Renal stones/calculi are also known as "Pathri" in Unani System because of their contour. Stones are usually found in the kidneys, ureters or urinary bladder. CAUSES Food habits and hereditary factors are considered to be the causes. Decreased water consumption, excessive intake of nonvegetarian food and alcohol may also encourage stone formation. Patients with sedentary lifestyle are also prone to renal calculi. SYMPTOMS The most prominent symptom of renal calculi is pain which gets aggravated with movement. Pain originates from the back and radiates downwards and towards the front. If the stone damages the kidney, ureters, bladder or the urethra, bleeding may occur and will appear in the urine. Severe pain may be experienced if the stone gets impacted in the urinary tract. There will be difficulty in passing urine. According to Avicenna, the Arab physician, if there is pain felt in t...
