Monday, May 09, 2016

Nephrolithiasis – Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

Nephrolithiasis – Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

What is Nephrolithiasis?


This is the process of tiny crystals becoming solid mass in the form of Kidney Stones. One or more kidney stones may be in the ureter or kidney at the same time.










Nephrolithiasis Symptoms


An individual might not have any indicators or symptoms until the kidney stones begin moving thru the ureters thru which urine drains into the bladder. If this occurs, the stones may block the urine flow out of the kidneys.


The major symptom is pain that is severe that develops suddenly and may also go away suddenly. Other symptoms include:



  • Pain in the abdominal area or side of the back

  • Pain that moves to the groin area or the testicles

  • Urine color that is abnormal

  • Chills

  • Blood in the urine

  • Fever

  • Nausea and vomiting


Nephrolithiasis Causes


Stones of the kidney are quite common. Some kinds even run in families. They can also occur in infants that are premature.


There are diverse types of stones that develop in the kidney. The exact cause of kidney stones is dependent on the type of stone.


Some stones form when there is too much of some elements in the kidneys. These certain elements may develop small crystals that will become stones. These stones take weeks or even months to develop.


The most common type of stones is made of calcium. They are most common in males between the ages of 20 to 30. Calcium may bond with other elements, for example oxalate, carbonate or phosphate to form these stones. Oxalate is found in some foods for instance spinach. It also is found in supplements of vitamin C. Diseases in the small intestines increase the risk of these stones.


Cystine stones may develop in individuals who have cystinuria. This is a disorder that runs in families and affects both males and females.
Struvite stones usually only develop in women who have Urinary Tract Infections. These stones may grow quite large and block the kidney, bladder or ureter.


You're reading Nephrolithiasis – Symptoms, Causes, Treatment posted by minhhai2d, the information is for reference only.








Uric acid stones are most common in men. They occur with chemotherapy or Gout.


Other elements can develop stones including the drugs indinavir, acyclovir, and triamterene.


The largest risk aspect for the development of stones is not consuming enough fluids daily. Kidney stones are most likely to happen if the individual makes less than 1 liter of urine each day. That’s a little more than a quart.


Nephrolithiasis Treatment


Fast care is need for those who have renal failure, obstinate pain, nausea or infections of the urinary tract.


Small stones – less than 5 mm will frequently pass naturally and enlarged fluid intake will help with that. In some cases, Flomax or an alpha blocker may also help with stone passage. NSAIDS or sedatives can be used for pain. But, urologist might choose no NSAIDs due to the amplified bleeding risk in the event the patient might need “shock wave lithotripsy” and ureteroscopy.


Approximately 20% of cases may need removal surgically. Minimally invasive techniques can be used. Open ureteral and renal surgery is needed for removal of stones in approximately 1% of patients.


“Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy” is the treatment used for most renal stones. “Percutaneous nephrostolithotomy” is as good as surgery that is open and is used for complex or large stones and cystine stones, which are resistant to lithotripsy.


Relapse happens often. Patients having a tendency to develop stones need to be taught means of prevention, including increasing intake of fluid, no salt or animal protein, avoid oxalate foods – such as tea, chocolate, dark greens, – and no eating of citrates such as, potassium citrate supplement, citrus juices or lemons.









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