Overview
Millions of people each year are diagnosed with kidney stones, which are often marked by early symptoms like pain in the back, blood discharge in the urine, discomfort, or even nausea and vomiting. The severity of a kidney stone depends on the size of the stone. It could be as large as a golf ball or as small as a grain of sand. Typically, the larger ones need surgical interventions while the smaller ones pass through the urine.
What is a Kidney Stone?
Also known as renal calculi, kidney stones are hard deposits, which happen when minerals and salts accumulate and cause an obstruction in the kidneys. Several factors contribute to kidney stones, wherein the stones crystallize, become more concentrated, and clump together to form larger stones.
Smaller kidney stones often pass through the urine while the larger ones can cause an obstruction in the ureter or other parts of the renal tract, leading to excruciating pain and discomfort.
Who does it Affect?
Anyone under the face of the Earth can develop kidney stones. However, the risk of development is often heightened in men over the age of 30-40.
You are more likely to develop kidney stones if:
- You don’t drink enough water and liquids throughout the day
- You consume a diet rich in components that contribute to kidney stones
- You have a genetic predisposition or family history of kidney stones
- You have a blockage in the urinary tract
- You suffer from diseases like diabetes, hypertension, obesity, osteoporosis, etc.
Even a few medications might enhance the risks of kidney stones, including diuretics, calcium-based antacids, certain antibiotics, etc.
How Common Are Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones are more prevalent in adults as opposed to children. But current research and studies indicate that one in ten people is at risk of developing kidney stones once in their lifetime. Also, kids with respiratory diseases like asthma have a heightened risk of developing kidney stones.
