Dear In pain,

Kidney stones are one of the most common disorders of the urinary tract. Men tend to be affected more frequently than women; whites more than blacks; people aged twenty to forty more than those younger or older. Once a person gets more than one stone, he or she is likely to develop others.

A kidney stone develops from crystals that separate from urine and build up on the inner surfaces of the kidney. Urine contains chemicals that normally prevent these crystals from forming. These chemicals don't work for everyone, however, and some people form stones. Doctors do not always know what causes a stone a form. While certain foods may promote stone formation in people who are susceptible, researchers do not believe that eating any specific food causes stones to form in people who are not suscept ible.

Usually the first symptom of a kidney stone is extreme pain in the kidney area or lower abdomen. The pain often begins suddenly when a stone moves in the urinary tract, causing urination or blockage. Sometimes nausea or vomiting appear with this pain. Later, the pain may move to the groin. As the stone grows or moves, blood may be found in the urine. Other common symptoms include feeling the need to urinate more often or a burning sensation when urinating. Fever and chills accompanying any of these symptoms could signify an infection, and needs a clinician's immediate attention.

A simple and most important lifestyle change to undertake if you have kidney stones is to drink more liquids-- water is best. You should drink enough liquids throughout the day to produce at least 2 quarts of urine in every 24 hour period. Other lifestyle changes, as you mentioned, include change in diet. The dietary recommendations will differ dependent on the constitution of your kidney stones. Some people will also need medications to prevent stones from forming.

For more information, try contacting the National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) [9000 Rockville Pike, Building 31, Room 9A04, Bethesda, MD, 20892] at (301) 654-4415, or the National Kidney Foundation at (800) 622-9010. Krames Communication has a booklet, "Understanding Kidney Stones... Management for a Lifetime." Call (800) 333-3032 to request a copy. Once you have read up on kidney stones, try going back to your doctor for a discussion of your personal prevention and treatment options.

Alice

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