-Dr.Manoj Kuriakose
B.H.M.S

If you've ever passed a kidney stone, you're not likely to forget the experience - it can be excruciatingly painful

Kidney stones often occur when urine becomes too concentrated. This causes calcium oxalate or other chemicals in your urine to form crystals on the inner surfaces of your kidneys. Over time these crystals may combine to form a small, hard mass. Sometimes this mass (stone) breaks off and passes into the ureter, one of the two thin tubes that carry urine from your kidneys to your bladder.
About 80 percent of stones are a combination of calcium and oxalate (oxalic acid), a substance found in many fruits, vegetables and grains. Most other stones are composed of uric acid, ammonia crystals.

Not all kidney stones cause symptoms, infact it is not unusual for stones to be discovered in the kidneys during X-rays for an unrelated problem. They may also be discovered when you seek medical care for blood in your urine, recurring urinary tract infections, or a vague pain or ache in your side - all common symptoms of kidney stones. It's only when a stone breaks loose and begins to work its way down the ureter that the pain becomes agonizing.

Most small kidney stones pass into your bladder without causing any permanent damage. Still, it's important to determine and treat the underlying cause so that it don't form more stones in the future.The other investigations useful in determining the stone is ultra sound of abdomen and an IVP.

What are the symptoms of kidney stones?
Some people may not have any symptoms, but most have at least some, such as:
*Severe pain in the kidneys or lower abdomen, which may move to the groin; pain may last for minutes or hours, followed by periods of relief .
*Nausea and vomiting 
*Burning and frequent urge to urinate
*Fever, chills and weakness
*Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
*Blood in the urine
*Blocked flow of urine.

 The most common symptom is an intense, colicky pain that may fluctuate in intensity over a period of 5 to 15 minutes. The pain usually starts in your back or your side just below the edge of your ribs. As the stone moves down the ureter toward your bladder, the pain may radiate to your groin. If the stone stops moving, the pain may stop too .If a stone stays inside one of your kidneys, it usually doesn't cause a problem unless it becomes so large it blocks the flow of urine. This can cause pressure and pain. Over the years the stone could enlarge considerably affecting the kidney function & causing a portion of the kidney to be swollen or enlarged besides leading to an increase in blood pressure. They could even cause repeated episodes of severe pain & blood in the urine. Hence it is best to treat them when they are small & can be excreted through the urine.

Why do kidney stones form in some people and not others?
Normally, urine contains chemicals that prevent crystals from forming. However, these do not work for everyone. Factors that can contribute to stone formation in susceptible people include:
*Too little fluid intake
*Chronic urinary tract infections
*Misuse of certain medications
*Urinary tract blockage
*Limited activity for several weeks
*Certain genetic and metabolic diseases.

Dr.Manoj Kuriakose is a renowned Hyderabad based  Homeo Doctor and he can be contacted at :

E-mail:doc@drmanoj.com website: http://www.drmanoj.com/