Munuaiskive

Munuaiskive, also known as kidney stones or nephrolithiasis, are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside the kidneys. They can affect any part of the urinary tract, from the kidneys down to the bladder.

The most common types of kidney stones are calcium oxalate stones, formed when calcium combines with oxalate, a substance found in many foods. Uric acid stones can form when urine becomes too acidic. Other less common types include struvite stones, which often form after a urinary tract infection, and cystine stones, which are caused by a rare inherited disorder.

Symptoms of kidney stones can vary depending on their size and location. Small stones may pass without causing any noticeable symptoms. Larger stones, however, can cause severe pain, often described as a sharp, cramping pain in the back and side, below the ribs. This pain can radiate to the lower abdomen and groin. Other symptoms may include pain or burning during urination, a persistent urge to urinate, blood in the urine, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, nausea, and vomiting.

The formation of kidney stones is often linked to factors such as dehydration, a diet high in sodium or animal protein, obesity, certain medical conditions like inflammatory bowel disease or hyperparathyroidism, and a family history of kidney stones.

Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, urine tests to check for blood or infection, and imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, or ultrasounds to locate and assess the size of the stones.

Treatment depends on the stone's size and type. Small stones may pass on their own with increased fluid intake and pain medication. Larger stones might require medical procedures like lithotripsy (using shock waves to break up stones), ureteroscopy (inserting a scope to remove or break up stones), or surgery. Prevention strategies often include drinking plenty of fluids, making dietary changes to reduce the risk of stone recurrence, and managing underlying medical conditions.