1. In Partnership with: Dr. Michael Mayo (Urologist)
Kidney Stones
By: Ashlyn Hernandez
Grade: 8 Honors Science
Period: 3
In Partnership with: Dr. Michael Mayo (Urologist)

2. What is a Kidney Stone?
Kidney stones are crystals that are formed out of different acids based on the type of stone a person has. A single stone can be from the size of a golf ball to as small as a grain of sand. It is more common for a male to be diagnosed with kidney stones rather than a female, but it does happen. Children are also able to form kidney stones, but only in rare cases. Kidney stones form in an individuals kidney or in the ureter. Each stone is formed in its own way and each is cause by different risk factors.
For more Information click the link below.

3. Types of Kidney Stones
The four main types of kidney stones are Calcium, Struvite, Uric Acid, and the least common of the four is a Crystine stone. Calcium Stones form from calcium oxalate which is a substance normally found in food, and produced in the liver. These stones are also able to form out of calcium phosphate. Struvite stones form from an infection such as one in the urinary tract. These stones are composed of magnesium ammonium phosphate and grow quickly and become very large; not really giving any warning and show few symptoms. Uric acid stones form in people with certain genetics or family history. People that don't drink enough fluids or who are on certain diets can form a uric acid stone as well. The Crystine stone forms in people with a heredity disorder, which is why this stone is so rare to have, but just like the others this type of stone is very painful.

4. Treatment
Some types of kidney stones don’t show symptoms until it is too late. Symptoms include pain in the lower back, blood in the urine, and vomiting. If any of these symptoms occur, the individual should see a doctor right away. Then, they will take an x-ray, CT scan, or blood test to determine the size of the stone and treatment that is necessary. Most of the time kidney stones are treated just by having the individual pass the stone on their own. In some cases passing the stone naturally is not a very wise choice because a kidney stone can be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a ping pong ball. With a large sized stone doctors will treat with medication, which opens the ureter and helps the stone pass. The other option is the Lithotripter, and in very rare cases, surgery will be required to remove large stones.

5. Recovering From Kidney Stones
Recovery from kidney stones can vary, depending on the treatment the individual receives or just how they are feeling. If the patient got the stone surgically removed, the recovery could take a few days to possibly a week in the hospital. If the patient only had a small incision made in the back, and a tube placed. Then they usually go home the next day and have the tube removed when no stones are left. When the individual is treated with the Lithotripter they can go home that same day and pass the stones. The fastest recovery comes with naturally passing the stone, and depending on the type of stone the individual has, they could be in pain from a couple of hours to days if there is more than one stone.

6. Risk Factors
If an individual is prone to form kidney stones a doctor can prescribe medicines which are “hydrochlorothiazide, chlorthalidone,and indapamide.” These medicines can decrease the amount of calcium in the urine. Men are more at risk to getting kidney stones than women. Just being an adult could be the difference from getting a kidney stone or not. Children can also get kidney stones, but these cases are very rare. Some even say global warming and oceans rising have caused an increase of salinity in the drinking water, which increases the chance of dehydration. This is a contributing factor in the formation of kidney stones.

7. Preventing Kidney Stones
It is possible to prevent kidney stones by staying hydrated, limiting the intake of excess protein, sodium, chocolate and dark green vegetables. Other preventions include controlling blood pressure, and weight. Unfortunately, an individual’s gender, family history, and age are often uncontrollable factor. The main cause is dehydration, so it is best to stay hydrated and exercise. Just like any other doctor would say to stay healthy. Staying healthy doesn't mean an individual won't ever get kidney stones. By staying healthy and fit the individual is attempting to prevent kidney stones.

8. How does Climate Change Affect Kidney Stones?
When the quality of water is insufficient people get more and more dehydrated. The number of kidney stones has increased by 60,000 in the past few years. During this change in climate it is very important for people to stay hydrated and drink as much water as possible. With lower quality of water comes a shortage of water. The more the human population grows the more water people need and again the less there is. Humans need to try and conserve as much water as possible so that people stay hydrated and stay kidney stone free!

9. In Conclusion
Kidney stones may not seem very significant, but theses crystals are. Trying to prevent kidney stones is important. Every individual is at risk for being diagnosed with kidney stones at any age. It's always good to be prepared for any situation. In conclusion, kidney stones aren’t as harmless as some people think. These stones can affect someone’s whole life, just a couple little crystals can change an individual’s whole day. It is important that people know about the different types of kidney stones, possible ways of prevention, and most importantly when to seek help from a doctor.

10. Fun Fact: Staghorn Calculus Stone
This stone received its name because it is literally shaped like a stag horn. These stones are the result of recurrent infection and thus are found most commonly in women, those with reflex, and/or spinal injuries. The Staghorn stone is composed of struvite, which is about 70% of the stone. This rare type of stone has to be treated surgically and have the entire stone removed at one time. If any fragments of the Staghorn stone are left behind then there is a risk of reformation. If left untreated these stones can lead to serious infection.

11. Michael Mayo. M.D, Seattle, Washington.
Credits
Michael Mayo. M.D, Seattle, Washington.
"Kidney Stones." Risk Factors. Web. <
conditions/kidney-stones/basics/risk-factors/con >.
"Kidney/Bladder Infections." Home Remedies from Amish Country. 5th ed. Millersburg, OH
(6523 TR 346, Millersburg, OH 44654): Published by Abana, Print.
Seidman, Cynthia, and Rory Jones. No More Kidney Stones the Experts Tell You All You Need to
Know about Prevention and Treatment. Hoboken, N.J.: Wiley, Print.
Web. <