Kidney Stone Myths

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (Ivanhoe Broadcast News) -- Many people who have had kidney stones say it’s the worst pain they’ve ever experienced, but who’s at risk? Here’s the truth about kidney stones.

Urologist Culley Carson, M.D., has removed some giant kidney stones in his time -- stones that took major surgery to take them out. But kidney stones aren't always this large. In fact, about 80 percent of stones are less than a quarter-inch wide and will usually pass on their own. Sharon Presnell nearly passed out from a stone she passed. “It was the worst pain I’ve ever experienced,” she tells Ivanhoe.

Presnell shatters a common kidney stone myth, that only men get them. While men have a slight edge, the numbers are almost even. Myth number two is that they’re rare.

“Kidney stones are very common. In fact, one patient in 50 will have a kidney stone each year,” Dr. Carson, of University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, tells Ivanhoe.

Another myth is that kidney stones cannot kill you. But Dr. Carson says you absolutely can die from a kidney stone. Still, death is extremely rare. Another myth is that calcium is the main culprit. It’s not, but excessive oxalate is a factor. It’s found in dark green leafy vegetables, iced tea and beer. Too much protein can also promote stones, while lemonade can actually prevent them.

Dr. Carson says, “The best way to eliminate or avoid kidney stones is to drink large amounts of water.”

Presnell follows that advice. “Oh yes,” she says, “I’m very fastidious about that. I don’t need to have that experience again.” Since kidney stones run in her family, Presnell watches her diet too. Small steps she’s willing to take to avoid another stone.

More than 1 million people a year get kidney stones, and the numbers are growing. Some doctors say one reason could be due to the high protein diets like Atkins that are popular right now.

This article was reported by Ivanhoe.com, who offers Medical Alerts by e-mail every day of the week. To subscribe, go to: http://www.ivanhoe.com/newsalert/.

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