KIDNEY CALCULUS Meaning and
Definition
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Kidney calculus, commonly known as kidney stones, refers to small, solid mineral deposits that form in the kidneys. These hard masses may develop when certain substances, such as calcium, oxalate, and uric acid, become highly concentrated in the urine.
Kidney calculi vary in shape and size, ranging from tiny grains to larger stones that resemble pebbles. These stones can be smooth or have jagged edges, and they can be found in one or both kidneys. Kidney stones typically cause intense pain when they obstruct the urinary tract, hindering the flow of urine.
The formation of kidney calculi can be influenced by several factors, including inadequate fluid intake, excessive consumption of certain foods (such as those high in oxalate or salt), recurrent urinary tract infections, and certain medical conditions like hyperparathyroidism and gout. Additionally, a family history of kidney stones can predispose individuals to developing these deposits.
Symptoms of kidney stones may include severe pain in the lower back or abdomen, blood in the urine, frequent urination, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, and a persistent urge to urinate. Treatment options for kidney calculi may vary depending on the size, location, and composition of the stones. Smaller stones often pass naturally through the urinary system with increased fluid intake and medication for pain relief. However, larger stones may require medical intervention, such as extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, ureteroscopy, or surgery, to break them down or remove them.
Prevention strategies for kidney calculus typically involve maintaining a well-hydrated state, adopting a balanced diet low in oxalate and salt, avoiding excessive consumption of certain foods or beverages (such as alcohol and sugary drinks), and addressing any underlying medical conditions
Common Misspellings for KIDNEY CALCULUS
- jidney calculus
- midney calculus
- lidney calculus
- oidney calculus
- iidney calculus
- kudney calculus
- kjdney calculus
- kkdney calculus
- kodney calculus
- k9dney calculus
- k8dney calculus
- kisney calculus
- kixney calculus
- kicney calculus
- kifney calculus
- kirney calculus
- kieney calculus
- kidbey calculus
- kidmey calculus
- kidjey calculus
Etymology of KIDNEY CALCULUS
The word "kidney" originates from the Old English word "cȳðene", which referred to the organ that filters blood and removes waste from the body. It is derived from the Old English adjective "cū", meaning "cow" or "cow-like", and "ēoð", which means "organ" or "tissue". This association with cows likely arose due to the perceived similarity between the shape of a kidney and that of a cow's kidney.
The term "calculus" in this context comes from the Latin word "calculus", which means "small stone" or "pebble". The Romans used this term to describe small stones or pebbles in various contexts, including medical conditions. Over time, "calculus" came to specifically refer to stones or concretions that formed within organs such as the kidneys or gallbladder.
