Many people are familiar with the situation when a doctor discovers kidney stones. This disease is also called nephrolithiasis. What it is? This is the name of the process of formation of various crystal-like structures in the kidneys. They are different in chemical composition, location, sizes range from a few millimeters to more than 10 centimeters in diameter.
Nephrolithiasis What is it and what are the causes
Stone-like structures can appear in the kidneys, renal pelvis, urinary tract. This process is characterized by the fact that substances that normally should be excreted outside, are retained in the body and crystallize. It is noted that men have kidney nephrolithiasis much more often than women. The formation of stones is affected by the nature of human nutrition. The more he consumes fats, animal proteins, foods with a high acid content, the higher the risk of nephrolithiasis. Also, a low level of urine (increased sweating, a small amount of fluid consumed) can become the cause of the disease. Frequent infections of the genitourinary system, metabolic disorders - these are other factors that contribute to the onset of the disease. Inactive lifestyle, large weight loss can also affect the process of stone formation.
Symptoms
Sometimes the disease proceeds without significant symptoms. However, in most cases, signs of nephrolithiasis such as lower back pain and renal colic can be observed. All of this may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Stool and intestinal gases do not go away, the amount of urine decreases markedly. Nephrolithiasis also has symptoms: every third patient notes the presence of blood in the urine. This is due to damage to the mucosa during the course of the stone. Body temperature is in the range of 37.5 ° C. The disease is also dangerous with its complications. With untimely treatment, inflammatory processes in the kidneys, stagnation of urine, and bleeding are possible. Also, the development of renal failure is not excluded.
Types of stones
Most often, oxalate stones form in the kidneys. They are the hardest formations that can occur due to excessive consumption of vitamin C, with problems with metabolic processes. The appearance is diverse: small, large, smooth, warty. Dimensions sometimes reach a few centimeters. Excess uric acid in the body, impaired purine metabolism - this is the reason that urate nephrolithiasis is diagnosed. About 5% of all kidney stones have a phosphate base. Cystine or xanthine stones are even less common. Kidney nephrolithiasis can also have an infectious nature. Such a diagnosis is more often made to women than to men.
Diagnosis of the disease
If the patient notices signs of urolithiasis, then a visit to the doctor should not be postponed. Nephrolithiasis is quite easily diagnosed. First of all, a urine test is prescribed . As a rule, even in the early stages of the disease, an increase in the number of leukocytes is observed, ESR is also higher than normal. Neoplasms in the kidneys are clearly visible on ultrasound diagnostics, radiographic images. However, it is worth noting that urates do not appear when using x-rays. In most cases, the stones have a heterogeneous composition. Salts of a certain type usually prevail, while others are in the form of impurities. That is why almost all calculi are radiopaque. To clarify the diagnosis may require computed tomography, excretory urography. These methods allow you to see all the functional changes in the organs and choose the most appropriate treatment tactic.
Coral nephrolithiasis. What it is
A special form of urolithiasis is the formation of coral stones. It was found that due to the characteristics of the female body, the fair sex suffers from such a disease much more often. Experts note a number of factors that can lead to the emergence of this type of stones. These include kidney disease (both congenital and acquired), a hot climate, an unbalanced diet, and poor ecology. The possibility of the development of nephrolithiasis during pregnancy is also possible. The reason for this may be hormonal changes. Also, the hereditary factor plays an important role. Some doctors associate this disease with thyroid problems. Symptoms of the manifestation are the following: lower back pain, kidney pain, impaired stool, nausea, the appearance of blood in the urine. Most patients also note increased thirst.
Treatment methods
Small stones leave the body on their own and do not require intervention. The doctor prescribes a set of measures aimed at alleviating the patient's condition. It is recommended to increase the amount of water that a person drinks per day. Light exercise is also shown. Certain medications are also prescribed that relieve swelling, pain syndromes. The method of dissolving the stone is also practiced if urate nephrolithiasis is diagnosed. What is it and how is this process going? Litholytic therapy is prescribed if the stone is still in the kidney. The specialist selects drugs that dissolve the formation. However, it is forbidden to choose a medicine yourself. Indeed, destroying one type of stones, the drug does not affect others and is even able to enhance their growth. Therefore, nephrolithiasis, its treatment requires the consultation of a competent specialist.
Kidney stone crushing
If the stone is large, a crushing technique is used. This process occurs using ultrasound or a laser. The latter is the most effective, since it allows you to break any stones. Crushing can occur remotely, while a shock wave of the required power is generated. Contact grinding is also practiced. A special liquid is simultaneously introduced through a small puncture, thanks to which the crushed stone is immediately washed out. The whole procedure takes about one hour.
Surgery for nephrolithiasis
One way to remove kidney stones is endoscopic. During the intervention, a special instrument is inserted through the urethra or into the incision on the side (depending on the location of the formation). The stone is crushed, then removed using a loop. Operations that require a large incision in the abdominal cavity are performed less and less. Basically, experts choose gentle methods of getting rid of crystalline formations.
Prevention methods
In order to prevent the development of urolithiasis, a number of rules must be observed. It is very important to observe a competent drinking regimen. The amount of fluid that a person consumes should be at least 1.5 liters. In addition, special attention must be paid to its quality. If your house has hard water, then you can not do without quality filters. Mineral waters should not be abused, as they can provoke this disease. Proper nutrition can also protect against nephrolithiasis. If urate is detected, it is necessary to limit the amount of meat and offal. It is worth abandoning the use of smoked meats. Oxalate stones impose their limitations. Food that contains oxalic acid is prohibited. Sorrel, spinach, beans, citrus fruits, strawberries - this is an incomplete list of products that can aggravate the situation. Phosphorus-carbonate formations require the exclusion of products containing a large amount of calcium.
The basic principles of a diet for urolithiasis
Nephrolithiasis (bilateral or unilateral) makes its adjustments in the patient menu. In addition to the diet and drinking, there are other points that are worth paying attention to. Experts recommend limiting the use of salt. It is also worth minimizing alcohol, especially of dubious quality. Particular care must be taken to vitamin C, because it is its excess that can provoke kidney nephrolithiasis. The treatment of many colds is accompanied by an abundant intake of foods rich in this vitamin. Therefore, people prone to the formation of stones should not exceed the daily norm (1 gram). In the watermelon season, you can enjoy this berry in plenty. It cleans the kidneys well, helps to remove sand and small stones. It is recommended to exclude canned vegetables, juices. It is better to eat fresh vegetables and fruits, as well as cook fresh.