assessment of the person's clinical history, a physical examination, laboratory evaluation, and x-ray for follow up. Having early diagnosis can definitely help you determine which type of kidney stone is present and would lead to faster and reliable treatments.
Kidney Health
All about kidney care, diseases and treatments
Fighting Kidney Stones the Natural Way
Every year, the increase of people suffering from kidney stones does not cease to increase. This is because many people continue to live unhealthy lifestyle that lead to the complications and event impairment of the body's vital organs such as the kidney.
Studies show that the most common problems of people involving their kidney is the presence of kidney stones which, are pieces and clumps of waste products formed in this specific body organ. Kidney stones can be literally compared to the real stone because they are hard and can be painful specially when they grow in terms of numbers. But, unlike the real stones, kidney stones can be dissolved once they are diagnosed early.
Dealing with kidney stones the natural way
Experts say that the easiest means of dealing with kidney stones is to flush it out from one's system. Although this can be done by using medication or through simple medical procedures, it is always best to do it the natural way.
Some of the natural means in dissolving kidney stones and flushing it out from person's system is by drinking tea. Since time immemorial, tea has been giving people a lot of benefits. And one of which is helping the body's system to flush out waste products that could bring health complications.
Many people who have suffered from kidney stones would agree that tea—those that contain Chinese herbs such as plantain leaf, meadowsweet, Joe-pye weed, and sarsaparilla—can help dissolve kidney stones because these contain natural properties, which are good in eliminating excess uric acid in the body.
In China, people there use the mentioned herbs—in the form of tea—to treat kidney stones. Combined with other herbs such as corn silk, wild yam root, hydrangea root, yarrow leaf, and cramp bark, tea preparation can be an effective means of dissolving small kidney stones in no time. To make the tea more effective, longer time in preparation is a must. This is done to ensure that all the natural properties will be intact. Although many people attest to its effectiveness, this may not work for everyone especially to those who bleed easily.
Another means of dissolving kidney stones the natural way is through diuretic tea. For this type of tea, you can choose either dandelion or corn silk. Many people say that these herbs are the two most popular choices of diuretic that can produce early results. When combined with other herbs such as nettle leaf, fennel seed, and oat straw, diuretic tea can be more effective in dissolving even medium-sized kidney stones. To prepare for a diuretic tea, you need the ½ teaspoon of each mentioned herb and a quart of water that is boiling. Once it has reached it boiling point, cover the pot and set it aside for about 30 minutes. Before drinking it twice daily—one cup in the morning and one cup in the evening—filter it first.
If you are not the type of using herbs as a natural means of fighting kidney stones, there are much simpler ways such as:
- drinking at least 8 glasses of water to flush out body waste;
- taking in lemonade preparation to delay the development of stones;
- eat foods that are rich in fiber but low in protein, calcium, and salt because these three are the primary causes of kidney stones; and
- engaging on a regular physical exercise because lack of movements in sedentary living can lead you faster to the formation kidney stones.
Studies show that the most common problems of people involving their kidney is the presence of kidney stones which, are pieces and clumps of waste products formed in this specific body organ. Kidney stones can be literally compared to the real stone because they are hard and can be painful specially when they grow in terms of numbers. But, unlike the real stones, kidney stones can be dissolved once they are diagnosed early.
Dealing with kidney stones the natural way
Experts say that the easiest means of dealing with kidney stones is to flush it out from one's system. Although this can be done by using medication or through simple medical procedures, it is always best to do it the natural way.
Some of the natural means in dissolving kidney stones and flushing it out from person's system is by drinking tea. Since time immemorial, tea has been giving people a lot of benefits. And one of which is helping the body's system to flush out waste products that could bring health complications.
Many people who have suffered from kidney stones would agree that tea—those that contain Chinese herbs such as plantain leaf, meadowsweet, Joe-pye weed, and sarsaparilla—can help dissolve kidney stones because these contain natural properties, which are good in eliminating excess uric acid in the body.
In China, people there use the mentioned herbs—in the form of tea—to treat kidney stones. Combined with other herbs such as corn silk, wild yam root, hydrangea root, yarrow leaf, and cramp bark, tea preparation can be an effective means of dissolving small kidney stones in no time. To make the tea more effective, longer time in preparation is a must. This is done to ensure that all the natural properties will be intact. Although many people attest to its effectiveness, this may not work for everyone especially to those who bleed easily.
Another means of dissolving kidney stones the natural way is through diuretic tea. For this type of tea, you can choose either dandelion or corn silk. Many people say that these herbs are the two most popular choices of diuretic that can produce early results. When combined with other herbs such as nettle leaf, fennel seed, and oat straw, diuretic tea can be more effective in dissolving even medium-sized kidney stones. To prepare for a diuretic tea, you need the ½ teaspoon of each mentioned herb and a quart of water that is boiling. Once it has reached it boiling point, cover the pot and set it aside for about 30 minutes. Before drinking it twice daily—one cup in the morning and one cup in the evening—filter it first.
If you are not the type of using herbs as a natural means of fighting kidney stones, there are much simpler ways such as:
- drinking at least 8 glasses of water to flush out body waste;
- taking in lemonade preparation to delay the development of stones;
- eat foods that are rich in fiber but low in protein, calcium, and salt because these three are the primary causes of kidney stones; and
- engaging on a regular physical exercise because lack of movements in sedentary living can lead you faster to the formation kidney stones.
Effective Means of Preventing Kidney Stones
Urolithiasis, commonly known as kidney stones develop in a person's body when there is a collection of materials—such as minerals—to a small stone. These stones are commonly found in the kidney, but there are also those that stay in the ureter or in the bladder. Also called "nephrolithiasis," by physicians, kidney stones can cause a great deal of pain to an individual when it blocks the urine flow. When this is not diagnosed and given proper treatment as soon as possible, it can lead to a several kidney problems that can last for a long time.
Indeed, one of the most effectiveness means of treating kidney stones is through prevention. Unlike severe diseases and illnesses, kidney stones can easily be prevented if the person will set his or her mind into healthy lifestyle.
Studies show that among the primary causes of kidney stones—aside from clinical history, hereditary factor, and medical condition of a person—is unhealthy. This is by living a sedentary life with no regular physical exercise or routine and by eating foods that are not friendly to the kidney.
In order to prevent kidney stones, here are some of the things that people can do once they set their minds into it:
1. Taking in lots of fluid, specifically water. Experts agree that the best way to prevent kidney stones is by flushing it out from the system. And what's the best way to do it? By drinking a large amount of liquids, especially water which is free from major impurities. Taking in lots of water everyday—at least 8 glasses or more—will flush out waste products in the body and can help dilute the minerals or other stone-forming materials such as salts present in the person's urine. For those who are already suffering from kidney stones or those that are prone to it, experts say that they should avoid drinking liquids with other components such as sodas and other juices to avoid the fast formation of kidney stones.
2. Certain modifications in diet. Undeniably, diet plays a huge role in maintaining good health. Keeping the body free from kidney stones will greatly depend on how balanced the diet of that person would be. Majority of kidney stone-sufferers today share the same type of stone—the calcium oxalate stone. As the name suggests, this type of stone can only be developed with too many calcium intakes. Experts say that for people to veer away from kidney stones, they should cut down on foods that are high in calcium and oxalate such as dairy products including leafy vegetables, soda-colas, cranberries, chocolates, and peanuts. These foods—if cannot be totally slashed out from the diet—should be consumed in moderation because these would only make the formation of kidney stones faster. To avoid another type of stone—the uric acid stone—people should cut down on foods that have high animal protein content such as poultry and red wine because these have high purines content. To avoid developing stones made of salts, people should also avoid meals that have high sodium content. People should focus on eating foods that are high in fiber and should also increase their citric acid or vitamin C intake. By doing this, you can your kidney stones would be dissolved in no time due to the citric properties of citrus.
3. Taking in proper medication. In severe cases of kidney stones, proper medication would help such as thiazide, sodium cellulose phosphate, oral calcium supplement, allopurinol, polycitra K, thiol, D-penicil-lamine, Acetohy-droxamic acid or AHA, and toradol to help relieve kidney pain and reduce the amount of stone-forming materials in the body.
Indeed, one of the most effectiveness means of treating kidney stones is through prevention. Unlike severe diseases and illnesses, kidney stones can easily be prevented if the person will set his or her mind into healthy lifestyle.
Studies show that among the primary causes of kidney stones—aside from clinical history, hereditary factor, and medical condition of a person—is unhealthy. This is by living a sedentary life with no regular physical exercise or routine and by eating foods that are not friendly to the kidney.
In order to prevent kidney stones, here are some of the things that people can do once they set their minds into it:
1. Taking in lots of fluid, specifically water. Experts agree that the best way to prevent kidney stones is by flushing it out from the system. And what's the best way to do it? By drinking a large amount of liquids, especially water which is free from major impurities. Taking in lots of water everyday—at least 8 glasses or more—will flush out waste products in the body and can help dilute the minerals or other stone-forming materials such as salts present in the person's urine. For those who are already suffering from kidney stones or those that are prone to it, experts say that they should avoid drinking liquids with other components such as sodas and other juices to avoid the fast formation of kidney stones.
2. Certain modifications in diet. Undeniably, diet plays a huge role in maintaining good health. Keeping the body free from kidney stones will greatly depend on how balanced the diet of that person would be. Majority of kidney stone-sufferers today share the same type of stone—the calcium oxalate stone. As the name suggests, this type of stone can only be developed with too many calcium intakes. Experts say that for people to veer away from kidney stones, they should cut down on foods that are high in calcium and oxalate such as dairy products including leafy vegetables, soda-colas, cranberries, chocolates, and peanuts. These foods—if cannot be totally slashed out from the diet—should be consumed in moderation because these would only make the formation of kidney stones faster. To avoid another type of stone—the uric acid stone—people should cut down on foods that have high animal protein content such as poultry and red wine because these have high purines content. To avoid developing stones made of salts, people should also avoid meals that have high sodium content. People should focus on eating foods that are high in fiber and should also increase their citric acid or vitamin C intake. By doing this, you can your kidney stones would be dissolved in no time due to the citric properties of citrus.
3. Taking in proper medication. In severe cases of kidney stones, proper medication would help such as thiazide, sodium cellulose phosphate, oral calcium supplement, allopurinol, polycitra K, thiol, D-penicil-lamine, Acetohy-droxamic acid or AHA, and toradol to help relieve kidney pain and reduce the amount of stone-forming materials in the body.
Discover the Signs and Symptoms of Kidney Stones
It is important that you are aware of the signs and symptoms of kidney stones to seek help as early as possible. Early detection of any illness is essential to address the problem properly on its early stage and avoid complications. Early diagnosis of any kidney problem will help you avoid serious kidney disease.
The signs and symptoms of kidney stones may vary from person to person and there are people who have kidney stones and yet they do not know it. If the stones are still small and not blocking the urinary track, it can pass along with the urine without any pain. But if the stones get bigger and obstructing the urinary track, pains at different levels will be felt.
Here are common signs and symptoms of kidney stones:
Different degrees of pain. One of the common signs and symptoms of kidney stones is pain. The pain depends on the size and location of the kidney stones. Pains may vary from tolerable to sharp or stabbing pains that may bring you to your knees or could make you unable to walk. The pain is usually on the side and lower back or pelvis. The pain may also radiate from the side to the lower abdomen or groin. It creates great discomfort to the sufferer and sometimes the pain is accompanied by vomiting and nausea.
Fever and chills. Along with the pain, sufferers may experience chills and fever. Your energy level becomes lower and you may experience fatigue and dizziness.
Painful urination and blood in the urine. Another included in list of signs and symptoms of kidney stones are pains during urination and the presence of blood in your urine. You may also notice unusual color and foul-smell of your urine.
Persistent urge to urinate. This is another annoying signs and symptoms of kidney stone. You will have that constant urge to urinate which is very annoying especially at night because it will really disturb your sleep.
Kidney stones problem has many symptoms, some can be tolerable but others can be really disturbing and disabling. It is important that you seek medical help once you recognize the signs and symptoms of kidney stones.
Natural remedies are another option if you want to pass and dissolve kidney stone naturally. If you are into natural remedies visit The Kidney Stone Removal Report
The signs and symptoms of kidney stones may vary from person to person and there are people who have kidney stones and yet they do not know it. If the stones are still small and not blocking the urinary track, it can pass along with the urine without any pain. But if the stones get bigger and obstructing the urinary track, pains at different levels will be felt.
Here are common signs and symptoms of kidney stones:
Different degrees of pain. One of the common signs and symptoms of kidney stones is pain. The pain depends on the size and location of the kidney stones. Pains may vary from tolerable to sharp or stabbing pains that may bring you to your knees or could make you unable to walk. The pain is usually on the side and lower back or pelvis. The pain may also radiate from the side to the lower abdomen or groin. It creates great discomfort to the sufferer and sometimes the pain is accompanied by vomiting and nausea.
Fever and chills. Along with the pain, sufferers may experience chills and fever. Your energy level becomes lower and you may experience fatigue and dizziness.
Painful urination and blood in the urine. Another included in list of signs and symptoms of kidney stones are pains during urination and the presence of blood in your urine. You may also notice unusual color and foul-smell of your urine.
Persistent urge to urinate. This is another annoying signs and symptoms of kidney stone. You will have that constant urge to urinate which is very annoying especially at night because it will really disturb your sleep.
Kidney stones problem has many symptoms, some can be tolerable but others can be really disturbing and disabling. It is important that you seek medical help once you recognize the signs and symptoms of kidney stones.
Natural remedies are another option if you want to pass and dissolve kidney stone naturally. If you are into natural remedies visit The Kidney Stone Removal Report
Tips to Stop Kidney Stones Formation
Kidney stone is a problem that can torment people due to the pain and
inconvenience associated with it. The stones are commonly found in the
kidney, ureter or in the bladder can be very painful especially if it
the stone is too large and blocks the urinary tract. A person can
develop one or more kidney stones. This problem can result to a number
of kidney problems if not treated properly. Fortunately, there are ways
to stop kidney stones formation and save yourself from the severe pains. Here are some tips.
Consult your doctor. Of course it is best to consult your doctor if you are suffering from kidney stones. It is a treatable condition. It is important to seek treatment as early as possible to avoid other kidney problems. Your doctor may recommend medications to flush out the kidney stones and to stop kidney stones formation. In severe cases, where the stone is too large to pass out, shock wave lithotripsy is recommended to break the kidney stones into small pieces to help sufferers to easily pass out the stones through the urine.
Fluid intake. As much as possible avoid beverages like sodas and juices, drink water instead. Water is the best aid to stop kidney stones formation. Drinking eight glasses or more of water daily can help flush out kidney stones through the urine and can also stop kidney stones formation. Water can help dilute the minerals that could form into kidney stones. Water is not only good for removal of kidney stones but it is also good for you overall health. So make it a habit to drink plenty of water and stay healthy.
Diet modification. Diet plays an important role in one’s health and if you want to stop kidney stones formation, you have to watch what you eat. Eating the right kind of food can save you from the pain of kidney stones. The most common type of kidney stones consists of calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate and the less common type is uric acid stones. Cutting down on foods high in calcium oxalate or phosphate can be very helpful if you want to stop kidney stones formation. For people with uric acid kidney stones, they should avoid or cut down on high animal protein diet. High sodium diet must also be avoided as kidney stones may also be formed due to high sodium intake.
Even if a person starts flushing out the stones, there is always the possibility of recurring kidney stones formation. Living a healthy lifestyle is important if you want to stop kidney stones formation. Suffering from kidney stones over and over again can be a real dilemma. Stop suffering from kidney stones once and for all, visit The Kidney Stone Removal Report
Consult your doctor. Of course it is best to consult your doctor if you are suffering from kidney stones. It is a treatable condition. It is important to seek treatment as early as possible to avoid other kidney problems. Your doctor may recommend medications to flush out the kidney stones and to stop kidney stones formation. In severe cases, where the stone is too large to pass out, shock wave lithotripsy is recommended to break the kidney stones into small pieces to help sufferers to easily pass out the stones through the urine.
Fluid intake. As much as possible avoid beverages like sodas and juices, drink water instead. Water is the best aid to stop kidney stones formation. Drinking eight glasses or more of water daily can help flush out kidney stones through the urine and can also stop kidney stones formation. Water can help dilute the minerals that could form into kidney stones. Water is not only good for removal of kidney stones but it is also good for you overall health. So make it a habit to drink plenty of water and stay healthy.
Diet modification. Diet plays an important role in one’s health and if you want to stop kidney stones formation, you have to watch what you eat. Eating the right kind of food can save you from the pain of kidney stones. The most common type of kidney stones consists of calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate and the less common type is uric acid stones. Cutting down on foods high in calcium oxalate or phosphate can be very helpful if you want to stop kidney stones formation. For people with uric acid kidney stones, they should avoid or cut down on high animal protein diet. High sodium diet must also be avoided as kidney stones may also be formed due to high sodium intake.
Even if a person starts flushing out the stones, there is always the possibility of recurring kidney stones formation. Living a healthy lifestyle is important if you want to stop kidney stones formation. Suffering from kidney stones over and over again can be a real dilemma. Stop suffering from kidney stones once and for all, visit The Kidney Stone Removal Report
Diagnosis for Kidney Stones
If not diagnosed as early as possible, kidney stones can cause a person a great deal of pain and discomfort. Aside from that, it can also cause people to develop many complications as time go by. To avoid the pain brought by the development of kidney stones and its risks to your health, it is a must that you undergo immediate diagnosis once you suspect that there's something wrong.
Checking for kidney stones
A kidney specialist should administer diagnosis for kidney stones. Usually, the doctor will make a diagnosis of kidney stones using an assessment of the person's clinical history. Here, he or she will ask a couple of questions that involve the person's lifestyle, diet, fluid intake, past experience with kidney stones, and if there is possible family history of kidney stones. This is very effective in the initial assessment of kidney stones in a person because it provides the doctor with information on what caused the stone formation. From here, the specialist can make a hypothesis or and "educated guess" and will refer you to undergo the needed medical procedures.
Another effective means of diagnosing kidney stones is a thorough physical examination. Here, the specialist will run a series of physical tests that can help him or her determines conditions, which can put an individual at higher risk for kidney stone formation. Through a thorough physical examination, the doctor can discovers risks such as specific diseases and medical conditions, certain injuries, recent immobilization, and abdominal scars that might be effects of any previous medical procedure or surgery.
A laboratory study of the person's blood and urine is also another effective means of diagnosing kidney stones. During a laboratory evaluation, the person's blood and urine samples will undergo thorough observation and studies. Collecting a sample of urine to be analyzed is called "urinalysis". Urinalysis is one of the simplest tests to detect the presence of blood and bacteria present in the urine. This is also done by the specialist or the attending assistant to accurately measure the levels and amount calcium—which is the primary component of common kidney stones—electrolytes, and uric acid as well as the other components in the samples.
Aside from the acidity of the person's urine, other components in the blood is also paid attention to ensure that there will be not further complications. Other significant laboratory tests include blood tests for "creatinine" which evaluates the proper function of the kidney, the "BUN" and "electrolytes" which is used to detect levels of dehydration, "calcium" which is done to detect hyperparathyroidism, and a complete "blood count" which is primarily done to detect any infection in the person's system.
During the laboratory evaluation, the kidney stone sample is also collected to analyze and determine what type of is it stone. Knowing the type of kidney stone is important so the physician can plot the appropriate treatment for it as soon as possible.
Lastly, kidney stones can also be diagnosed through a possible follow-up with an X-ray evaluation. Here, the specialist or the assistant will use x-rays to identify the location of the kidney stone. Through x-ray, the size of stones and its number can be seen. It may also help the doctor to identify which type of kidney stones is present in the person's kidney.
Depending on the number and the severity, most kidney stones could be treated without using medical intervention. Although some kidney stones can pass without medical treatments, it is always best to have them diagnosed and treated the earliest possible time.
Checking for kidney stones
A kidney specialist should administer diagnosis for kidney stones. Usually, the doctor will make a diagnosis of kidney stones using an assessment of the person's clinical history. Here, he or she will ask a couple of questions that involve the person's lifestyle, diet, fluid intake, past experience with kidney stones, and if there is possible family history of kidney stones. This is very effective in the initial assessment of kidney stones in a person because it provides the doctor with information on what caused the stone formation. From here, the specialist can make a hypothesis or and "educated guess" and will refer you to undergo the needed medical procedures.
Another effective means of diagnosing kidney stones is a thorough physical examination. Here, the specialist will run a series of physical tests that can help him or her determines conditions, which can put an individual at higher risk for kidney stone formation. Through a thorough physical examination, the doctor can discovers risks such as specific diseases and medical conditions, certain injuries, recent immobilization, and abdominal scars that might be effects of any previous medical procedure or surgery.
A laboratory study of the person's blood and urine is also another effective means of diagnosing kidney stones. During a laboratory evaluation, the person's blood and urine samples will undergo thorough observation and studies. Collecting a sample of urine to be analyzed is called "urinalysis". Urinalysis is one of the simplest tests to detect the presence of blood and bacteria present in the urine. This is also done by the specialist or the attending assistant to accurately measure the levels and amount calcium—which is the primary component of common kidney stones—electrolytes, and uric acid as well as the other components in the samples.
Aside from the acidity of the person's urine, other components in the blood is also paid attention to ensure that there will be not further complications. Other significant laboratory tests include blood tests for "creatinine" which evaluates the proper function of the kidney, the "BUN" and "electrolytes" which is used to detect levels of dehydration, "calcium" which is done to detect hyperparathyroidism, and a complete "blood count" which is primarily done to detect any infection in the person's system.
During the laboratory evaluation, the kidney stone sample is also collected to analyze and determine what type of is it stone. Knowing the type of kidney stone is important so the physician can plot the appropriate treatment for it as soon as possible.
Lastly, kidney stones can also be diagnosed through a possible follow-up with an X-ray evaluation. Here, the specialist or the assistant will use x-rays to identify the location of the kidney stone. Through x-ray, the size of stones and its number can be seen. It may also help the doctor to identify which type of kidney stones is present in the person's kidney.
Depending on the number and the severity, most kidney stones could be treated without using medical intervention. Although some kidney stones can pass without medical treatments, it is always best to have them diagnosed and treated the earliest possible time.
Dealing with Kidney Stones in Children
Kidney stones are common to adults who have sedentary life and unhealthy lifestyle habits. But, if you hear a child suffering from kidney stones, that would be an entirely different story.
Experts say that before, children are lesser prone to kidney stones because they are healthier and more physically active. But, over the years, there has been a constant increase in the number of children that are being affected by kidney stones. Maybe because more and more kids now are living sedentary lives by being in front of the computer or by eating foods that are high in protein, calcium, and sodium.
Kidney stones in kids
Studies show that majority of the children who are prone to developing kidney stones are those that suffer from underlying medical conditions which increases their risk of developing stones this early.
For parents to understand how to deal with kidney stones in case their kids suffer from it, they must first understand everything about the condition. Having a broad understanding of the condition can help parents trace possible causes, identify symptoms, and give immediate response to the child in pain.
Just like in adults, there are different types of stones, which can be developed in a child's system. This can either be "calcium oxalate" which is the most common and caused by too much presence of calcium in the urine, the "struvite stones," "uric acid stones," and "cystine stones." These types vary depending on the levels of the minerals found and their characteristics.
Parents would never know if their children are suffering from kidney stones if they are not familiar with its symptoms such as abdominal or back pain, blood in the urine or hematuria, vomiting or nausea, and the often need to urinate. In younger kids, these symptoms cannot easily be recognized that is why there is a need to undergo laboratory evaluation and tests.
Since kidney stones is not common among children, especially to younger ones, it is a must to identify the risk factors present such as:
- possible history of the kidney stones which makes children more prone to the condition in the future. (Studies show that kids who have history of kidney stones are likely to suffer from the same problem in the next 10 to 20 years of his or her life.);
- low fluid—especially water—intake because it affects the ideal amount of urine that should be released daily. (If there is lesser water or fluid intake, the chances of developing kidney stones are much higher because there will be more concentration of substances that leads to faster kidney stone formation.);
- amount of diet, especially those high in animal protein such as beef, pork, lamb, or chicken are likely to develop kidney stones because they have higher concentration of protein which is one of the primary causes of kidney stones. (Experts say that children who consume too much protein are at risk in developing "calcium oxalate stones" along with problems in terms of intestinal absorption.);
- having a ketogenic diet which involves a minimal amount of carbohydrates that directly affects the levels of mineral intake;
- experiencing cystic fibrosis;
- suffering from urinary tract abnormalities like dysfunction of the bladder or the kidneys;
- some inherited disorders from the parents; and
- undergoing medications such as "furosemide," "allopurinol," and "acetazolamide" which are known to promote formation of urine crystals that leads to the formation of kidney stones.
Experts say that before, children are lesser prone to kidney stones because they are healthier and more physically active. But, over the years, there has been a constant increase in the number of children that are being affected by kidney stones. Maybe because more and more kids now are living sedentary lives by being in front of the computer or by eating foods that are high in protein, calcium, and sodium.
Kidney stones in kids
Studies show that majority of the children who are prone to developing kidney stones are those that suffer from underlying medical conditions which increases their risk of developing stones this early.
For parents to understand how to deal with kidney stones in case their kids suffer from it, they must first understand everything about the condition. Having a broad understanding of the condition can help parents trace possible causes, identify symptoms, and give immediate response to the child in pain.
Just like in adults, there are different types of stones, which can be developed in a child's system. This can either be "calcium oxalate" which is the most common and caused by too much presence of calcium in the urine, the "struvite stones," "uric acid stones," and "cystine stones." These types vary depending on the levels of the minerals found and their characteristics.
Parents would never know if their children are suffering from kidney stones if they are not familiar with its symptoms such as abdominal or back pain, blood in the urine or hematuria, vomiting or nausea, and the often need to urinate. In younger kids, these symptoms cannot easily be recognized that is why there is a need to undergo laboratory evaluation and tests.
Since kidney stones is not common among children, especially to younger ones, it is a must to identify the risk factors present such as:
- possible history of the kidney stones which makes children more prone to the condition in the future. (Studies show that kids who have history of kidney stones are likely to suffer from the same problem in the next 10 to 20 years of his or her life.);
- low fluid—especially water—intake because it affects the ideal amount of urine that should be released daily. (If there is lesser water or fluid intake, the chances of developing kidney stones are much higher because there will be more concentration of substances that leads to faster kidney stone formation.);
- amount of diet, especially those high in animal protein such as beef, pork, lamb, or chicken are likely to develop kidney stones because they have higher concentration of protein which is one of the primary causes of kidney stones. (Experts say that children who consume too much protein are at risk in developing "calcium oxalate stones" along with problems in terms of intestinal absorption.);
- having a ketogenic diet which involves a minimal amount of carbohydrates that directly affects the levels of mineral intake;
- experiencing cystic fibrosis;
- suffering from urinary tract abnormalities like dysfunction of the bladder or the kidneys;
- some inherited disorders from the parents; and
- undergoing medications such as "furosemide," "allopurinol," and "acetazolamide" which are known to promote formation of urine crystals that leads to the formation of kidney stones.
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