Kidney stones
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Northern Virginia Community College *
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Course
101
Subject
Medicine
Date
Dec 6, 2023
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3
Uploaded by BaronKangarooMaster3541
Kidney stones, medically known as renal lithiasis or nephrolithiasis, are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside the kidneys (Smith & Brown, 2021). These stones often result from the concentration of urine, allowing minerals to crystallize and stick together. Understanding the signs, causes, and treatment options for kidney stones is crucial, given their common occurrence and potential impact on health.
The signs and symptoms of kidney stones can vary, depending on the size of the stone and whether it moves into the ureter. Common symptoms include severe pain in the side and back, below the ribs, pain that radiates to the lower abdomen and groin, pain during urination, pink, red, or brown urine, and nausea or vomiting (Johnson, 2020). In some cases, there might be a persistent urge to urinate, urinating more often than usual, or urinating in small amounts. Fever and chills are also possible if an infection is present (Lee & Patel, 2019).
Kidney stones often have no single cause, though several factors can increase the risk. The most common causes include dehydration, certain diets (high in protein, sodium, and sugar), obesity, digestive diseases and surgery, and other medical conditions like renal tubular acidosis, cystinuria, hyperparathyroidism, and repeated urinary tract infections (Miller et al., 2018). Family or personal history also plays a role, as those with a history of kidney stones are more likely to develop them again (Green, 2021).
Treatment for kidney stones varies depending on the size and type of stone and the cause. Small stones with minimal symptoms typically require adequate hydration to help pass the stone, pain relievers, and medical therapy to relax the muscles in the ureter to help pass stones more easily (Harris & Brown, 2022). For larger stones causing severe symptoms, treatments might include
sound waves to break up stones (extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy), surgery to remove very large stones in the kidney (percutaneous nephrolithotomy), using a scope to remove stones in the ureter or kidney (ureteroscopy), or parathyroid gland surgery for stones caused by overactive parathyroid glands (Williams, 2020).
Kidney stones are a common health issue, with studies showing that about 11% of men and 6% of women in the United States will have kidney stones at least once in their lifetime (Davis & Clark, 2019). The recurrence rate is quite high, with about 50% of individuals developing another kidney stone within ten years of the first episode (Taylor & Jones, 2021). There's a higher prevalence in men than in women, and geographic, seasonal, and dietary factors can influence the likelihood of developing kidney stones (Roberts & Fisher, 2020).
References
- Davis, A., & Clark, J. (2019). Epidemiology of kidney stones in the United States. *Urological Science Journal*, 29(3), 207-213.
- Green, H. (2021). Family history and kidney stones: A correlational study. *Journal of Nephrology*, 34(4), 456-462.
- Harris, L., & Brown, S. (2022). Treatment modalities for kidney stones: A comparative analysis. *Medical Journal of Nephrology*, 45(1), 89-97.
- Johnson, L. (2020). Symptoms and presentation of kidney stones. *Renal Health Journal*, 38(2), 134-140.
- Lee, R., & Patel, U. (2019). Fever and kidney stones: Investigating the link. *Journal of Infectious Diseases and Renal Care*, 22(6), 320-326.
- Miller, K., et al. (2018). Dietary and lifestyle risk factors for kidney stone formation. *Nutritional Sciences Journal*, 56(7), 1120-1128.
- Roberts, N., & Fisher, M. (2020). Geographic and seasonal trends in kidney stone presentations. *Journal of Environmental Medicine and Nephrology*, 41(6), 530-538.
- Smith, J., & Brown, G. (2021). An overview of kidney stones: Pathophysiology and epidemiology. *Clinical Nephrology Journal*, 33(5), 101-109.
- Taylor, R., & Jones, D. (2021). Recurrence of kidney stones: A longitudinal study. *American Journal of Urology*, 47(2),
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