Kidney Stones: Diagnosis and Risk Factors (Part 1): Dr. Kymora Scotland

In this video, Dr. Kymora Scotland MD, PhD discusses the following:

● A kidney stone is a collection of minerals and crystals, formed over time, from the urine.
● There are five main types: Calcium-based—the most common—calcium oxide and calcium phosphate, uric acid, cystine, struvite and a mix of others that are rare.
● Uric acid stones typically affect those suffering diabetes or obesity, or who have a diet high in meat products.
● Conversely, cystine stones are genetic and are typically formed in patients of a young age through no fault of their own.
● Struvite stones—also known as infectious stones—are formed from bacteria.
● Calcium-based stones—the most common—can form due to diet or dehydration.
● Stone sizes can range from a pinpoint size—known as a punctate—to a 5-6 cm stone which almost fills the entire kidney.
● Stones may stay in the kidney for years or they may fall out into the ureter—the tube connecting the kidney to the bladder. This can cause extreme pain.
● Bladder stones are similar in make-up to kidney stones. They form when there is an obstruction preventing the bladder from adequately draining.
● Bladder stones can become infected due to bacteria build up. That infection can cause a UTI.
● About 12% of people globally develop kidney stones.
● Dehydration is the most common cause of kidney stones so those experiencing conditions which dehydrate them—such as diabetes, Crohn’s and IBD—are more susceptible.
● Diet can also be a factor as oxalates found in healthy foods can trigger stone production in some people. But oxalates can also be formed by the body so diet may not be the cause. This is why care and treatment must be individualized.
● Only uric acid stones are affected by pH. They can be dissolved by medication which alkalizes the urine.
● There may be a connection with antibiotic use and kidney stone formation but the research is in its infancy.
● In patients with struvite stones, if they are experiencing recurrent UTI, the stones need to be treated first as, in many cases, this will reduce UTI symptoms.
● Stones are best diagnosed via CAT scan not ultrasound.
● If a stone is blocking the ureter, urine can swell the kidney, known as hydronephrosis.
● Other symptoms of passing a kidney stone can include nausea, vomiting, chills and fever. Anyone experiencing these should immediately visit their ER to avoid life-threatening sepsis.
● In some cases, the sensation of passing a kidney stone can be mistaken for UTI symptoms. So, recurrent UTI sufferers should have a CAT scan to rule out kidney stones.
● Stones should be analyzed to understand what type of stone it is, establish the cause, and develop preventive measures.

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Check out the playlist for the entire interview:    • Dr. Kymora Scotland  

Learn more about Probiotics, Kidney Stones & Immune System from Dr. Thomas-White here:    • Probiotics, Kidney Stones & Immune Sy...  

Learn about UTI and Diet: Recovery Diet and Supplements from Beverley Sarstedt here:    • UTI and Diet: Recovery Diet and Suppl...  

Read about UTI Science from Dr. Thomas-White here: https://liveutifree.com/dr-thomas-white/

If you are a clinician, you can learn about joining our clinician referral network here: https://liveutifree.com/clinicians/

About Dr. Kymora Scotland:
Dr. Scotland is an Assistant Professor and Chief of Endourology Research at UCLA. She earned her medical degree from Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University and her doctorate at the Tri-Institutional Cornell/Rockefeller/Sloan Kettering MD-PhD Program. She then completed her urology residency at Thomas Jefferson University and an endourology fellowship at the University of British Columbia. Dr. Scotland has a particular interest in genitourinary infection with several publications in this area. She has recently edited the book “The Role of Bacteria in Urology” (2nd Ed., 2019) and is the Vice-President of the Society for Infection and Inflammation in Urology.

About Live UTI Free
Live UTI Free is a patient advocacy and research organization. We do not endorse specific treatment approaches, clinicians or diagnostics methods. The content of this video does not provide medical advice. It is intended for informational purposes only. The medical and/or nutritional information is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen. https://liveutifree.com/

Post-production: Melissa Wairimu   / kreativlee_