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10 myths about kidney stones

Urology and nephrology
11 Aug, 2020

About 10 % of world population is suffering from renal lithiasis, also known as kidney stones. The disease is felt when the formed stones are starting to move, blocking the urine stream and leads to strong pain. Meanwhile, the urologist working in Medpark International Hospital - Dr. Victor Muntean, is saying that this disease can be successfully treated. Let’s try to analise 10 Myths about kidney stones.

Myth Nr. 1: Kidney stones are formed, firstly because of the poor quality of the water and unhealthy food.

This statement is not totally true. Besides the poor quality of water, there are many other problems. But, talking about water – its influence has been proved and the statistics shows that: in Moldova, most of the cases of kidney stones have been registered in the southern part of Moldova, where the quality of the water is very poor. If the patient is using filtered water for cooking, the probability of kidney stones formation decrease. At the same time, one of the main causes of kidney stones formation is the metabolic changes in the human body. When the metabolism is not working properly, the concentration of certain substances in urine grows and increases the probability of kidney stones formation. Also, in the group of risk go those persons who have some defects in the urogenital system (the cavity where the urine stops is getting narrow). When there is a strong flow of urine, in these places the sediments are accumulated faster. Another cause of kidney stones occurrence are the often infections and untreated correctly. Not to mention the quality of food products, it has to be healthy and moderate.

Myth Nr. 2: Prolonged immobility increases the risk of kidney stones.

This is not the main reason, but an active lifestyle reduces the risk of kidney stones formation. Is very important to understand that physical activity should be moderate and at the same time it is necessary to replace, constantly, the fluid loss.

Myth Nr. 3 Kidney stones always suddenly appears: colic, blood in urine, fever.

One of the first symptoms of kidney stones are the pains the lumbar region. For problem diagnosis, it should be done regularly USG of urinary system – investigation that allows detecting kidney stones.

Myth Nr. 4: if it has been confirmed the presence of kidney stones, they should be certainly removed.

Only the doctor can take the decision over the patient’s treatment diagnosed with kidney stones. A part of stones could be eliminated naturally, if their dimensions don’t exceed 4mm. One of the most efficient methods is crushing the stones with ultrasound. How it works: the ultrasounds are being concentrated on stones, which leads to their fragmentation and, afterwards to elimination of these fragments. Only in case, when the dimensions of the stones are big, their removal is made by surgery method, without crushing them and minimum invasive technics.

Myth Nr. 5: Renal Lithiasis is not common for children.

Diagnosing a child with kidney stones occurs more seldom than in adults, but it is not excluded.

Myth Nr. 6: In order to prevent renal lithiasis, it is necessary to drink 2 liters of water per day.

Yes, in this way urine is becomes less concentrated and decrease the risk of kidney stones formation.

Myth Nr. 7: Diuretic herbs are harmful in case of renal lithiasis.

Contrary, it helps. We are prescribing as an additional treatment. Same infusion of wild rose could help to urine quantity increase. Thus, the consumption of specific broth increases the probability of small stones removal. Reinforcing the kidneys with the help of diuretic infusions, in some wise we decrease the level of urine concentration.

Myth Nr. 8: The patients with only one kidney are more prone to kidney stones.

Definitely. At the same time, all the problems which appear because of the stones are much more serious. When the person has both kidneys, in case of kidney stones, the healthy kidney overtakes the functions of affected kidney. So, in the absence of one kidney, it requires from the patient special attention to health and regularly consultations to urologist.

Myth Nr. 9: Most often, stones are formed in the right kidney.

I am familiarized with this statistic, but personally I don’t count. For every patient, the disease evolution is individual.

Myth Nr. 10: For more than half of patients with kidney stones, after their removal, the stones reappear.

The kidney stones reappearing are not questioned. Removing the stones, we eliminate the problem, not the cause. For an efficient treatment, it is necessary to visit regularly the urologist, which will choose the proper treatment for you.

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