Renal calculus is a medical term used to refer to a kidney stone. In terms of its pronunciation and spelling, the word renal is pronounced as [ˈriːnəl] and comes from the Latin word renes, which means kidneys. Meanwhile, the word calculus is pronounced as [ˈkælkjələs] and originates from the Latin word calculus, which means a pebble or stones. When combined, the words form the term renal calculus, which refers to the formation of stones in the kidneys that can cause pain and discomfort.
Renal calculus, often referred to as a kidney stone, is a medical condition characterized by the formation of solid mineral and salt crystals in the kidneys. It is an extremely painful condition and one of the most common types of urological disorders.
A renal calculus forms when there is an imbalance in the concentration of substances in the urine. When certain substances such as calcium, oxalate, and uric acid are present in higher concentrations than the urine can dilute, they crystallize and stick together, forming a stone. The stones can vary in size, ranging from a tiny grain to a larger mass that could potentially block the urinary tract.
Symptoms of renal calculi include severe intermittent pain in the back, side, or lower abdomen, along with blood in the urine, frequent urge to urinate, and cloudy or foul-smelling urine. The pain usually occurs when the stone blocks the passage of urine, causing pressure to build up within the kidney. In some cases, the stone can travel through the urinary tract and be expelled naturally, while in others, medical intervention is required.
Treatment options for renal calculi depend on the size, location, and symptoms experienced by the patient. It may include drinking plenty of fluids to flush out the stone, pain medication for relief, medication to help the stone pass, or procedures such as extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) or surgical removal if necessary.
Prevention of renal calculi often involves lifestyle modifications, such as increasing fluid intake, reducing salt and protein intake, and avoiding certain foods that are known to contribute to stone formation. Regular medical check-ups and monitoring of urine composition are also recommended for those prone to kidney stone formation.
Stone in the kidney, a concretion, usually of uric acid, calcium oxalate, or phosphates, in the kidney.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "renal calculus" is derived from Latin and Greek roots.
- "Renal" refers to the kidneys and comes from the Latin word "renes", meaning kidneys.
- "Calculus" comes from the Latin word "calculi", meaning pebble or stone.
Hence, "renal calculus" combines these roots to describe a condition where kidney stones or calculi are formed in the kidneys.