About 80 percent of stones are a combination of calcium and oxalate (oxalic acid), a substance found in many fruits, vegetables and grains. Most other stones are composed of uric acid, ammonia crystals.
Not all kidney stones cause symptoms, infact it is not unusual for stones to be discovered in the kidneys during X-rays for an unrelated problem. They may also be discovered when you seek medical care for blood in your urine, recurring urinary tract infections, or a vague pain or ache in your side - all common symptoms of kidney stones. It's only when a stone breaks loose and begins to work its way down the ureter that the pain becomes agonizing.
Most small kidney stones pass into your bladder without causing any permanent damage. Still, it's important to determine and treat the underlying cause so that it don't form more stones in the future.The other investigations useful in determining the stone is ultra sound of abdomen and an IVP.
What are the symptoms of kidney stones?
Some people may not have any symptoms, but most have at least some, such as :
- Severe pain in the kidneys or lower abdomen, which may move to the groin; pain may last for minutes or hours, followed by periods of relief
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- Nausea and vomiting
- Burning and frequent urge to urinate
- Fever, chills and weakness
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
- Blood in the urine
- Blocked flow of urine.
The most common symptom is an intense, colicky pain that may fluctuate in intensity over a period of 5 to 15 minutes. The pain usually starts in your back or your side just below the edge of your ribs. As the stone moves down the ureter toward your bladder, the pain may radiate to your groin. If the stone stops moving, the pain may stop too .If a stone stays inside one of your kidneys, it usually doesn't cause a problem unless it becomes so large that it blocks the flow of urine. This can cause pressure and pain. Over the years the stone could enlarge considerably affecting the kidney function & causing a portion of the kidney to be swollen or enlarged besides leading to an increase in blood pressure. They could even cause repeated episodes of severe pain & blood in the urine. Hence it is best to treat them when they are small & can be excreted through the urine.
Why do kidney stones form in some people and not others?
Normally, urine contains chemicals that prevent crystals from forming. However, these do not work for everyone. Factors that can contribute to stone formation in susceptible people include :
Too little fluid intake
Chronic urinary tract infections
Misuse of certain medications
Urinary tract blockage
Limited activity for several weeks
Certain genetic and metabolic diseases.
How can Homeopathy help?
Most people think that getting rid of an existing stone is the end of the problem but they are not aware that the stone formation can happen again, and again Homeopathy is useful in all stages of renal lithiasis. It can be used to speedily expel an existent stone, and is extremely helpful in preventing recurrence of the stones in those prone to getting repeated renal lithiasis. Homeopathy is also useful in treating secondary infections of the urinary tract arising after injury from the moving stone.
At Dr.Manoj's we have been successfully treating patients suffering with Kidney stones for the last several years.This is done with the unique combinations of homeopathic medicines which Dr.Manoj has developed with his past 18 years of experience treating patients.
