overview
Anatomy of the female urinary system
Female Urinary System Open popup dialog Male Urinary System Anatomy
Male Urinary System Open Pop-up Dialog
Kidney stones (also called kidney stones, nephrolithiasis, or urolithiasis) are hard deposits of minerals and salts that form in your kidneys.
Diet, obesity, certain medical conditions and certain dietary supplements and medications are among the many causes of kidney stones. Kidney stones can affect any part of your urinary tract – from your kidneys to your bladder. Often, stones form when the urine becomes concentrated, which allows minerals to crystallize and stick together. Lithiasis, renal Treatment in Hyderabad
symptoms
- Illustration shows kidney stones
- Kidney Stones Open the pop-up dialog box
- A kidney stone usually doesn’t cause symptoms until it passes through your kidney or ureters – the tubes that connect your kidneys and bladder. If it gets stuck in the ureters, it can block the flow of urine and cause the kidney to swell and the ureter to cramp, which can be very painful. At this point, the following signs and symptoms may appear:
- Severe, sharp pain in the side and back under the ribs
- Pain radiating down the abdomen and groin
- Pain that comes in waves and fluctuates in intensity
- Pain or burning sensation when urinating
The reasons
Kidney stones often don’t have a specific, clear cause, although there are several factors that can increase your risk.
Kidney stones occur when your urine contains more crystalline substances, such as calcium, oxalate, and uric acid, than the fluid in your urine can dilute. At the same time, your urine may be lacking substances that prevent the crystals from sticking together, creating an ideal environment for kidney stones to form. Lithiasis, renal Treatment in Hyderabad
Risk factors
Factors that increase your risk of developing kidney stones include:
- Family or personal story. If someone in your family has had kidney stones, they are also more likely to develop stones. If you’ve ever had one or more kidney stones, you are at an increased risk of developing another.
- Dehydration. If you don’t drink enough water every day, your risk of kidney stones can increase. People who live in hot, dry climates and sweat a lot are at higher risk than others.
- Certain diets. Diets high in protein, sodium (salt), and sugar can increase your risk of certain types of kidney stones. This is especially true of a high-sodium diet. Too much salt in your diet increases the amount of calcium your kidneys need to filter and significantly increases your risk of kidney stones.
- Obesity. A high body mass index (BMI), high waist circumference, and weight gain have been linked to an increased risk of kidney stones. Lithiasis, renal Treatment in Hyderabad
