A kidney stone is a small, hard mineral deposit that forms in the kidneys when there is an accumulation of salts and minerals in the urine. These stones can vary in size and may cause severe pain when they obstruct the urinary tract. Treatment options include medication, dietary changes, or, in some cases, surgical removal.
The treatment of kidney stones typically involves pain management with medication and drinking plenty of fluids to help pass the stone naturally. In some cases, larger stones may require medical procedures like lithotripsy or surgical removal.
Kidney failure, also known as renal failure, is a condition in which the kidneys lose their ability to effectively filter waste and excess fluids from the blood. This can lead to the buildup of harmful substances in the body, resulting in various health complications. Dialysis or kidney transplantation is often required to manage advanced kidney failure.
Kidney dialysis is a medical procedure used to artificially perform the filtration and purification functions of the kidneys when they are no longer able to do so effectively. During dialysis, a patient’s blood is pumped through a machine that acts as an artificial kidney, removing waste products, excess fluids, and electrolytes. There are two main types of dialysis: hemodialysis, which uses an external machine, and peritoneal dialysis, which involves using the patient’s abdominal lining as a filter. Dialysis is a life-saving treatment for individuals with kidney failure, but it requires regular sessions and strict adherence to dietary and fluid restrictions to maintain overall health.