Kidney Stones- Types of Kidney, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment

                                                                                                                Kidney Stones

Introduction:

Kidney stones occur when there is lack of water in the body and minerals and salts become excessive, which get concentrated and slowly get deposited in the kidney and form stones.

Less water + More salts = Kidney Stones

Minerals -These are basic elements or inorganic compounds that are found naturally in the body such as calcium, phosphate, magnesium, oxalate, uric acid.

Salts When these minerals combine with each other they form salts – for example calcium + oxalate = calcium oxalate salt.

Types of Kidney Stones:

Calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate stones(most common).

Struvite Stones - They are formed because of UTI.

Uric Acid Stones - Due to gout or high purine diet.

Cystine Stones - Rare, genetic disorder (cystinuria) 

Causes:

Dehydration (drink less water)

High salt, protein, or sugar diet

Obesity, Family history, Recurrent UTIs

Certain conditions (Gout, hyperparathyroidism)

Symptoms:

Severe Flank Pain - In the side part of the stomach or lower back.

Burning and water while urinating.

Hematuria - Blood in urine.

Frequent urination| Nausea, vomiting.

Cloudy or Foul-Smelling Urine.

Diagnosis:

Urinalysis (blood, crystals, infection detect ) Blood tests (calcium, uric acid levels)

Ultrasound | X-ray | CT Scan (most accurate)

Treatment:

For Small Stones (≤ 5 mm):

2-3 litres of water throughout the day.

NSAIDs: Ibuprofen, Diclofenac.

Antispasmodics: Drotaverine.

Alpha-blockers: Relaxes ureter.

For Large Stones (> 5-10 mm):

Ureteroscopy

Nephrolithotomy

• Shock Wave Lithotripsy

Surgery.

Hepatitis-Types & Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis

                           Hepatitis

                                                                   " Liver swelling

Introduction:

Hepatitis is an inflammatory liver disease caused by viral infection or exposure to toxic substances. It affects the function of the liver, which is necessary for digestion, detoxification and metabolism

Types & Causes of Hepatitis:

Viral Hepatitis:

Hepatitis A - Contaminated food/water 

Hepatitis B - Blood/unsafe intercourse spread .

Hepatitis C - From blood, it causes cirrhosis.

Hepatitis D -It only happens to Hepatitis B patients and is severe.

Hepatitis E - Pregnancy risk due to Contaminated water 

Non-Viral Hepatitis:

1. Alcoholic Hepatitis - By consuming too much alcohol.

2. Autoimmune Hepatitis - When the immune system becomes the enemy.

3. Drug-Induced Hepatitis - Paracetamol overdose, antibiotics.

Symptoms:

Jaundice - Skin and eyes turn yellow

Fatigue | weakness | Nausea | vomiting | Don't feel hungry.

pain near the liver | Dark urine | Pale stool.

Cirrhosis.

Ascites - Swelling in legs & abdomen.

Diagnosis:

Function Tests (LFTs) - ALT, AST, Bilirubin) 

Serological Tests - Virus  antibodies and antigens detection.

PCR Test - Viral RNA, DNA detect (B, C me useful).

Liver Biopsy -In Severe cases check liver damage.

Ultrasound / Fibro Scan.

Treatment:

Hepatitis A & E - Self-limiting, requires rest, hydration.

Hepatitis B & D - Antiviral medications (Tenofovir, Entecavir).

Hepatitis C - Sofosbuvir, Ribavirin, Interferon.

Severe Cases - Liver transplant.