Write a note on kidney stones with reference to types, symptoms and diagnosis.

Kidney stones are also called renal calculi. They may be formed in any portion of urinary tract, from kidney tubules to external opening.

Types: 

Depending on their composition, kidney stones are classified into the following types.

1. Calcium stones : These are usually calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate stones. 

2. Struvite stones : These are formed in response to bacterial infection caused by urea – splitting bacteria. They grow in size quickly and become quite large. 

3. Uric acid stones : These stones usually affect people drinking less water or consuming high protein diet. 

4. Cystine stones : It is a genetic disorder that causes the kidney to excrete too much of certain amino acid. 

Symptoms: Intermittent pain below rib cage in back and side ways. Hazy, brownish/reddish/ pinkish urine. Frequent urge to pass urine. Pain during micturition. 

Diagnosis: Uric acid content of blood, colour of urine, kidney X-ray, sonography of kidney are different diagnostic tests prescribed depending on symptoms.