Kidney Stones

Most people have two kidneys. The kidneys are about 12cm high. They are in a protective fat pad on the inside of the back, at waist height.
Urine is made in the kidneys. The urine passes through two ureters to the bladder, then it could be urine.

The kidneys have three main functions:

    removal of waste
    controlling the fluid balance
    the production of hormones

How are kidney stones?

Kidney stones can occur when:

    too little drink
    you sweat excessively
    certain salts present in the body
    certain drugs used
    it has a urinary tract infection
    they eat lots of protein (m.n. much meat)

In these situations, the extra urine contain wastes. From this waste, small crystals. These crystals are in most people just urinate out and are no problem. When these crystals remain in the kidneys, kidney stones can occur.

What is a kidney stone attack?

A kidney stone attack occurs when a stone from the kidney into the ureter shooting stabbing and stays there. Because the stone is stuck in the ureter, the urine can not be removed. The kidneys thus becoming increasingly filled with urine. This is called engorgement. This can give a lot of pain.

How can you recognize?

Kidney stones do not always symptoms. Only when a stone gets stuck, cause pain. Often begins with a vague and poorly marked back pain (flank). Gradually the pain more intense, and is in increasingly violent attacks, mostly on the side of the abdomen. The pain often attracts to the groin, thigh or genitals.
During an attack is often extreme urge to move. It is restless and often walks around. Some patients literally crawling on the ground in pain.

Other symptoms may include:

    nausea
    vomiting
    sweat
    blood in urine
    frequent urination

What is there to do?

When a kidney stone attack, it is important that the pain is relieved with medication. Even drugs that help relax muscles of the urinary tract, can help. The urinary tract are thus larger, making the stone easier to urine.

For larger stones usually do not succeed. Then the stone can be removed in several ways: with a Lithotripter, laser, or by endoscopy. If treatment is needed, the urologist will inform you about them in detail.

What can you do?

You can do much to prevent kidney stones. The most important advice is drink a lot. Drink 1.5 to 2 liters of water per day, without gas. Other drinks often contain too much sugar and can cause kidney stones correctly (eg cola or apple juice). Spread the drink throughout the day, wait until you are especially thirsty. If you want to know if you drink enough, you can tell by the color of your urine and how often you urinate. If your urine is dark colored or urinate but 3 or 4 times a day, you drink too little.

If you have ever had kidney stones, it is important to drink more water (2.5 to 3 liters per day). Also, an adjustment of the diet.