Kidney Stone Treatments and Causes

When there are high levels of uric acid, calcium, minerals, or other substances in the urine, there are chances to form crystals. These crystals attach, ultimately creating kidney stones.

Kidney stones can be as small as sand grain and may get as large as a golfball if it doesn’t pass through your urine and out of your body.

As per the reports, more than half a million people yearly go to the emergency room for kidney stone-related problems. So, it is quite common as you can get the medications for kidney stones in discount through free medication discount card.

This blog will teach you about what causes stones and the available treatment options.

Types of kidney stones

Following are the types of kidney stones:

1. Cystine

Hereditary disorder cystinuria causes excessive amounts of amino acid cysteine that collects in the urine leading to stone formation.

2. Struvite

These stones usually form due to specific urinary tract infections.

3. Uric acid

It occurs in people who do not drink enough water or have a high animal protein diet.

4. Calcium oxalate

Stones form during the combination of calcium with oxalate in the urine.

Symptoms and Signs

Some stones pass on their own without showing any symptoms. However, if a kidney stone gets too large or stuck in your urinary tract, you may experience:  

1. Burning or pain sensation when urinating

2. Feeling the need to urinate frequently. 

3. Cloudy or smelly-looking urine

4. Chills and fever

5. Vomiting

6. Nausea

7. Blood in urine

8. Severe pain, usually at the lower side or back of the abdomen

Reasons behind kidney stones

Several risks and causes may lead to kidney stones. These include:

1. Diet

When you eat, you may experience the impact of stone development. For example, a diet high in sodium, sugars, poultry, and meat may lead to kidney stones.

2. Fluid and water intake

Urine is responsible for eliminating waste and chemicals that make kidney stones.

3. Family history

Kidney stones are heredity, so if someone in your family has kidney stones, you have greater chances of developing them.

4. Medical conditions

Specific medical conditions and diseases may cause kidney stones. These medical conditions include:

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Cystic Fibrosis

Osteoporosis

High Blood Pressure

Gout

Obesity

Diabetes and many more

Treating kidney stones

If you experience any symptoms, you must see your doctor immediately. They will determine the best kidney stone treatment based on the size and the cause behind the stone.

Your doctor will most likely order imaging tests, urine tests, or blood tests like the x-ray or ultrasound.

The two kinds of stones include:

1. Small stones

2. Large stones

Conclusion

It is best to always consult your doctor before stopping or starting any medication, including supplements, vitamins, and OTC. It would help if you also talked to your healthcare provider before making any dietary changes.

If you want to save on your medication for kidney disease, download FREE Rx card to save more.