Kidney Stone Awareness.

Hello, greetings to you my amazing friends. Trusting God you are all doing good?. I'm delighted to participate in this contest; "kidney stones" organized by @afzalqamar.

The kidney is one of the delicate organs in the body. They are bean-shaped and are located on either side of the spine. It's main function is blood filtration and removal of waste from the body in the form of urine. Kidneys are often dark red in colour.

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What do you know about kidney stones?

Kidney stones also known as urolithiasis or renal stones are minute, hard deposits of minerals that forms in the kidney. Kidney stones are formed when mineral and salts in the urine forms crystals and accumulates in the kidneys or ureter.

The most common types of kidney stones are the crystals of sodium, calcium, oxalate and phosphates that are found within the urine. Often times, symptoms include severe back pain, having painful urination and sometimes difficulty urinating, nausea and vomiting.

Kidney stones if left untreated can damage the kidneys.

What causes kidney stones, and what are the common Symptoms?

Causes of kidney stones

Some of the major caused of kidney stones include the following:

1. Dehydration: This is one of the major causes of kidney stones. When there's insufficient intake of fluid, minerals within the system can concentrate in the urine thus, leading to formation of crystals. In the northern part of Nigeria, this.has been a major health challenge as there's hardly portable drinking water with an extreme weather condition.
2. Diet: Consumption of foods high in animal proteins, sodium or oxalate places one at increased risk of having kidney stones.
3. Some medical conditions like gout, kidney disease or inflammatory bowel disease also increases one's risk of having kidney stones.
4. Family history: Coming from a family whit history of kidney stones Increases individual's risk of having kidney stones.

Common Symptoms of Kidney Stones

Common symptoms of kidney stones include:

1. Severe pain in the back and on the sides, usually on lower sides of the abdomen.
2. Blood in the urine which could be physically visible or visible with the aid of a microscope.
3. Frequent urination.
4. Nausea and vomitting.

How can kidney stones be prevented or treated?

Kidney stones can be treated through the following ways:

1. Surgery: Surgery will be required if stones are larger or if there are other underlying complications.
2. Medical expulsion therapy.
3. Adequate fluid intake.
4. Pain management.

Prevention of kidney stones

1. By staying hydrated always as this helps in diluting the urine.
2. Dietary changes: Ensure to limit foods intake that are high animal proteins, sodium and oxalate.
3. Regular checkups to monitor kidney function and stone formation.
4. Medications: Usually prescribed by the healthcare professional to prevent stone formation. Do not go on self medication please.

Why is spreading awareness about kidney-related health important?

Spreading awareness about kidney-related health is very important because it ensures early detection and prevention, it reduces the burden of kidney diseases as well as supports kidney health.

I'm inviting my friends @ashley-p @owulama @deelyt to also participate in this.