Nephrolithiasis

Nephrolithiasis

Nephrolithiasis is a kidney disorder that mostly affects an individual’s urinary tract. It is caused by kidney stones that obstruct the urine tract. Little deposits of phosphate, calcium, and other dietary components in the body generate this type of stone. Genetic susceptibility, bowel illnesses, renal tubule abnormalities, and, in some cases, ileal bypass surgery for obesity are all risk factors for nephrolithiasis. Further risk factors for Nephrolithiasis include resulting nephrocalcinosis and tubular acidosis (Smith, 2016).

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Kidney stones form as a result of the accumulation and concentration of chemicals in the urine. Urine’s accumulated chemicals form complicated crystals. They are eventually fashioned into stones. As a result, kidney stones form. Symptoms of nephrolithiasis include back pains, nausea, vomiting fever, urinary frequency, chill as well as abnormal urine color or smell. It is diagnosed by urinary tests. Detection of urinary stones leads to X-ray of the abdomen to detect if there are more stones. Treatment includes the relief of the symptoms by use of painkillers. Depending on the type of stones, diuretics, allopurinol, and phosphate solutions can be used for treatment (Smith, 2016).

Pyelonephritis

Pyelonephritis, on the other hand, is a type of urinary tract infection that affects both the kidneys. It starts from the urethra all the way to the kidneys. It is caused by bacterial infection, specifically by Escherichia coli. Nutrition and diet can be a risk factor predisposing one to pyelonephritis. The symptoms of pyelonephritis include confusion, hallucinations and lethargy, fever, vomiting, pack pains, chills, foul smelling urine, and blood in it. It is treated after urine analysis in the laboratory. Antibiotics are primary administrations to offset the condition and clearing the bacteria responsible for pyelonephritis (Lajiness & Quallich, 2016).

References

Lajiness, M., & Quallich, S. (2016). The Nurse Practitioner in Urology. Cham: Springer International Publishing.

Smith, L. H. (July 06, 2016). Nephrolithiasis. Postgraduate Medicine, 52(3), 165-170.