Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are hard masses, like stones, that form in the kidneys and can block the flow of urine.
Kidney stones form when small crystals mass together. These crystals can be made up of a number of different substances. The most common cause of kidney stones is the presence of too much of calcium in the urine. High calcium levels can be caused by a kidney defect; a diet high in a chemical called oxalate (found in poultry, meat, and fish); diseases such as renal tubular acidosis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), some types of cancers; and certain thyroid disorders. Kidney stones can also be made of uric acid, which builds up when people become severely dehydrated. High uric acid levels also occur in people with gout. Kidney stones are called struvite stones when they are made up of phosphate, magnesium, and ammonium. These form when the urine is infected with bacteria. Kidney stones also occur in a rare inherited disorder called cytinuria, in which too much of an amino acid called cystine builds up in the urine and forms stones.
The symptoms may be extreme pain in the back or side, blood in the urine, fever and chills, vomiting, urine that smells bad or looks cloudy and a burning feeling during urination. Usually kidney stones are associated with UTI.
Kidney stones can block the flow of urine through the ureters, the tubes that carry urine to the bladder. As the urine backs up, it creates pressure, which can cause the kidneys to swell and become damaged. Sometimes kidney stones travel to the ureters, which causes severe spasms of pain in the abdominal area or back. Pain may also occur in the genital area. The patient may also experience nausea and vomiting. When the stones block the flow of urine, bacteria can grow and cause a UTI.
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