Urinary calculi
Urinary calculi, also known as urinary tract stones, are solid concretions (crystal aggregations) formed in the urinary tract, typically from dietary minerals in the urine. They are a common cause of hematuria (blood in the urine) and often cause severe pain in the abdomen, lower back, or groin.
Causes[edit | edit source]
Urinary calculi are typically formed from the following substances: calcium, oxalate, urate, cystine, xanthine, and phosphate. The exact cause of urinary calculi can vary, but common causes include:
- Dehydration: Insufficient fluid intake can lead to concentrated urine, which promotes the formation of urinary calculi.
- Diet: A diet high in protein, sodium, and sugar can increase the risk of certain types of urinary calculi.
- Obesity: High body mass index (BMI), large waist size and weight gain are associated with an increased risk of urinary calculi.
- Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions such as renal tubular acidosis, cystinuria, hyperparathyroidism, and certain urinary tract infections can increase the risk of urinary calculi.
Symptoms[edit | edit source]
Symptoms of urinary calculi can vary depending on the size and location of the stone. Common symptoms include:
- Severe pain in the side and back, below the ribs
- Pain that radiates to the lower abdomen and groin
- Painful urination
- Pink, red or brown urine
- Nausea and vomiting
- Persistent need to urinate
Treatment[edit | edit source]
Treatment for urinary calculi depends on the size and location of the stone, as well as the patient's overall health. Treatment options include:
- Medication: Certain medications can help control the amount of minerals and acid in the urine, which can help prevent stones from forming.
- Lithotripsy: This procedure uses sound waves to break up large stones so they can pass through the urinary system.
- Ureteroscopy: This procedure involves inserting a thin tube into the ureter to locate and remove the stone.
- Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be required to remove the stone.
Prevention[edit | edit source]
Prevention of urinary calculi involves lifestyle and dietary changes, including:
- Drinking plenty of fluids: This can help dilute the substances that lead to stone formation.
- Reducing sodium intake: A diet high in sodium can increase the risk of stone formation by increasing the amount of calcium the kidneys must filter.
- Limiting animal protein: Eating too much animal protein can increase the levels of uric acid and decrease the amount of citrate in the urine, both of which can lead to stone formation.
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Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD