Ouch: The painful path of a kidney stone
Crystals have been valued for the vibrant colors that they add to elegant jewelry. They are seldom thought of as being at the core of a 7,000-year-old history of excruciating pain. But they are. Crystals are the "ouch" behind kidney stones.
Kidney stones develop when crystals separate from urine and form a hard mass that builds up on the inner surface of the kidneys, two bean-shaped organs located below the ribs toward the middle of the back. The crystals are formed from minerals and chemicals, such as calcium, found in urine. Some crystals are small enough that they pass through the urinary tract unnoticed. However, others are too large to pass easily and this is when the pain begins.
"Usually, the first symptom of a kidney stone is extreme pain," says
Paul Panebianco, MD, chief of nephrology for Virtua West Jersey Hospitals. "The pain usually begins suddenly when a stone moves into the urinary tract, causing irritation and blockage." Most people feel a sharp, cramping pain in the kidney area or lower abdomen. If the stone is too large to pass, pain may continue as the muscles in the ureter try to squeeze the stone through its narrow tubes into the bladder. If fever and chills occur, an infection may be present. Those who experience these symptoms, should contact their physician immediately.
Kidney stones are diagnosed through several methods including a sonogram, a form of ultrasound, and an x-ray. These tests help doctors determine the stone's size and location. Blood and urine tests also help detect substances that may trigger kidney stones.
Dr. Panebianco, a board certified nephrologist, notes that treatment options have greatly improved. "Most kidney stones are removed without invasive surgery." A frequent method used is extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL), where shock waves break up larger stones. The stones break down into sand-like particles so they can pass through the urinary tract. Other treatments are also available.
People prone to forming calcium-based stones should drink at least two quarts of water daily and reduce their intake of the following foods:
* Beets
* Chocolate
* Coffee
* Cola
* Nuts
* Spinach
* Strawberries
* Tea
* Wheat bran