Nephrolithiasis: meaning, definitions and examples

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nephrolithiasis

 

[ˌnɛfrəˌlɪˈθaɪəsɪs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

medical condition

Nephrolithiasis refers to the condition of having kidney stones, which are solid pieces of material that form in the kidneys from substances in the urine. These stones can be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball. Nephrolithiasis can cause severe pain and discomfort, and may require medical intervention for treatment.

Synonyms

kidney stone disease, renal calculi.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
nephrolithiasis

This term is used in medical literature and by healthcare professionals. It is a formal and technical way to refer to kidney stones.

  • The patient was diagnosed with nephrolithiasis after experiencing severe abdominal pain.
  • Nephrolithiasis requires careful management to prevent recurrence.
kidney stone disease

This phrase is suitable for general communication and when talking to patients who may not understand medical jargon. It is a more straightforward way to describe the condition.

  • He had to go to the hospital because of kidney stone disease.
  • Drinking plenty of water can help prevent kidney stone disease.
renal calculi

This term is used in the medical field and may appear in clinical notes and academic papers. It's slightly less common than 'nephrolithiasis' but still technical.

  • The scan revealed multiple renal calculi obstructing the urinary tract.
  • Treatment for renal calculi often involves hydration and medication.

Examples of usage

  • Patients with nephrolithiasis often experience sharp pain in their back or side.
  • The doctor recommended increasing fluid intake to help pass the kidney stones in cases of nephrolithiasis.
Context #2 | Noun

medical treatment

Nephrolithiasis can be treated through various methods, including dietary changes, medications, and surgical procedures. The choice of treatment depends on the size and location of the kidney stones, as well as the patient's overall health. In some cases, a minimally invasive procedure known as lithotripsy may be used to break up the stones using shock waves.

Synonyms

kidney stone treatment, renal stone management.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
nephrolithiasis

This term is typically used in medical or scientific contexts to describe the condition of having kidney stones.

  • The patient was diagnosed with nephrolithiasis after several tests.
  • Nephrolithiasis can cause significant pain and discomfort.
kidney stone treatment

This phrase is commonly used in a more general or informal context when discussing the methods and processes for dealing with kidney stones.

  • She sought advice on kidney stone treatment options.
  • Kidney stone treatment may include medication or surgery.
renal stone management

This term is often used in medical settings to describe the strategies and plans for treating and managing kidney stones.

  • Renal stone management includes both preventative measures and active treatments.
  • The clinic specializes in comprehensive renal stone management.

Examples of usage

  • The urologist recommended a combination of dietary modifications and medication to manage the nephrolithiasis.
  • Surgery may be necessary for cases of nephrolithiasis where the stones are too large to pass naturally.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term comes from Greek roots: 'nephros' meaning kidney and 'lithos' meaning stone, literally translating to 'kidney stone'.
  • In historical texts, the condition has been referred to using various names, evolving with medical understanding over centuries.

Prevalence

  • Recent studies suggest that over 10% of people will experience this condition at some point in their life.
  • It is more common in men than in women, especially between the ages of 30 and 50.
  • Certain geographical regions see higher occurrences, particularly where heat and humidity lead to dehydration.

Medical Insights

  • This condition can lead to serious complications, including urinary tract infections or kidney damage if not treated properly.
  • Treatment options range from drinking plenty of water to more invasive procedures like lithotripsy, which breaks stones into smaller pieces.
  • Dietary changes are often recommended to prevent recurrence, like reducing sodium and oxalate intake.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In some cultures, traditional remedies for stone removal include herbal treatments and special diets believed to dissolve stones naturally.
  • This health condition often features in folk medicine practices emphasizing hydration and diet control.

Science and Research

  • Recent advancements in biotechnology are focused on understanding the crystallization process that forms these stones, aiming for better prevention strategies.
  • Researchers are investigating the role of genetics in susceptibility to this condition, which may lead to personalized treatment plans.

Translations

Translations of the word "nephrolithiasis" in other languages:

🇵🇹 nefrolitíase

🇮🇳 गुर्दे की पथरी

🇩🇪 Nephrolithiasis

🇮🇩 nefrolitiasis

🇺🇦 нефролітіаз

🇵🇱 kamica nerkowa

🇯🇵 腎結石症 (じんけっせきしょう)

🇫🇷 néphrolithiase

🇪🇸 nefrolitiasis

🇹🇷 nefrolitiazis

🇰🇷 신장결석증 (신장결석)

🇸🇦 تحصي الكلى

🇨🇿 nefrolitiáza

🇸🇰 nefrolitiáza

🇨🇳 肾结石 (shèn jiéshí)

🇸🇮 nefrolitiaza

🇮🇸 nýrnasteinar

🇰🇿 бүйрек тастары

🇬🇪 ნეფროლითიაზი

🇦🇿 nefrolitiaz

🇲🇽 nefrolitiasis