Kidney Stones
Description
Kidney stones are hard mineral and salt deposits that form in the kidneys due to dehydration, high salt intake, or metabolic disorders. They can cause severe pain when passing through the urinary tract. Symptoms include intense lower back or abdominal pain, blood in urine, nausea, vomiting, frequent urination, and fever if infection occurs. Stones vary in size and composition (calcium, uric acid, struvite, or cystine stones). Diagnosis involves urinalysis, CT scans, ultrasound, and X-rays. Small stones may pass naturally with hydration and pain management, while larger stones may require lithotripsy (shock wave therapy), ureteroscopy, or surgery. Preventive measures include drinking plenty of water, reducing salt intake, and avoiding oxalate-rich foods (e.g., spinach, nuts, and tea).