March is National Kidney Month! It is estimated that one in ten people will have a kidney stone at some time in their lives. With odds like that, it’s helpful to learn to identify the symptoms and causes of kidney stones.
The National Kidney Foundation provides the following information…
A kidney stone is a hard object made from chemicals in the urine. There are four types of kidney stones: calcium oxalate, uric acid, struvite, and cystine. Common symptoms include severe pain in the lower back, blood in your urine, nausea, vomiting, fever and chills, or urine that smells bad or looks cloudy. Typically, the larger the stone, the more noticeable the symptoms.
After it is formed, the stone may stay in the kidney or travel down the urinary tract into the ureter. Sometimes, tiny stones move out of the body in the urine. Stones that don't move may cause a back-up of urine in the kidney, ureter, bladder, or urethra.
In most cases, kidney stones pass without causing damage-but usually not without causing pain. Pain relievers may be the only treatment needed for small stones. Other treatment, including surgery, may be required, especially for larger stones or those that cause lasting symptoms or other complications. Your doctor will decide how to treat your stone by considering your overall health and the size and location of your stone.
The best way to prevent kidney stones is to stay hydrated-water is best, eat less sodium and more calcium-rich foods, and limit animal proteins. Your doctor may advise you to avoid or limit these stone-causing foods: beets, chocolate, spinach, rhubarb, tea, and most nuts are rich in oxalate, which can contribute to kidney stones.