Virtsaamiskivut

Virtsaamiskivut is a Finnish term that translates to "urinary stones" or "kidney stones" in English. These are hard, solid masses made up of minerals and salts that form inside the kidneys. They can vary greatly in size, from as small as a grain of sand to as large as a golf ball.

The formation of urinary stones is often linked to a lack of sufficient fluid intake, which leads to a higher concentration of stone-forming substances in the urine. Other contributing factors can include diet, obesity, certain medical conditions, and a family history of kidney stones.

Symptoms of urinary stones can include severe pain in the side and back, below the ribs, which may radiate to the lower abdomen and groin. This pain can come in waves and fluctuate in intensity. Other common symptoms include pain during urination, a persistent urge to urinate, blood in the urine (which may appear pink, red, or brown), cloudy or foul-smelling urine, nausea, and vomiting.

Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, medical history, urine tests, and imaging studies such as X-rays, CT scans, or ultrasounds. Treatment depends on the size, location, and type of the stone. Small stones may pass on their own with increased fluid intake and pain management. Larger stones may require medical procedures to break them up or remove them, such as lithotripsy or surgery. Prevention strategies focus on increasing fluid intake, dietary modifications, and managing underlying medical conditions.