Kidney stones can cause painful symptoms. Men are more prone to kidney stones and they can be of many types. We hereby discuss the lesser-known facts about kidney stones. The commonly known facts that most
people know about kidney stones are cloudy, bloody and foul-smelling urine, backache, and nausea.

Intense Pain


As the stone moves from the kidney into the urinary tract or bladder, they could be trapped there and as a result, there could be stabbing pain which is intolerable!

Intense Pain

As the stone moves from the kidney into the urinary tract or bladder, they could be trapped there and as a result, there could be stabbing pain which is intolerable!

There are more than 1 type of kidney stones

  • Struvite stones: These are fast-growing mineral deposits and develop in response to a urinary tract infection. They can grow large enough to block the kidney ureter or bladder. This is more common in women.
  • Purine stones: Uric acid stones occur in people who consume red meat, shellfish and organ meat in excess due to the presence of the organic compound purine that can increase uric acid levels.
  • Cystine stones: These are caused by a hereditary disorder called cystinuria. In this case, the kidneys excrete excessive amounts of the amino acid cystine.

Probable age and recurrence of stones in the kidney

 

Although stones are common from ages 20 through 50 they tend to peak around the age of 30. If you have had stones in the kidney then there are a 30% to 50% chance more stones will form in the next five years.

Calcium creates kidney stones is a myth

The word calcium may create a doubt whether it could be the cause for stones, but it is not true. Eating two to three servings of calcium-rich foods daily can reduce oxalate absorption, helping to keep stones away.

If all the procedures fail, try riding a roller coaster

 

There have been instances where people have been able to pass stones after riding the Big Thunder Mountain roller coaster at Walt Disney.

Check with your doctor before you take the ride.

World Record Kidney Stone

Picture Courtesy: NewsWeek


A stone measuring 5.11 inches is a world record

The International Museum of Surgical Science, Chicago

 

Picture Courtesy: Alta Obscura

You can check out a collection of kidney stones at the International Museum in Chicago.

Contact 080 28483939 for more information on Kidney Health and Treatment at our Specialized Clinic, ReSCUE Urology Hospital in Bangalore, Kengeri.