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7 Myths Regarding Kidney Stones: Separating Fact From Fiction

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Kidney Stones

7 Myths Regarding Kidney Stones: Separating Fact From Fiction

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Kidney stones are considered one of the most prevalent and excruciating urological conditions, impacting countless across the globe. Regardless of being a widespread medical condition, there’s an abundance of misinterpretations surrounding kidney stones that can drastically delay treatments or contribute to unnecessary fear. Therefore, the fact behind these myths is crucial for prevention, timely diagnosis, and efficient management. 

 

In this blog, we will debunk nine common misconceptions associated with kidney stones to assist you in staying informed and taking charge of your kidney health. 

Know Kidney Stones Facts vs Myths You Must Know

  • Myth: Only men encounter kidney stones

Fact: While kidney stones are slightly prevalent in men, women are equally at higher risk. Hormonal irregularities, pregnancy, and dietary habits also make women susceptible. Several studies reflect an inkling of the occurrence of kidney stones among women because of sedentary lifestyles and diet shifts.

  • Myth: Drinking inadequate water prevents stones

Fact: Dehydration is one of the leading contributors to kidney stones. Drinking less water impacts your urine, skyrocketing the likelihood of stone development. Maintaining sufficient hydration in your body is essential to get rid of unwanted toxins and combating the formation of kidney stones. 

  • Myth: Kidney stones only develop once

Fact: Kidney stones have the nature of occurring multiple times. Researchers claimed that half of the individuals who form kidney stones are prone to experience a recurrence within a period of 5 to 10 years. It is crucial to implement proactive strategies like ensuring adequate hydration, changing dietary plans, and going for regular medical check-ups to mitigate the likelihood of recurrence. 

  • Myth: Kidney stones lead to excessive stomach pain

Fact: Kidney stones do not lead to stomach pain. The pain is primarily felt in the back or sides and can extend to the lower abdomen or groin as the stone travels through the urinary tract. This excruciating situation can fluctuate between a piercing sensation and the resemblance of period cramps. However, it is not just a casual stomach pain. It basically pertains to the urinary system instead of the digestive system. 

  • Myth: Incorporation of a rich calcium diet can cause kidney stone

Fact: It is the most prevalent misconception that rich calcium intake forms kidney stones. But the truth is, a calcium-rich diet can assist you in avoiding such types of medical conditions, connecting with oxalates in the gut and efficiently alleviating their absorption into your body. 

  • Myth: All kidney stones need surgical treatment

Fact: Most kidney stones can move through naturally with sufficient water and pain management. In complex cases where stones are bigger in size or cause discomfort, surgery treatments such as lithotripsy (Shockwave therapy) or less invasive surgery are conducted. Timely diagnosis is the primary source of determining the appropriate treatment. 

  • Myth: All kidney stones cause discomfort

Fact: It’s prominent to understand that not every kidney stone is associated with apparent symptoms. Tiny stones may easily pass through the urinary tract without causing any discomfort. Conversely, larger stones can induce unbearable pain, nausea, and other symptoms that necessitate prompt medical intervention. 

Know Kidney Stones Facts vs Myths You Must Know

Why choose us? 

At RG Stone Urology & Laparoscopy Hospital, state-of-the-art technology and precise diagnostic tools accompanied by highly qualified specialists offer you compassionate care and support to overcome kidney stone issues. From appropriate diagnosis to result-driven solutions such as laser lithotripsy and less painful surgical procedures, RG Stone is a reliable urology & kidney Hospital

 

Our hospital also aims at patient acknowledgement, clarifying myths, and providing proactive suggestions to mitigate recurrence. With our commitment to excellence, we have successfully treated countless individuals with kidney stones, providing a painless and healthier future for patients. So, what’s making you wait so long? Book an appointment today!

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Kidney Cancer Kidney Stones

Ways to Diagnose and Treat the Kidney Cancer Issue

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Every single kidney issue is equally distressing, whether it is kidney stones or kidney cancer. For optimal functioning of your kidneys, the cells must be consistent, and if, in any case, they are developing and changing, then it might turn out to be a major issue for you. This change of kidney cells indicates that you are suffering from kidney cancer. 

 

The change in cells or even the tissues in your kidney can easily spread to the other parts of your body, leading to tumour-like issues. If you neglect this problem, it could severely damage your tissues. Usually, kidney cancer is highly indicated in older people, but it has different types, and there is a possibility that children can also suffer from kidney cancer. 

Kidney Cancer Symptoms & Tests Explained

For prevention, firstly, you need to be aware of its symptoms so that you can consult immediately with a professional once you indicate any symptoms. The causes are: 

 

  • Pain in your flank area.
  • Increase in blood pressure.
  • Weight loss.
  • No desire to eat anything.
  • Presence of blood in pee.

 

If you have indicated any of these symptoms, then it is time to consider going to a professional and getting some tests done. These tests that will assist in finding the extent of the problem are: 

 

  1. Blood Tests: If you want to make certain that what is the real problem in your kidneys, then these blood tests or even the urine tests are important for you. With the help of blood tests, your number of blood cells will be indicated, while in urine tests, the presence of blood or cancer will be examined. 

 

  1. Biopsy Test: This process is a bit more complex than others as it involves removing a sample of your kidney tissues. It includes a needle that is inserted into your kidneys. You have to go through these tests if, by any chance, there is any indication of cancer in the other blood or imaging tests. This test will confirm the presence of kidney cancer.

 

  1. Staging Method: After it is confirmed that you are suffering from kidney cancer, the next step is to examine what is the extent of the kidney cancer. We will prepare some appropriate treatment plans for you, along with some additional tests for the cancer.

 

So, after the diagnosis is done, we will provide you with options for what kind of treatment you require and why there is a need for it. The number of treatment options for your kidney cancer issue is: 

 

  • Surgical Procedures: In these treatment options, there are two alternatives for you: one is to remove the kidney that is affected by cancer due to severe damage, and the other is to extract the cancer from your kidney. Incisions must be made for both these surgical procedures, but removing cancer is preferable to maintain proper kidney functioning while removing the cancer from your system.

 

  • Radiation Therapy: This is another successful procedure if you wish to be free from kidney cancer problems. During this, you just need to lie on a table while the machine treats your kidney cancer by passing some powerful beams to your cancer-affected region. It is the best method to prevent the further spreading of these cancer cells.

 

  • Chemotherapy Treatment: This procedure involves treating your kidney cancer with the help of medications. However, there are several medications for chemotherapy, and basically all of them will be given to you through your veins.

Kidney Cancer Symptoms & Tests Explained

Conclusion : 

The development and change in your kidney cells leads to kidney cancer, and if you delay its treatment further, then it could also damage your other body organs or tissues. Blood tests, biopsy and other tests can help in identifying the extent of your kidney cancer and based on that, at RG Stone Hospital the professionals will provide you with treatment options. 

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Kidney Stones

How To Pass A Kidney Stone And Tips To Prevent Them

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Kidney stones are a more common problem in men rather than in women. If you ever faced the problem of kidney stones, you would do anything to avoid it again, and probably, you would not wish that this problem was faced by your worst enemy. Many people have faced this problem once. In many people, kidney stones strike again within 10 to 20 years without preventive measures.

 

Kidney stones develop when calcium, oxalate, and uric acid become concentrated together, so it is enough to form crystals in your kidneys. Then crystals grow larger into stones. Calcium is the main component of kidney stones, as 80% of them are made of calcium. The remains are uric acid stones, which are formed with low urine pH levels. 

After the stone develops in the kidney, it can dislodge and pass down the tube that connects the kidneys to the bladder, called the ureter, and block the flow of urine. This results in periods of severe pain, which includes pain in one side of the body between the stomach and the back, also called flank pain, blood in the urine, sickness and vomiting. They may also cause frequent urination, bladder pressure or pain in the groyne.

 

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you must go through kidney stone removal treatment with your primary care physician so that they can perform a urinalysis. You may also do an ultrasound or CT scan to ensure that kidney stones are the source of your pain.

 

Depending on the number of stones and their size, stones can take several weeks to a few months to pass. Pain medicines such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, naproxen, etc, can help you persist the discomfort until the stone passes. Your doctor may even prescribe an alpha blocker, which comforts the muscles in your ureter and enables you to pass stones quickly and with less pain. 

 

If stones are too large to pass or the pain becomes too intense, they can be removed with a kidney stone removal treatment procedure called a ureteroscopy. A device with a small video camera and tools at the end of a long pipe called an endoscope is passed into the bladder and up the ureter. Then, the laser breaks up the stones, and the fragments are removed.

 

There are also some simple ways that help to prevent them, such as producing 2 to 2.5 litres of urine daily and being 50% less likely to develop kidney stones. For this, you must drink 8 to 10 glasses of water every day to decrease the chances of kidney stones. You must eat more calcium-rich plant foods such as yoghurt, soy products, beans, lentils and seeds to help prevent kidney stones.

The juice of two lemons can also increase urine and likely reduce the risk of kidney stones. A high-sodium diet can initiate kidney stones because it improves the amount of calcium in your urine. Eating meat, eggs, and seafood can also help to increase the risk of forming stones.

 

RG Stone Urology And Laparoscopy Hospital provides exceptional health care services for patient satisfaction via excellence and a humanitarian and scientific medical approach. We also have state-of-the-art infrastructure and equipment and highly qualified, experienced, and dedicated staff members. 

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Kidney Diseases

A Guide On The Symptoms And Causes Of Chronic Kidney Diseases

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Our kidneys play a vital role in our bodies as they help to filter toxins, clean blood and other unwanted waste from our bodies, helping us to maintain excellent health. Naturally, depreciation in functionality happens gradually as we age. Consequently, if these bean-shaped organs are affected in any way, it might be problematic for the urinary system as well as the whole body. Chronic kidney disease has no cure, but there are ways to control the damage.

What Is Kidney Disease

Kidney disease, also known as renal disease, is a medical condition in which your kidneys become unhealthy. This condition becomes chronic over time because kidney’s function progressively slows down, hence the infamous name Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). When the kidneys cease to work efficiently, they cannot clear out the toxins in the body. As a result, this waste accumulates, deteriorating the overall health of a person. Kidney stones may also form in the kidneys if there are high concentrations of uric acid, calcium and other substances in the urine.

Symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease

It is important to note that in the early stages, symptoms might not be detected; however, as the condition worsens, they become more noticeable. Let’s delve into some of the noticeable symptoms:

  • Blood in urine
  • Change in urinating pattern
  • Very itchy skin
  • Fatigue
  • Drastic weight loss and loss of appetite

We should be aware that some of the symptoms of kidney stones are also similar to those of chronic kidney diseases. For instance, blood in urine, and therefore, it is best to seek professional help and not prefer self-diagnose. 

Causes of Chronic Kidney Disease

The causes of Chronic kidney disease vary from person to person. For others, it may be one thing, and for others, a combination of different elements. Here are some of the common causes of chronic kidney disease:

  • Diabetes- High concentration of sugar in the blood cells may hinder the filtering of waste by the kidneys
  • High Blood Pressure- Overtime if untamed, the high blood pressure strains the kidneys, causing damage. This is because this results in damaging the blood vessels in the kidneys. 
  • Heart disease- Shortage of blood supply to the kidneys due to heart failure may also harm the kidneys.
  • Family History- Such diseases are hereditary; therefore, having a family history poses a risk. 
  • Urinary Tract Obstructions- Blockages by kidney stones can cause damage to the kidneys.

How To Manage Chronic Kidney Disease? 

This disease is much more manageable during the early stages; in its advanced stage, advanced treatment is necessary. In the early stages, lifestyle modifications are necessary like, following a healthy diet, limiting sodium intake, staying hydrated, blood pressure management, blood sugar control, weight management and many others. Advanced stages require renal replacement, like dialysis and kidney transplant, if the cases are extreme.

Chronic Kidney disease is a life-threatening disease. If any signs or symptoms have been detected, it is imperative that medical care is sought immediately to avoid its rapid progression. Even though chronic kidney disease cannot be cured, it can be managed. At RG Stone Urology And Laparoscopy Hospital, we provide the best medical care when it comes to urology problems.

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Kidney Stones

Top 5 Effective Ways To Avoid Kidney Stones

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Chronic kidney stones are a troublesome aspect.

It is completely understandable how painful it can be if one is experiencing kidney stones. It can have an impact on different factors, such as swelling due to kidney damage or interrupted urine flow. The disadvantages do not only end here; they can even contribute to complications, such as an individual going through blood in the urine.

The fact that it should be treated early is unknown to many. Therefore, understanding that you should take early action instead of thinking it would go away on its own is an essential aspect. Before understanding what steps should be followed to ward off such conditions, you should consider recognising the symptoms of kidney stones.

What are the symptoms of kidney stones?

Understanding the indicators can be of great help in ensuring that you are capable of realising that you are going through kidney stones

  • If you are experiencing severe pain on the side of the abdomen or back, there is a high chance that you have kidney stones
  • When you notice the pain is accompanied by vomiting, you should make certain that you are having your kidney checked right away.
  • Fever is another indicator that you should be aware of. Therefore, it is important for you to understand that if you experience these indicators, you should not wait to see a doctor. 

What are the best practices to get rid of kidney stones?

You should make certain that you are able to follow these practices if you have determined to take care of your kidneys health. Let’s review some of them.

 

  • Aim for drinking plenty of water.

You should aim for at least 8 -10 glasses of water a day to be certain that you are capable of eliminating the substances that create stones in the kidney. This step is of great help in ensuring that you are drinking enough water to reduce salt or oxalate that is present in the urine.

  • lowering your sodium consumption

This is another shelf factor that allows your body to be free from kidney stones. Therefore, understating that you should now initiate to cut down on the diet that has extreme salt is an essential aspect. Calcium-rich foods like dairy and fortified plant-based options are the best picks for you, and at the same time, you should omit fast food, pickles, chips, and meats from your diet chart.

  • Keeping a healthy body composition

The fact that obesity also causes kidney stones is unknown to many. Therefore, recognising the importance of walking and exercising daily to avoid excess weight is crucial. There are high chances of developing kidney stones if you do not consider even small workouts that otherwise turn your urine PH into an acidic form, which creates kidney stones. 

  • Identify factors contributing to it.

This is the most useful way to understand the cause. You can make certain that you are able to seek guidance from doctors who have been dealing with chronic kidney stone issues for years. They can help you get your issue assessed and determine what factors make a difference by affecting your kidney health. At the same time, once you notice symptoms, you should consider having them checked to clarify instead of just aiming for practices to get rid of them.

 

  • Ensure not to take excess doses of vitamin D

This is a common fact that is always overlooked by people suffering from chronic kidney stones. They should understand that excess Vitamin D can cause calcium which ultimately leads to the stone formation in the kidney. 

Undergo the most effective care at RG Stone Urology & Laparoscopy Hospital.

If you’ve been going through chronic kidney stones, you can contact RG Stone Urology & Laparoscopy Hospital today! We can help you get rid of your health issues so that you can experience a higher quality of life.

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