Real Man

Be Careful About Kidney Stones

     Q:What is the meaning of  kidney stones?

     A:Before we can delve into the causes for the formation of kidney stones in men, let us look at, what is a kidney stone. Formed within the kidney or the urinary tract, kidney stones are hard, crystalline mineral material. The occurrence of these stones, also referred to as nephrolithiasis, is one of the most common disorders of the urinary tract, affecting nearly 10% of Americans at some point in their lives. While typically all adults over the age of 30 are at risk, men tend to be affected more frequently than women especially, when they reach their 40s. To understand how these stones are formed in our body, we have to understand the basic working of the urinary tract.

The kidneys are bean shaped organs located below the ribs. The main function of these organs is to remove extra water and wastes from the blood, producing urine and also keep a stable balance of salts and other substances in the blood. While most of the kidney stones are passed out of the body in the urine stream, the stones which are sufficiently larger in size can cause obstruction to the ureter thus causing extreme pain. The stones in the kidneys are the result of certain chemicals in the kidneys, forming crystals and bonding together. Although there are many chemical compounds that can form stones in the urinary tract, the most common type of kidney stones in men contains calcium with oxalate or phosphate and uric acid.

     Q:What are the symptoms of kidney stones in men ?

     A:The presence of kidney stones is indicated by the intense pain, also known as renal colic. The excruciating pain spasms usually affect one or both sides of your back. The pain will radiate around the abdomen and sometimes affect the groin and genitals. These kidney stone symptoms may be accompanied by nausea and fever, blood in urine and chills.

     Q:What are the treatments for kidney stones?

     A:Based on the size and type of the stone, the kidney stones treatment options, may vary. While stones smaller than one quarter inch can be passed off with adequate hydration and exercises, the stones that do not pass off naturally, may have to be treated. The most common treatment for kidney stones is, the use of the Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) method. In this method, the kidney stones are located using x-rays or ultrasound and shock waves are passed to break the stones into smaller particles, which can then be passed off naturally. Sometimes, a surgical method known as percutaneous nephrolithotomy is employed to remove the larger stones. In addition to this, there are many natural remedies for kidney stones treatment.

     The best option for avoiding the pain of kidney stones is, to drink plenty of water with each meal and especially after any physical activity. Along with this, if you are prone to calcium oxalate stones, avoid consuming food rich in calcium such as, milk and chocolates and if prone to uric acid stones, then avoid foods that are high in protein, such as meat. It is observed that magnesium and potassium may help reduce the chance of kidney stones, particularly in men. However, remember to consult a doctor, as soon as symptoms of kidney stones appear, so that immediate care is provided.

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