Information on the Causes and Symptoms of Kidney Stones (Gravel), Recurrence and Discomfort.

• Urine Analysis
  -To detect the presence of blood and bacteria in the urine.
• Blood testing
  -Blood tests can detect too much calcium or uric acid in your blood.
• Urine analysis
  -To detect blood and bacteria in the urine.
• Ultrasound
  -Ultrasound can help to visualize stones in the urinary system, including the ureters and urethra. Unfortunately, very small masses are not often visible on ultrasound.
• Intravenous pyelogram (IVP)
  -During this procedure, a series of X-rays is taken after injecting a contrast agent (dye) into the vein. As this dye is filtered in the urinary system and excreted in the urine, your doctor can detect blockages and their location.
• Retrograde pyelogram
  -Following cystoscopy (where the interior of the bladder is examined by an endoscope) dye is injected directly into the urinary system and then its outflow is monitored. This allows for a more detailed picture of the urinary system, and is useful in instances where renal function is impaired.
• Computerized tomography (CT scan)
  -A scanner and computer are used to create images of the urinary system during this procedure.

The signs and symptoms of kidney stones in the kidneys, urethra, or bladder include:

• Severe pain in the back, extending to the bladder and groin
• Painful urination
• Nausea and vomiting
• Small particles that look like gravel are excreted during urination
• Sweating and fever accompanied by shivers
• Urgent need to urinate
• Urinating more often than usual
• Urinating only small amounts
• Bloody urine
• Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
• Fever or chills, signs of infectione

• Inadequate fluid intake
• Dehydration
• Reduced urinary flow and volume
• Chemical levels in the urine that are too high, such as calcium, phosphate, oxalate, or uric acid
• Chemical levels in the urine that are too low, such as citrate
• As a side effect of certain medications
• Recurring urinary tract infections
• Family history of stone formation
• A diet high in protein, salt or glucose
• Obesity
• Rare genetic conditions
• Anatomical abnormalities

The most common type, made from accumulated calcium, are often caused by:

• Very high bowel absorption of calcium or oxalate
• Very high escape of calcium phosphate or oxalate into the urine
• Overactive parathyroid glands in the neck

Other instances may be due to:

• The body’s inability to break down and use chemicals, particularly if there is a high level of uric acid in the urine
• The structure or metabolism of the urinary system

• Oral analgesics may be prescribed to reduce moderate pain.
• Injectable medications may be administered intravenously (IV) or intramuscularly injection for severe pain.
• To reduce nausea and vomiting, prescription medication may be recommended.
• Laser and surgical options can be used to remove or disintegrate larger masses.

• Body cleansing
• Nutritional therapy
• Vitamin and mineral therapy
• Hydrotherapy
• Reflexology
• Aerobics, swimming, martial arts and stretching
• Yoga, meditation, and tai chi
• Herbal supplements such as Kidney Dr.™ for Kidney Functioning support total urinary system health.

• Drink plenty of water, at least eight glasses a day, to stay hydrated
• Eat leafy green vegetables, fruit, whole grains, legumes, and fish and poultry in small portions
• Drink lemonade with real lemon juice, which contains citrate
• Limit sugar, alcohol, protein, dairy products, salt, caffeine, and refined white flour products such as pasta
• Exercise regularly, because physical activity helps the passing process
• Increase your intake of magnesium and vitamin B6 supplements
• Use hot packs or castor oil packs to relieve pain and cramping