Kidney Stones (Renal Calculi)

When mineral salts begin to accumulate and lodge in the urinary tract, the result can be excruciating pain. The substances lodged in the urinal tract crystallize and clump together, eventually forming stones, large enough to restrict the flow of urine. Stones can be either jagged or smooth. Symptoms can be severe, with pain radiating from the upper back to the lower abdomen and groin, including the onset of profuse sweating, frequent urination, pus and blood in the urine which can be odorous and cloudy, together with nausea and vomiting. Symptoms can also include chills and fever.

About ten percent of Americans develop kidney stones during their lifetime. Fortunately, such a problem are rare in children, as well as African Americans. For some reason, it is a problem that is mostly common in south-eastern United States, so much so that doctors refer to it as a "stone belt." Doctors seem to think that the hot climate may be causing dehydration, including the diet. Studies have shown that there are more men than women that suffer from this problem, with the likelihood of recurrence within eight years of the first episode.

Kidney stones can be mere microspocic specks or the size of a fingertip. There are many kinds of such stones, such as calcium stones (calcium oxalate), uric acid stones, struvite stones (composition being magnesium ammonium phosphate), and cystine stones. However, studies have shown that most of the stones that develop are calcium oxalate. Uric acid stones are the result of a restricted flow of urine. Struvite stones are caused by infection. Cystine stones are generally attributed to a rare congenital defect.

Calcium stones can be hereditary. Studies have shown that the incidence of kidney stones is much more prevalent nowadays than previously.

Helpful Tips: Fresh lemon juice; drink plenty of water; unsweetened cranberry juice, vitamin A; abstain from animal protein, salt, carbonate soft drinks.

Generally, most kidney stones pass by themselves, depending on their size.