The main function of the Kidney is to cleanse and flush out unwanted fluids and salts as Urine from the body. The Kidneys act as ‘filters’ in the body. The unwanted substances are flushed out whereas the essentials remain in the body. But sometimes certain minerals like calcium remain in the Kidneys and form small hard stones or mass thus leading to disturbances in the function of the Kidneys. These are called Kidney Stones.

The main causes are:

• Decrease in Urine volume due to less fluid intake
• Dehydration due to climatic conditions
• Any other underlying conditions
• Infections in the urinary tract

Risk factors are those possibilities which increase your risk of developing certain conditions. Kidney Stone risks factors include:

Family history and Heredity factors. Some chronic conditions like Diabetes and High blood pressure and more so if it runs in the family.

Diet which includes high intake of animal proteins, excessive sugar consumption, Taking of Vitamin D supplements in excess and certain medications increase the risk.

The formation of Kidney Stones shows the following signs and symptoms:

• A very unbearable pain in the lower back, abdomen or groin
• The difficult pain is often accompanied by nausea and vomiting
• Blood in Urine
• Fevers and chills in case of infection in urinary tract
• Difficulty in passing of Urine

The presence of the above symptoms which a person feels may diagnose the condition of Kidney Stones. In addition, the doctor may suggest imaging tests like CT scans and X-Rays. An Urologist is the expert who will guide you.

Normally the stones pass out of the body through urine on their own in the course of time. But this depends on the size of the stone. Smaller size makes it easy but a bigger size of stone make the passage difficult.

There is no permanent cure only the symptoms can be treated and since dehydration or less fluid intake is the major risk factor, increased intake of water and liquids may help flush out the smaller stones through urine.

The Kidney Stones may keep coming and going so the necessary preventive strategies have to be adopted. It is not contagious, infectious or fatal.

The major cause of Kidney Stone formation is dehydration and less fluid intake so an increase in water intake may reduce the risk. Sometimes the formation of stones is in the genes and some underlying conditions, in that case, advised medications help reduce the risk.

When a stone has been removed, its diagnosis may help determine the cause of its formation. If excess calcium or oxalates is the reason, then the doctor may advise to reduce the consumption of calcium and oxalate rich food like milk and spinach.

These are some of the preventive steps which also includes a daily walk of 30 minutes.