Kidney Stones |
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DESCRIPTION
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Kidney stones are rock-like concretions of minerals that form in the kidney. There may be more than one stone, and they may be large or small. Men get kidney stones more often than women do.
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CAUSES
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An illness called gout can cause kidney stones, as can a blockage of urine or a large amount of calcium in the urine. Too much calcium from food, vitamins, or other sources can contribute to formation of the stones.
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SYMPTOMS
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Typical symptoms include sharp mid-back pain, blood in the urine, painful urination, nausea, and vomiting.
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CARE
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To help the stone pass, drink 3 quarts of water (the equivalent of 8 soda-sized cans), each day. A heating pad set on ""low'' may help ease the pain. Your doctor may also prescribe pain medicine. If the stone doesn't pass naturally, you may need to be hospitalized
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COMPLICATIONS
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s Kidney stones can cause long-term kidney problems that in rare cases can be fatal. But with proper treatment, serious problems are unlikely.
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