Treatment And Medication Options For Kidney Stones
You may not always need treatment for a kidney stone. A small stone can pass through the urinary tract without intervention. But larger stones can block the ureter and cause pain and other symptoms.
Kidney stone pain can be severe at first and may require carefully administered narcotics for relief, says Ralph V. Clayman, MD, a professor in the department of urology at the University of California in Irvine. Subsequent pain can often be managed using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication, he says.
Drinking a lot of water can help to pass the stone. In addition, doctors may prescribe tamsulosin, which is a medication that relaxes the muscles of the ureter, helping the stone pass, says Dr. Lesser.
If a stone is too big to pass or a patient has an intolerable amount of pain, doctors may intervene with procedures that either break up or remove the stones, says Lesser.
These procedures include:
Kidney stones call for conventional medical care, so dont try to treat kidney stones with alternative therapies.
Antibiotics continue to be the number one go-to treatment for urinary tract infections.
Quit Chewing Tobacco Today
Whatever the excuses you were using so far that chewing tobacco is safer than smoking, or that you, at least, wont get lung cancer its time to stop using them and to commit firmly to quitting. As you can see, chewing tobacco is not what its cracked up to be and carries a lot of health risks. There are a lot of sites out there with great information on how to kick that habit generally, if you follow the advice for smoking cessation, theres a good chance you will be able to get rid of tobacco chewing as well.
Of course, you could always try vaping to substitute for chewing tobacco nicotine intake. Are there any vapers here whove managed to get rid of their chewing habit with electronic cigarettes? Please share your experience with us, Im sure struggling chewers would be grateful!
Does Chewing Tobacco Cause High Blood Pressure
The reason why I wanted to take a closer separate look at whether or not chewing tobacco causes high blood pressure is simple high blood pressure is a very silent and sneaky killer.
Hypertension causes numerous health problems, with some being:
- Increased risk of stroke and mini-stroke
- Increased risk of heart attack
- Damage to the arteries
- Increased chances for an aneurysm
- Enlarged left heart
- Can cause kidney scarring and kidney failure
- Has been linked to early onset dementia
Are you putting yourself at risk if you use chewing tobacco?
The answer is somewhat complicated. Some experimental trials have found that chewing tobacco will cause an acute elevation of systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and pulse.
These studies are backed by a recent one done by a Mayo Clinic cardiologist, Dr.Virend Somers. This particular study followed 16 young men and measured their responses 30 minutes after using snuff. The results showed an increased heart rate , a rise in systolic blood pressure , and an increase in bloodstream adrenaline .
Up until recently, these effects were attributed to nicotine, which is logical considering that its a vasoconstrictor. However, new studies are producing some curious results, namely that pure nicotine actually lowers blood pressure. Further studies will be needed to determine the truth is nicotine responsible for high blood pressure or are other chemicals and compounds in chewing tobacco and cigarettes to be blamed?
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Smoking And Chronic Kidney Disease
For many decades, the U.S. Surgeon General has warned Americans about the ill effects from smoking. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, smoking harms nearly every organ of the body. Therefore, it is not surprising to learn that smoking also plays a role in the progression of chronic kidney disease . The first study that showed the connection between smoking and kidney disease was done in 1978. Since then many studies have supported this finding.
According to the Multiple Risk Factor Intervention Trial , smoking is one of the leading risk factors that can lead to end stage renal disease .
How smoking can harm kidneys
Here are some of the possible ways smoking is thought to harm kidneys:
- Increases blood pressure and heart rate
- Reduces blood flow in the kidneys
- Increases production of angiotensin II
- Narrows the blood vessels in the kidneys
- Damages arterioles
- Forms arteriosclerosis of the renal arteries
- Accelerates loss of kidney function
In addition to tobacco, smoking allows other toxins into the body. And according to the American Association of Kidney Patients , studies have shown that smoking is harmful for the kidneys, and can cause kidney disease to progress and increases the risk for proteinuria .
Diabetes, high blood pressure and chronic kidney disease
Heart disease and smoking
For people with kidney disease who smoke, stopping may be the one most important thing they can do to slow the progression of both kidney and heart failure.
When Life Hands You Kidney Stones
And as the saying goes, “make lemonade.” It’s important to consider dietary remedies alongside prescription medications.
Next time you drive past a lemonade stand, consider your kidneys. Chronic kidney stones are often treated with an alkali citrate, such as potassium citrate to help prevent certain stones, if urine citrate is low and urine pH levels are too low . Citrus juices do contain citrate , but large amounts might be needed. Also, be careful of sugar. Lemon juice concentrate mixed with water can be considered. Alkali citrate can be prescribed and is available over-the-counter. Alkali citrate can be given with a mineral, such as sodium, potassium or magnesium to help prevent stone formation. The aim is to increase urine citrate and increase urine pH . The goal is to keep pH in balance. Speak with a doctor or other healthcare professional about which treatment options are right for you, including over-the-counter products and home remedies. People with kidney disease may need to watch their intake of sodium, potassium or other minerals, depending on the stage of kidney disease or other factors.
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Calcium Is Not The Enemy
But it tends to get a bad rap! Most likely due to its name and composition, many are under the impression that calcium is the main culprit in calcium-oxalate stones. “I still see patients who wonder why they are getting recurring stones despite cutting down on their calcium intake,” said Dr. Jhagroo. “I’ve even had patients say that their doctors told them to reduce their calcium intake.” A diet low in calcium actually increases one’s risk of developing kidney stones.
Don’t reduce the calcium. Work to cut back on the sodium in your diet and to pair calcium-rich foods with oxalate-rich foods.
Chewing Tobacco And Diabetes: Learn Why The Two Do Not Mix
Something everyone concerned with their health should know is that chewing tobacco and diabetes do not mix. This is because chewing tobacco makes diabetes worse than it already is. Most people are not inclined to quit chewing tobacco if they are already doing so. Hopefully, this article will convince at least some people how this substance aggravates nearly all of the complications of diabetes.
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History Of Chewing Tobacco
Chewing tobacco has a long and interesting history that dates back to the Native peoples of the Americas. They would chew the bitter leaves of the tobacco plant, often unprocessed and unrefined, to extract nicotine. Whether it was feeding an addiction or a religious practice, its difficult to say. Native Americans did use smoking in religious ceremonies, but we cant really link chewing tobacco with that.
Chewing tobacco spread worldwide with the arrival of the first colonists. They refined the process because they didnt like the taste of raw tobacco leaves. Their tobacco was smoke-dried and spices and sugar were added to it to make it more palatable. The recipe has remained pretty much the same since then, with different manufacturers adding their own proprietary twists.
Quickly after that, the chewing practice spread across the world. Soldiers, sports players , dignitaries well, we can say that they are partly to blame for popularizing it. Today, its known by many names, such as chaw, daps, dip, chew, and others.
In recent years, weve been seeing a rise in the use of snuff tobacco as well. While not chewing tobacco, it falls under the broad umbrella of smokeless tobacco. Snuff is basically finely ground tobacco leaf that the users inhale, or snuff, through their nose.
Chronic Smokeless Tobacco Consumption Contributes To The Development Of Renal Diseases In The Human Male Volunteers
S Fareeda Begum, G Nagajothi, K Swarnalatha, C Suresh Kumar, Narendra Maddu
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Citation: Begum SF, Nagajothi G, Swarnalatha K. Chronic smokeless tobacco consumption contributes to the development of renal diseases in the human male volunteers. J Anal Pharm Res. 2018 7:652-662. DOI: 10.15406/japlr.2018.07.00297
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Don’t Underestimate Your Sweat
Saunas, hot yoga and heavy exercise may be good for your health, but they also may lead to kidney stones. Why? Loss of water through sweating – whether due to these activities or just the heat of summerleads to less urine production. The more you sweat, the less you urinate, which allows for stone-causing minerals to settle and bond in the kidneys and urinary tract.
One of the best measures you can take to avoid kidney stones is to drink plenty of water, leading you to urinate a lot. So, be sure to keep well hydrated, especially when engaging in exercise or activities that cause a lot of sweating.
Are You Ready To Quit Smokeless Tobacco
Are you thinking you might be ready to quit smokeless tobacco? Great- that is the first step to success! What are your personal motivations to quit? Write them down and refer to them when things get tough. Quitting is not easy, but you are not alone- many people want to quit, and many are successful. Surveys show that most people who use snuff or chew would like to quit. Find a community or a buddy that has been successful to be your support person to call when needed.
There are several reasons why quitting is important. First and most importantly, quitting will improve your health and lower your chances of developing a tobacco-related cancer or heart disease. Your risk of these diseases decreases the longer you dont use smokeless tobacco. A tobacco habit is costly, and by quitting you will have extra money to put towards other things. Mouth sores will heal soon after quitting, and you will be rid of bad breath and stained teeth. The stains from tobacco juice on your clothes and in your car will be a thing of the past. Additionally, you will be setting a good example for those around you, especially if you have children in your life.
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Another Danger For Smokers: Kidney Disease
Oct. 16, 2000 — Doctors have known for a while now that smoking may increase the risk of kidney disease in people with diabetes. Now, a study shows that smoking may lead to potentially dangerous changes in kidney function even in otherwise healthy people.
For the study, which appears in the Annals of Internal Medicine, a group of researchers from the Netherlands studied urine and blood samples from more than 7,000 people ages 28 to 75. The participants were divided into three groups: nonsmokers, current smokers, and former smokers .
Compared with nonsmokers, the current and former smokers had higher levels in their urine of a substance called albumin, and their bodies were slower to excrete another substance called creatinine. Higher albumin in urine and delayed creatinine excretion are early signs of abnormal kidney function, but since these conditions don’t usually cause symptoms, most people don’t know they may be starting to have kidney problems.
Other studies have shown that people with diabetes have similar changes in their kidney function if they smoke, but the study authors say their research is the first to demonstrate that smoking can have bad effects on your kidneys even if you have no other diseases. They suggest that certain toxic substances in tobacco smoke may be to blame.
The study, he says, is yet another warning to smokers that continuing their habit is hazardous to their health.
The Effects Of Chewing Tobacco On Diabetes
Tobacco raises blood sugar levels, making your diabetes harder to manage. This is because tobacco products interfere with your bodyâs ability to use insulin. Chewing tobacco is especially dangerous because it is high in sugar.
Diabetics often have problems with their eyes. High blood sugar levels cause retinopathy, a condition where tiny blood vessels in the eyes become blocked, weakening the eye. Tobacco products make this condition worse, leaving you with less healthy eyes.
Chewing tobacco and diabetes make a poor combination when it comes to teeth and gums. Diabetics, especially, need to keep their teeth and gums healthy because they are at a higher risk of getting infections, gum disease and plaque buildup. However, chewing tobacco only makes the situation worse, putting patients at a higher risk of getting these conditions.
Chewing tobacco also accentuates nerve damage that occurs as a result of diabetes. This is because tobacco products keep oxygen and nutrients from traveling to nerves by damaging vital blood vessels. Numbness and pain are common symptoms that occur as a result of this. In addition, males may experience a loss of sensation in their genitals from a combination of chewing tobacco and diabetes related nerve damage.
Chewing tobacco is also bad for your kidneys. This is true whether your are diabetic or not. However, in people who are diabetic and take ACE inhibitors to preserve kidney function, chewing tobacco may counteract the ACE inhibitor.
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Smokeless Tobacco And Health Risks
Smokeless tobacco products are known by many names, including: dip, chew, spit, oral and spitless tobacco, and dry and moist snuff . Smokeless tobacco is not a safe alternative to cigarettes.
The facts about smokeless tobacco:
- It is just as addictive as cigarette smoking.
- One can of snuff contains the same amount of nicotine as 4 packs of cigarettes.
- Dipping 8 to 10 times a day introduces as much nicotine into the body as smoking 30-40 cigarettes.
- The amount of nicotine in the bloodstream after using smokeless tobacco may be higher than that of a cigarette smoker because nicotine is easily and quickly absorbed through the lining of the mouth.
- Nicotine stays in the bloodstream longer with smokeless tobacco than with cigarettes.
Oral tobacco contains at least 28 chemicals known to cause cancer . The most harmful of these are tobacco-specific nitrosamines, which are known to cause lung cancer. The juice from smokeless tobacco causes sores and white patches in the mouth that can lead to cancer. People who use smokeless tobacco have a higher risk of cancers of the mouth, throat , esophagus , stomach, and pancreas. Other effects of using spit tobacco include chronic bad breath, stained teeth and fillings, gum disease, tooth decay, and loss, and break-down of bone in the jaw. Studies show that users of smokeless tobacco also have an increased risk of heart disease, heart attacks, and stroke.
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Cure For Renal Stone And Foods To Avoid
The Effects Of Nicotine On Kidneys
Nicotine can cause many health problems. It can temporarily raise blood pressure and heart rate because it causes blood vessels to narrow. Nicotine can also make the blood more likely to clot and block an artery, and it can cause damage to the lungs and make breathing difficult. Nicotine in the body is first processed by the liver and then excreted by the kidneys. Over time nicotine can have negative effects on the kidneys.
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Why Is It So Hard To Quit
It’s just as hard to quit smokeless tobacco as it is to quit smoking. Quitting tobacco is hard because your body craves the nicotine. Giving it up is more than just kicking a bad habit. Your body has to stop the cravings. That’s why you may feel grouchy or restless or have a hard time concentrating for the first 2 to 3 weeks after you quit. For some people, these feelings can last several weeks. Nicotine gum, lozenges, patches, and other medicines can help reduce the cravings.
But it’s not just the nicotine that makes it hard to quit. It’s the habit of using smokeless tobacco. It’s part of your daily routine. You enjoy it. You may use it to deal with stress. And when you quit, you have to give all that up .
Quitting chew or snuff isn’t easy, but you can do it. Just thinking about quitting is the first step.