Renal Calculus Research Paper

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The number of people in the United States with kidney stones has dramatically increased over the past 30 years. Renal calculus, also known as kidney stones, has been around for a very long time. Scientists have found evidence of them in a 7,000 year old mummy in Egypt. Lithotomy, which is the surgical removal of the stones, is one of the earliest known medical procedures. In my opinion, renal calculus is a great concern and it is very important that everyone be educated about them.
Kidney stones are small, hard objects that form inside the kidneys from minerals in the urine. Urine has waste in the water when you urinate. When there is too much waste and not enough water to dilute it, crystals will form. The crystals attract other ones and join together to form a stone that will get larger unless it is passed out of body. Your body could also be lacking the substances that keep these crystals from forming. …show more content…

Sometimes doctors cannot find a specific cause but several factors increase your risk of developing stones. Family or personal history of having kidney stones greatly increases your chances of getting them. Renal calculus is most common in adults over 40 years old but they are possible at any age. Men are more likely than women to develop stones and white Americans get them more often than African Americans. Not drinking enough water each day and living in warmer climates where you sweat more than usual also increases your chances. Too little or too much exercise is also bad for you and can cause kidney stones to form. Diets high in sugar, salt or protein are known causes of renal stones. Being obese with a high body mass index or weight gain have all been associated with increased risk of kidney stones. When you have other problems like high blood pressure, diabetes, osteoporosis, chronic diarrhea or kidney cysts your chances of developing kidney stones increases

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