A kidney stone may not be as big as the stones in your garden, but can be quite a pain. Kidney stones are actually mineral crystals that are usually a combination of calcium and phosphates. The size of a kidney stone ranges from the size of a sugar crystal to a ping pong ball. While some kidney stones pass out of the body along with urine, others can block the urethra and become painful. 

In addition to being painful, a kidney stone can cause permanent damage to your kidneys. Since large kidney stones are usually painful, they rarely go undiagnosed. However, if a kidney stone is left untreated, it could cause the kidney to atrophy and lower the functionality of the kidney. Kidney stones that are related to an infection can also lead to chronic urinary tract infections and damage the kidney through scarring and inflammation. This could eventually lead to kidney failure.
 
Not all kidney stones need to be treated with surgery. If the kidney stone is very small, your doctor may prescribe plenty of water and medication to treat the pain. With plenty of water, you should be able to pass the stone in your urine. Ideally, you should take plenty of rest until the stone is passed. 

Larger kidney stones may need you to be hospitalized for treatment. These are:
- extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (eswl)
To begin this of treatment, a painkiller is administered. Ultrasonic waves are used to determine the location of the kidney stone. Shock waves are then passed through the kidney stone to break it into smaller pieces, which can then pass out of the body through urine.
- ureteroscopy
This is also called retrograde intrarenal surgery and is performed when the kidney stone is stuck in the ureter. A ureteroscope is passed through the urethra and bladder into the ureter. Laser energy may then be used to break the stone into smaller pieces to unblock the ureter. 
- percutaneous nephrolithotomy (pcnl)
This surgery is performed under general anesthesia. It involves a small incision being made in the back and a nephroscope passed into the kidney through it. Laser or pneumatic energy is then used to break up the stone into smaller pieces and pull them out. 

- open surgery
Open surgery is performed only in the case of an abnormally large stone or abnormal anatomy of the person. An incision is made in the back that allows the doctor to access the kidney and manually remove the stone.

Kidney Stones- Should It Be Removed

There can be no better way to maintain a healthy lifestyle other than a regular exercise and fitness routine. Sometimes even after surgeries, doctors recommend exercise to the patients for a speedy recovery. A kidney transplant is one such surgery that requires you to follow a strict fitness regime after the operation process.

Importance of Exercise after a Kidney Transplant:

Exercise, as recommended by the doctor, should be an integral part of the lives of kidney transplant patients. The variations of exercise may differ depending on the age and general physical health of the patient. The need for exercise after a transplant is as follows  

  Helps to increase energy levels
  Increases overall physical strength and immunity
  Helps maintain a standard weight as an obese body is very harmful for patients suffering from kidney ailments
  Reduces stress, anxiety and depression
  Prevents after effects of kidney transplant like high blood pressure and cholesterol level
  Helps to strengthen bones
  Helps tone muscles and increases balance and joint flexibility
  Strengthens the heart and overall cardiovascular system
  Helps the patient to sleep better
  Boosts self-image and increases confidence

Types of Exercises that can be done:

  Stretching   Consistent stretching before any exercise helps increase muscle strength. It also prevents muscle strain and injury.
  Aerobic   Aerobic or cardiovascular exercises are generally recommended for younger patients. It includes moderately heavy exercises involving a greater number of muscles. This kind of exercise strengthens the heart and lungs and improves breathing. Aerobic exercises include walking, jogging, jumping rope, bicycling, skating, rowing and water aerobics. However, for most patients, brisk walking or jogging is recommended.
Ideally one should exercise for a minimum period of 20 minutes at least four times a week.

Things to Remember:

  It has been medically proved that patients who exercise regularly following a kidney transplant procedure are more likely to survive healthily for the upcoming 5 years compared to patients who lead a sedentary life.
  However one should not resort to heavy and strenuous exercises immediately after the surgery. It is advisable to start with mild forms of exercise like walking and increase the levels gradually depending on one s age.
  One should not eat a heavy meal just before exercising.
  It is important to stop for breaks in between exercise. The patient should not over exert himself.
  It is advisable to avoid lifting heavy weights like dumbbells.
  Stop exercising immediately if you experience chest pain, lightheadedness or pressure in chest, neck or arm.
  Consult the doctor for the kinds of exercises you can do depending on your condition.

With a healthy diet and regular exercise, there are fewer chances of reoccurrence of kidney ailments.

Fitness/Exercise/Games After Kidney Transplant!

Bladder stones, not to be confused with kidney stones, are formed when substances such as calcium oxalate found in urine coalesce into solid lumps and form deposits in the bladder. Though usually small enough to be excreted during urination, sometimes they get trapped in the neck of the bladder. In such cases, as the residues continue to grow larger, they cause extreme pain, infections, and may need surgical attention.

What causes bladder stones?
The most common causes of bladder stones are-

A diet which is high in oxalic acid can cause bladder stones.
Dehydration and a reduced intake of water cause bladder stones.
A protracted use of a urinary catheter, infections of the urinary tract, or an injury that might have impaired bladder function can cause stones to form.
Most often, stones originate somewhere else in the urinary tract and move downwards obstructing the neck of the bladder. There are significant hereditary factors at play here.
Symptoms-

Blood in the urine usually apparent only in the last few drops.
Interruption of the stream of urine and an inability to do so except in certain positions.
Dark-coloured urine.
Diagnosis-

1.Physical Exam
The physician will physically examine to evaluate if the bladder or the rectum are enlarged.

2.Urinalysis
A sample of your urine will be tested for the presence of bacteria, blood and crystallized minerals.

3.CT scan
A CT scan to build a detailed image of the internal organs.

Treatment-

If the size of the bladder stones is small then a simple increase in water and fluid intake should be enough to excrete them out naturally.
If they are too large to flush out from the system naturally, they will either be broken down to smaller sizes using laser ray or similar other energies, or surgically removed.
In order to prevent bladder stones from recurring, here are 5 foolproof methods-

1.Increase the daily fluid intake
A sure-fire way to prevent bladder stones is to increase the amount of water you drink every day. The idea is to reduce the concentration of your urine. A minimum of 2-3 litres of water per day is absolutely necessary.

2.Urinate more often.
If you drink more water throughout the day, you are going to have to urinate more frequently anyway. Do not put it off because you are worried that you will be mocked for having an old lady s bladder.

3.Laxatives.
If you feel like you are constipated, use a laxative. There is no shame in wanting to regulate your bowel movements.

4.Regular Tests.
Get a sample of your urine tested regularly to ensure that your kidneys and bladder are functioning properly and there are no irregularities.

5.Eat fruits.
Get the essential sugar component of your diet from fresh fruits. Say no to saturated sugar and fizzy drinks. Opt for fruits with high water content like melons to add more fluids in your diet.

5 Full-Proof Methods To Prevent Bladder Stones!

Haematuria refers to a medical condition where blood is passed out with urine. Blood can ooze out in tiny droplets or in large volume, often causing discomfort and pain.

Urine mostly has a reddish hue when you have this condition, and can be colored anything ranging from pink to a darkish brown. While in many cases this disease may be caused by trivial underlying issues, there may be major complications at work too. Hence, you should consult a doctor right away if you locate any symptoms such as abdominal pain, frequent urination, etc.

Causes of haematuria

Haematuria may be caused by factors both minor and severe. These include-

Urinary tract infection (UTI) - UTI is caused when foreign bodies like viruses or bacteria get accumulated in the urinary tract. This causes haematuria, as the kidneys may be affected leading to leakage of red blood cells into the urine.

Cancer - There are various types of cancer that may cause blood to come through the urine. These include prostate, renal and bladder cancer. This is a symptom visible during advanced stages of the cancers when treatment becomes difficult.

Kidney or gallbladder stones - This is another type of serious ailment that may cause haematuria as a symptom. The key difference from the other causal factors of haematuria is that in this case bleeding is very painful.

Traumatic injury to kidneys - A sharp hit or blunt attack to the kidneys you may sustain while falling down or a vehicle crash may cause internal injuries in the kidney and make blood show up in your urine.

Treating haematuria: What are the different approaches?

To treat haematuria, most doctors generally treat the underlying disease that is causing it as a symptom. The treatment entails-

Several types of anti-bacterial or antifungal agents are used to treat urinary tract infections. These medicines can both be prescribed by a doctor or bought over the counter.

Kidney and bladder stones may heal if you drink a lot of water. However, in very severe cases, you may need a surgical procedure called lithotripsy. Lithotripsy involves using ultrasound shock waves that break kidney stones into tiny particles and passes them out of your body.

For cancers, the extent of spread determines the treatment course recommendable. In general, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery are the treatment modes used.

When the traumatic injury is the underlying factor, drugs or bandages may help, but you should also not ignore large injuries. In such cases, surgery may be required to set things right.

Haematuria is the medical name for the condition in which either small or large amounts of blood become visible in your urine. While this condition may be developing in you due to a number of reasons that may be minor, you should get yourself checked anyway.

Haematuria - Causes & Treatment Of It!

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) happens when germs infect your urinary system. It includes the kidneys, bladder, and the connecting tubes. Bladder infections are normal and not a huge risk if treated immediately. Further, if the disease spreads to the kidneys, it can bring about very serious problems. In case you're a woman, your chance of getting a urinary tract disease is higher. Experts rank your lifetime danger of getting a UTI as one in every woman. Many women might even have repeated infections.

UTIs are a key reason why we are frequently advised to wipe ourselves from front to back while or after using the bathroom. That is because of the urethra - the tube that carries the urine outside the body. It is found near the anus. If the infection isn't dealt with, the kidneys are likely to be affected.

Symptoms: To recognize a UTI, watch out for the following side effects:

1. Burning sensation while urinating
2. A regular urge to urinate, despite the fact that little turns out when you do
3. Pressure in your belly
4. Pain in the lower abdomen
5. Dark, bleeding or odd smelling urine
6. Feeling drained or shaky
7. Fever or chills (a sign the disease may have come to your kidneys)

Home Remedies: Some of the home remedies for UTI are:

1. Drink lots of water

One of the main things to do when you have a urinary tract infection is drink a lot of water.

2. Load Up on Vitamin C for a Healthy Urinary Tract

Getting a lot of vitamin C is important, since a lot of vitamin C make your urine more acidic. This prevents bacteria from developing.

3. Cure UTI Pain with Heat

Applying a warming cushion can calm the region.

4. Cut Bladder Irritants from Your Diet

Avoid caffeine, liquor, nicotine, carbonated beverages, and fake sweeteners.

5. Empty Your Bladder Again

Each time you exhaust your bladder - regardless of the possibility that it's only a little, you get rid of bacteria every time. So continue making those washroom runs.

6. Consider Herbal Remedies

You may discover some relief from taking the herb uva ursi (bearberry leaf)

7. Switch to Healthier Habits

Change in lifestyle can make a lot of difference. For instance, quit smoking and wear cotton clothing.

Other Treatment: In case, you have 3 or more UTI bouts in a year, request your specialist for a special treatment plan. Some treatment choices include:

You can take an anti-toxin in low dosage, over a more extended period to avoid repeated infections.

You can also take a single dosage of anti-biotic after sex, as prescribed by your specialist.
A patient can also take anti-toxins for 1 or 2 days as the symptoms show up. The treatments should be only be taken after concerning the specialists. You can also use an at-home urine test kit when you see the symptoms appearing.

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Prevention and Cure

Blood in urine, medically known as Hematuria is not usually a cause of concern, but it can translate into an adverse condition if left unevaluated. The kidneys and other structures in the urinary tracts such as urethra (tube connecting the bladder to the outer part of the body); bladder (that stores the urine) and ureters (tube joining the bladder to the kidney) are the sources of blood flow to the urine. Hematuria can be accompanied by symptoms such as discharge of tea-colored, brownish-red or pink colored urine due to the presence of red blood cells, traces of which can only be detected under the microscope.

Underlying causes behind this disorder might be

Urinary tract infection is where the bacteria enter the body through the urethra and begin to proliferate in the bladder.
Kidney infections (pyelonephritis) is when bacteria infiltrate into the kidneys from the bloodstream or travel up from the uterus to the kidneys.
A kidney or a bladder stone is marked by the minerals in the concentrated urine precipitating out and molding into crystals that deposit on the bladder or kidney walls.
Enlarged prostate is a condition in which the prostate gland, that is situated just below the bladder surrounding the upper part of the urethra, starts growing as males head towards their middle age.
Kidney disease such as glomerulonephritis causes swelling of the kidneys, thus disrupting the filtering system.
Bladder, kidney and prostate cancer are also possible causes.
Hereditary disorders such as sickle cell anemia (a hereditary disease of the red blood cells in the hemoglobin) can also pose as a cause behind this disorder.
Kidney injury as a result of heavy blows, accidents or injuries sustained while playing a spot can also contribute to this condition.
Medications such as penicillin or the anti-cancer drug  cyclophosphamide 
Strenuous physical exercises like intense workout or running may also result in Hematuria.
Treatments
There is no fixed cure for Hematuria; instead the doctor would work on treating the repressed conditions behind the symptoms, such as prescribing antibiotics to heal the urinary tract infection or a medicine to shrink and normalize the enlarged prostate or administer a shock wave therapy to destroy the kidney or bladder stones. 

Blood in Urine - 10 Reasons Behind It!

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