Ureteral stones or popularly known as kidney stones, are essentially stones eliminated from one’s body. It is a painful experience that one wants to overcome as soon as possible. These stones move from the kidney to other parts of the urinary tract. The ureter links the kidney to the bladder. It is of the same width as a tiny vein. Kidney stones are most commonly found here. They become lodged and stimulate pain. Contingent on the size and location, the intensity of pain differs. Intense pain requires immediate medical attention because the stone’s presence can induce intractable pain, vomiting, fever and infection. The top urology hospital in Bangalore offers brilliant counsel and nurses to their patients to evade such a catastrophe.
Kidney stones are one of the most prolific medical conditions in the world. According to the report, 12% of the population in India is susceptible to acquiring kidney stones. It is a fairly common problem. The top urology hospital in Bangalore caters to remedy this matter.
WHAT ARE KIDNEY STONES?
Kidney stones are clumps of crystals that shape inside the kidneys. This lump of mass is capable of developing and traveling along the urinary tract, ureters and urethra.
A ureter stone is situated inside one of the ureters, a tube that links the kidneys to the bladder. Seldom, these stones are tiny. In such cases, they may pass through the ureter into the bladder and make their way out of one’s body when they urinate.
However, when the stones are sizable, they can get stuck in the ureter. They are huge and cannot pass through. The consequence is a blocked urine flow, which is exceedingly painful.
SYMPTOMS
The most prominent symptom of kidney stone is the shooting sense of pain. One might experience pain in their lower abdomen or directly below the ribs. The feeling of discomfort might be negligible or debilitating. The pain can also circulate in other areas. Additional symptoms include:
1) Pain or burning response to peeing
2) Blood droplets in the pee
3) Regular urge to pee
4) Nausea and vomiting
5) Fever
If an individual experiences these manifestations, they must reach out to a healthcare expert.
CAUSES OF KIDNEY STONES
1) Calcium: Not all kidney stones comprise crystals. Some can also be made of calcium oxalate and are exceedingly popular. Dehydration and consuming a high-oxalate diet can amplify the susceptibility of developing kidney stones.
2) Uric acid: When the urine is excessively acidic, it can also result in kidney stones. It is more typically common in men and people who have gout.
3) Struvite: Kidney stones linked with chronic kidney infections, and most are most prominently common among women suffering from urinary tract infections.
4) Cystine: These are rarely found and occur among people suffering from cystinuria, a genetic disability. A leak of amino acids in the kidneys prompts them.
5) Family history: If one’s family has a history or one of the parents has a penchant for developing kidney stones, the chances are that their offspring may develop them too.
6) Dehydration: Not drinking enough water can be lethal to one’s health. It tends to produce a smaller amount of urine. A person needs ample urine production to dissolve the salts and prevent them from hardening into crystals.
7) Diet: Consuming a high sodium diet, animal protein, and high-oxalate can trigger kidney stones. Oxalate can be found in spinach, chocolate, tea and nuts. Also, consuming abundant Vitamin C can have the same effect.
8) Medication: Peculiar medication can induce such effects. These medicines include decongestants, diuretics, steroids and anticonvulsants. They increase the chances of developing kidney stones.
TREATMENT
It is first diagnosed using a CT scan that rotates X-ray machines around the abdomen and pelvis. The doctor can also order an ultrasound that employs high-frequency sound waves to compose the body’s internal images. They can help in determining the size and location of the kidney stone. Subsequently, a treatment plan is chosen.
There are several modes of treating kidney stones. Most of them are invasive techniques. Some of the methods are- Ureteral stent placement, nephrostomy tube placement, shock wave lithotripsy, ureteroscopy, percutaneous nephrolithotomy and expulsive medical therapy.
CONCLUSION
Instead of falling prey to these treatments, one can steer clear of certain lifestyle habits. Avoiding dehydration can make a notable difference, also regulating sodium intake. It not only helps in eliminating kidney stones but has many other perks. One must control one’s protein intake. This goes true for fitness freaks who may often go overboard.
