Kidney failure, commonly known as "kidney stones, is a urological condition characterized by formation of solid crystals inside the kidneys or urinary tract. The disease is common and can relapse if it is not treated correctly and if no action is taken on enabling factors.

What is renal lithiasis?
Kidney failure is formation and accumulation of mineral salts or organic compounds in urine, which crystallizes and forms kidney stones. These stones can remain in the kidneys or migrate through the urinary tract, causing intense pain and complications.

Types of kidney stones:

• Calcium oxalate stones - most commonly associated with high intake of oxalates, calcium or dehydration;
• Uric acid stones - occur especially with a diet high in animal protein or gout;
• Struvite stones - associated with recurrent urinary tract infections, common in women;
• Cystine stones - rare, linked to a genetic disorder called cystinuria.

Causes and risk factors:

• Insufficient hydration (concentrated urine);
• Diet high in salt, animal protein, oxalates or sugar;
• Family history kidney stones;
• Repeated urinary tract infections;
• Metabolic disorders (hyperparathyroidism, gout);
• Prolonged immobilization;
• Inflammatory bowel diseases or digestive surgery.

Symptom:
Small stones may be asymptomatic and spontaneously passed. In stones that migrate or obstruct the urinary tract, characteristic symptoms occur:

• Severe lower back paincolicky, radiating to the groin or genitals (renal colic);
• Nausea, vomiting;
• Hematuria (blood in the urine);
• Frequent urination or painful;
• Fever and chillsin case of associated infection (septic obstruction).

Diagnosis:

• Urinalysis and uroculture - to identify infection or hematuria;
• Renal ultrasound - useful in detecting larger stones or hydronephrosis;
• Abdominal X-ray or native CT - provides precise information about the location, size and composition of the stones;
• Blood tests - to assess kidney function and metabolic disorders.

Treatment:
Treatment depends on the size, location and composition of the stones, as well as the associated symptoms:

• Hydration and painkillers - for small stones that may pass spontaneously;
• Specific medication - for dissolving certain types of stones (e.g. citrates for uric acid stones);
• Extracorporeal shock wave lithotrition (ESWL) - for fragmenting medium-sized stones;
• Ureteroscopy or percutaneous nephrolithotomy - for large or impacted stones;
• Antibiotic treatmentif there is associated urinary tract infection.

Complications:

• Urinary tract obstruction and hydronephrosis;
• Recurrent urinary tract infections or severe (pyelonephritis);
• Acute or chronic kidney failurein case of bilateral obstruction or recurrence;
• Chronic pain and impact on quality of life.

Prevention:

• Proper hydration - minimum 2-2.5 liters of fluids per day;
• Personalized diet depending on the composition of the stones;
• Reducing salt and animal protein intake;
• Treatment of urinary tract infections;
• Weight control and metabolic diseases.

Conclusion:
Kidney failure is a condition that can be controlled and prevented through the right diagnosis, treatment and lifestyle. Visit urological or nephrological is essential for a full assessment, especially for recurrent episodes or severe symptoms.