Alas, the coral-shaped stone in the kidney can hardly be considered a rarity, since this diagnosis is often recorded in modern urology. This is a serious pathology, which in the absence of treatment is fraught with dangerous consequences. Nevertheless, with timely diagnosis and proper treatment, the outcome for patients is favorable. That is why it is so important to pay attention to the symptoms on time and consult a doctor immediately.
Coral stone in the kidney: photo and description
To begin with, it is worthwhile to figure out what exactly this pathology is. A coral-shaped stone in the kidney is a mineral formation with a completely characteristic external structure. This calculus resembles a piece of coral or a deer horn. The size of the calculus can be different - from a few millimeters to 8 (and sometimes more) centimeters.
According to statistics, the disease is most often diagnosed in people aged 30 to 50 years. By the way, women are more prone to this pathology - the fair sex suffer from the formation of such stones three times more often. It is worth saying that the danger of an ailment lies in the fact that most often it proceeds secretly. Patients do not observe serious disorders, and the symptoms are so blurred (especially in the first stages) that they do not cause suspicion. That is why many people ask for help at the last stage, and a large coral-shaped stone in the kidney is much more difficult to remove.
The main causes of the appearance of stones
In fact, there are many reasons for the development of this pathology. Coral stone in the kidney is formed as a result of a violation of physico-chemical processes in the human body. Risk factors include:
- genetic predisposition;
- disturbances in the work of the cardiovascular system;
- infectious diseases, especially when it comes to lesions of the genitourinary system;
- an increase in the concentration of salts and proteins in the urine, since protein compounds are a building material in the formation of kidney stones;
- disturbances of phosphorus-calcium metabolism.
The first stage of the development of the disease and its symptoms
To begin with, it is worth saying that the disease, as a rule, develops hidden. A coral stone in the kidney can grow very quickly. In some patients, sizes increase by several centimeters over a couple of months or even weeks.
In modern medicine, it is customary to distinguish four phases of the formation and growth of calculi in the kidney. At the first stage of the development of pathology, patients, as a rule, are not aware of the presence of a problem. Coral stone is located within the same pelvis.
Specific symptoms, as a rule, are absent, but a deterioration in overall health can be noted. For example, some people note a decrease in working capacity, fatigue, constant weakness. From time to time, headaches occur. Occasionally, patients have a feeling of chills. Symptoms include dry mouth.
Features of the second stage
At the second stage of development of coral nephrolithiasis, some deterioration is observed. The calculus is located in the pelvis of the extrarenal type, but already grows in two or more calyxes. Symptoms of a general deterioration become more pronounced - chills and headaches appear more often.
In addition, patients begin to notice pain in the lumbar region. The feelings are unpleasant, but they can be tolerated. Soreness then arises, then disappears - many people at this stage do without painkillers.
Symptoms and course of the third phase of the disease
In the third stage, coral stone, which is located in the pelvis of the intrarenal type, already sprouts processes in all the cups. At this stage, as a rule, clinical signs become pronounced. There is aching pain in the lower back, which periodically intensifies, and then completely becomes a constant companion of the patient.
Patients complain of severe weakness, even the slightest physical exertion causes fatigue. There is an increase in body temperature.
What does the fourth stage look like?
At this stage, the entire pelvis-cup system is filled with coral stones. The patient has symptoms of renal colic. Pain in the lower back is almost constant, and discomfort becomes more pronounced.
If untreated, chronic kidney failure develops. The patient suffers from dry mouth and constant thirst, while the amount of urine excreted may decrease. Often, patients develop pyelonephritis.
Unfortunately, many patients seek help from a specialist at the fourth, last stage of the pathology. It is already very difficult to dissolve or remove the coral-shaped stone in the kidney, as well as restore the normal functioning of the excretory system.
Complications of coral stones
If untreated, such a pathology is fraught with complications. In particular, in some patients there is a deterioration in urine excretion, sometimes up to a complete cessation of the natural processes of excretion. Due to incomplete outflow of urine, the likelihood of infectious inflammation in the kidneys and other organs of the genitourinary system increases.
The lack of treatment and the progression of the disease affects the work of the kidneys, which often leads to the development of renal failure. In the worst case, atrophy of the kidney tissue and death of the affected kidney occurs.
Basic diagnostic methods
With this pathology, it is very important to detect a coral stone in the kidney in time, because the treatment in fact largely depends on this. According to statistics, stones in the early stages of development are detected by chance. Among the most informative diagnostic methods, ultrasound examination and a radiograph are distinguished - a specialist can confirm the presence of mineral formations, determine their location and size.
Of course, some additional testing is needed. In particular, patients submit blood and urine samples for analysis. If an infectious disease is suspected, laboratory tests are carried out in order to determine the type of pathogen and its degree of sensitivity to a particular antibacterial agent.
Coral kidney stone: medication
Only a qualified doctor can draw up a treatment regimen, because here everything depends on the stage of development of the disease, the size of the stones and some other factors. How to dissolve coral-shaped kidney stones?
Immediately it is worth saying that drug treatment is effective only if the stones are composed of uric acid. The other chemical composition of calculi is not susceptible to the effects of existing drugs.
Medicines such as Cystenal, Avisan, Olimetin and Uroflux prevent the formation of stones with an increase in the concentration of salts in the body. If during the examination the patient found an increase in uric acid levels, then it is advisable to take allopurinol and benzbromarone. A mandatory part of therapy is the intake of B vitamins. Vitamin E and A have a positive effect on cell membranes. Potassium phosphorus metabolism can be normalized by taking Xidiphon.
Important and symptomatic treatment. For example, at high temperatures, patients are prescribed antipyretic drugs. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic drugs help the patient to get rid of pain. If the formation of stones is associated with an infectious lesion of the tissues of the urinary system, then antibiotics are necessary (in this case, they are guided by the results of laboratory tests to select the drug).
It should immediately be said that the dissolution and elimination of residues of calculi from the body is a long process. Therapy, as a rule, gives a result after 2-3 months from the start of treatment. Accordingly, such a scheme is advisable only in the early stages of the disease and only if the stones increase in size slowly.
Surgery and its features
With the help of conservative medicine, it is not always possible to eliminate coral stones in the kidneys. Operation in some cases is simply necessary. By the way, this is an effective method, as it allows you to quickly clear the renal pelvis and calyx from calculi.
At one time, doctors offered a full abdominal operation. Today, this technique is not applied. Minimally invasive procedures are considered more appropriate today. First, large stones are crushed, and then with the help of a fiber microscope, the doctor removes small parts of calculi. Such an operation requires only a small puncture of the external tissues, and the risk of infection is minimal.
Removal of stones using laser and ultrasound equipment
As already mentioned, in order to extract the stones, they are first crushed into smaller particles. And today, ultrasound and laser equipment are widely used for this purpose. Immediately it is worth saying that, in this case, ultrasound is not very effective for eliminating coral-like stones, despite the fact that it is widely used for crushing and removing other types of kidney stones.
Still, laser therapy is considered the most effective for this pathology. As a rule, the laser is injected through a puncture on the external soft tissues. Through the same puncture, the doctor pulls out particles of calculi. It should be understood that part of the crushed stones leaves the body naturally. In addition, after the removal of formations, it is extremely important to adhere to the correct diet and take drugs to normalize the excretory system.
Diet in the presence of stones and folk remedies
Removing coral stones in the kidneys is not everything. Both during and after therapy, the patient must carefully monitor the diet, because in many respects the work of the excretory system depends on this. The patient, as a rule, is advised to completely exclude semi-finished products, as well as dairy products, from the diet. Do not eat spices and spices, especially salt. Also, patients are advised to abandon alcohol, soda and carbonated drinks, strong tea, cocoa and coffee, giving preference to fresh juices and sour fruit drinks.
People with a similar diagnosis are advised to include fruits and vegetables in their daily diet, including redcurrant, watermelon, pumpkin, and potato (preferably baked). The use of dried apricots and raisins will positively affect the work of the body. You can eat soups, fish and meat dishes, but it’s better to cook them steamed. Naturally, it is important to monitor the water regime, drinking at least two liters of fluid per day.
Can coral- shaped kidney stones be removed at home ? Treatment with folk remedies in this case is possible only as directed by a doctor. In no case can you ignore the symptoms, refuse professional help and rely on self-medication, because this can lead to sad consequences.
In some cases, doctors themselves recommend taking decoctions of medicinal herbs in order to accelerate the process of dissolution of stones and prevent the appearance of new ones. In particular, decoctions of bean inflorescences, rosehip and sunflower roots, and birch leaves are considered useful.