Kidney stone what symptoms do. Kidney stone: the first symptoms

Kidney stones are one of the most common forms of manifestation of urolithiasis, in which salt stones, actually stones, are formed in the kidneys. Kidney stones, the symptoms of which are manifested in the form of attacks of renal colic, pyuria (pus in the urine), hematuria (blood in the urine) and back pain, can be eliminated both by means of conservative therapy, the effect of which allows them to dissolve, and by surgical impact, in which the stones are removed by an operative method.

general description

Kidney stones are the result of rather complex physicochemical processes, in short, the essence of their appearance can be defined so that they are based on the gradual crystallization of salts in the urine and their subsequent precipitation. The sizes of kidney stones can be very different, ranging from a few millimeters, which defines them as sand in the kidneys, up to ten centimeters. The shape may also differ, the traditional options denote flat kidney stones, angular or rounded, although there are also so-called "special" types of stones, which we will dwell on in more detail below. The mass of a stone can reach a weight of one kilogram.

On average, urolithiasis (as a general definition for diseases in which stones form in the urinary system) is diagnosed in the adult population of about 0.5-5.3% (depending on the specific territorial location and some other factors). Among all diseases that generally affect the genitourinary tract, urolithiasis is detected in 1/3 of cases.

Kidney stones in men are detected almost three times more often than kidney stones in women. Nevertheless, it is in the latter that stones are most often formed in a particularly complex shape, in which stones cover the entire area of the calyx-pelvic system in the kidney, such a pathology has a specific definition - coral nephrolithiasis.

As for age-related predisposition, kidney stones are detected in patients of any age, therefore kidney stones in children are not a rare diagnosis, as, in fact, kidney stones in adults. In children, however, stones appear less often, mainly this is a disease of people of working age - patients from 20 to 60 years old. Basically, urolithiasis and kidney stones in particular, manifests itself in a severe and persistent form of the course, often the condition of patients is exacerbated.

Basically, one kidney is subject to damage, although statistics indicate that, on average, in 15-30% of cases, stones are formed simultaneously in both kidneys, which determines such a pathology as bilateral urolithiasis. Stones can be both single and multiple, and in the latter version, their number in total can even reach 5000.

Kidney stones: causes

There is currently no single reason that would explain the appearance of urolithiasis and kidney stones in particular, but this, as with other diseases, does not exclude the possibility of isolating predisposing factors for the development of this type of pathology.

As the main mechanism provoking the development of the disease, it is possible to designate congenital. Its essence lies in the fact that with an initially insignificant disturbance in metabolic processes, insoluble salts begin to form, and it is they, as is clear, that become the basis for the subsequent formation of stones. The chemical structure of stones may differ, however, with the relevance of a congenital predisposition to the development of urolithiasis and kidney stones, these diseases can develop even in the absence of predisposing factors in the form of specific bases that form stones. We will talk about such bases that make up the stones in the section on the types of stones below.

There are certain metabolic disorders that contribute to the formation of kidney stones (urinary stones), these include the following:

an increased level of uric acid in the blood - hyperuricemia;
an increased level of uric acid in the urine - hyperuricuria;
an increased level of phosphate salts in the urine - hyperphosphaturia;
an increased level of calcium salts in the urine - hypercalciuria;
increased levels of oxalate salts in the urine.

The listed shifts in metabolic processes are attributed by many authors to the impact of exogenous factors (i.e. factors influencing from the external environment), however, the impact of endogenous factors (the internal environment of the body) is not excluded, in frequent cases both types of factors are related.

Let's highlight exogenous factors, provoking the development of urolithiasis:

features of climatic conditions;
features of drinking and nutritional regimes;
features of the soil (its geological structure);
features of flora, chemical composition of water;
features of living conditions (sedentary lifestyle, monotony in it);
peculiarities of working conditions (for example, work in hot workshops, hazardous production, hard physical labor).

Let us single out the separately indicated factor related to food and drink regimes. In particular, they mean the calorie content of food consumed, an excessive amount in the diet of food saturated with ascorbic and oxalic acids, calcium, salts, protein. This also includes a deficiency in the body of vitamins A and B.

TO endogenous causes the development of urolithiasis and kidney stones include the following:

hereditary predisposition;
hyperactivity of certain enzymes in the body, their lack or absence;
infectious diseases of the urinary tract;
infectious diseases of the general type (furunculosis, salpingo-oophoritis, osteomyelitis, tonsillitis, etc.);
liver diseases, diseases of the biliary tract and gastrointestinal tract;
transfer of diseases or severe injuries that cause a long period of immobilization (bed rest, limited mobility).

An indisputable role is assigned to local-scale changes affecting the urinary tract, which may be associated with actual developmental abnormalities and other features that disrupt their functionality.

Kidney stones: types of stones, features of the process of their formation

Going into the particular process of stone formation, which, as already noted, is based on complex physicochemical processes, it can be distinguished that this is accompanied by the development of disorders in the colloidal balance, as well as pathological changes affecting the renal parenchyma (outer surface of the kidneys).

The combination of a certain type of conditions leads to the fact that a group of molecules begins to transform into an elementary cell. Such a cell is called a micelle, and it is she who later becomes the nucleus for the subsequent formation of calculus. Fibrin filaments, foreign bodies in urine, cellular detritus, and amorphous sediments act as the material due to which this nucleus subsequently grows. The process of stone formation is directly determined by the degree of the ratio and concentration of salts in the urine, as well as the degree of pH in it, the quantitative and qualitative composition of urinary colloids.

Basically, the process of stone formation affects the renal papillae. Initially, microliths are formed in the collecting tubules, but most of them are not retained in the kidneys, because they are naturally washed out in urine. However, if chemical properties change in urine under the influence of certain factors, for example, the pH level shifts, etc., then this leads to the activation of crystallization processes. Because of them, microliths in the tubules begin to linger, which, in turn, is accompanied by their incrustation into the papillae. In the future, the stone can either grow in the kidney or go down to the urinary tract.

Depending on the characteristics of the chemical composition of stones, their types are distinguished. So, kidney stones can be cystine, phosphate, oxalate, protein, xanthine, carbonate, cholesterol, urate.

Cystine stones basically contain sulfur compounds of the cystine amino acid. Such stones have a soft consistency, they have a round shape and a smooth surface, the color is yellow-white.

Phosphate stones basically contain calcium salts, which are part of phosphoric acid. Such stones have a soft consistency, the surface is either somewhat rough or smooth, they are easily crushed, the color is grayish-white. The formation of such stones is caused by the alkaline composition of urine, their growth occurs quite rapidly, especially if there is a concomitant infection - pyelonephritis.

Oxalate stones basically contain calcium salts, which are part of oxalic acid. Oxylate stones have a dense structure, an uneven and, one might say, prickly surface. The formation of such stones is accompanied by an alkaline or acidic urine reaction.

Protein stones are formed mainly due to fibrin, salts and admixture of bacteria. Kidney stones are flat and soft, small in size, and white in color.

Carbonate stones are formed due to the precipitation of calcium salts in the composition of carbonate acid. Such stones can have different shapes, they are soft and smooth, the color is light.

Cholesterol stones are formed in the kidneys quite rarely, the basis of their composition is cholesterol. By consistency, such stones are soft, easily crushed, the color is black.

Urate stones are formed due to the crystals of salts that make up the uric acid. In structure, they are quite dense, their surface is either pinpoint or smooth. An acidic reaction in the urine leads to the formation of such stones.

A mixed composition of kidney stones, in contrast to the considered variants of the homogeneous type, are formed infrequently (as a variant of such stones - coral stones (coral nephrolithiasis)).

Kidney stones: symptoms

As we have already noted, kidney stones in each case differ in shape, size and composition. Some stones are comparable in size to sand, which, in fact, defines them as sand in the kidneys, the presence of such stones is not felt, while other stones, on the contrary, can have significant sizes, reaching a diameter of about 5 centimeters or more, which is manifested in the corresponding inconveniences and symptoms. In most cases, the person does not suspect the presence of the disease, and this lasts until the stones begin to change their position, moving along the urinary tract. Already in this case, even if the stone is small, the pain accompanying a change in its position becomes very strong.

There are certain signs that indicate kidney stones, identifying them in the early stages allows you to start treatment at a more effective stage for this. Consider the features of the main manifestations accompanying the disease of interest to us.

Back pain

The pain is dull in nature, with a gradual progression of the disease, it becomes exhausting. Such pain can manifest itself both on one side and on both sides. As a sign that allows you to distinguish pain in urolithiasis, it can be distinguished that pain increases when the position of the body changes from one to another, as well as during physical exertion.

Spreading pain to neighboring organs

A change in pain is noted when the stone, leaving the kidney, enters the ureter. In this case, the localization of pain is noted in the groin, in the genitals and, in general, in the lower abdomen. This pain is explained by the fact that the effect of the muscle walls is so intense when the stone is pushed outward that the stone, in the process of forcibly pushing it out with its own sharp angles, injures the walls, due to which the pain sensations are supplemented by the indicated localization areas.

Renal colic (attacks)

Attacks of renal colic - a companion of urolithiasis with kidney stones. It is characterized by the appearance of a very strong cramping soreness, noted from the side of the lower back. This pain, then subsiding, then appearing again, can last for a period of several days. The appearance of pain is caused by the fact that the peristalsis of the urinary tract increases, which is accompanied by their spasm. The reason that provoked this phenomenon is the blockage of the ureter with a stone. Among the factors that can cause an attack of renal colic, one can single out prolonged walking, various types of physical activity (including lifting weights), riding with shaking, etc.

Initially, the pain appears from the lower back, just under the ribs, and then gradually spreads to the lateral abdomen and to the groin area. The spread of pain in men with renal colic is often accompanied by its localization in the testicles and in the penis, while renal colic in women is accompanied by the appearance of such a symptom as pain in the labia.

An attack of renal colic is accompanied by the fact that a person cannot find a comfortable position for himself, he can walk from corner to corner. The isolation of such a feature of pain is not accidental - such its specificity makes it possible to exclude an error in determining the patient's condition, which, when similar pains appear, can be confused, for example, with appendicitis, in which, on the contrary, there is a tendency to occupy a motionless position. In frequent cases, an attack of renal colic is complemented by symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, sweating, fever, bloating, pain and increased urination. The completion of renal colic is the completion of the pathological process itself, in which the stone reaches the bladder.

The considered picture of colic characterizes the manifestation of the disease with small stones. If the stones have a larger size, due to which they clog the renal pelvis, then in this case the colic attacks have a slightly different specifics. In this case, the pain sensations are manifested in a weak form, painful and dull in nature, it concentrates, again, in the lumbar region.

The duration of the attack is about several hours, although such a picture of its manifestation is also possible, in which there are breaks that lengthen the attack for up to a day. The frequency of occurrence of an attack in this case can be either several times a month or once a period of several years. The end of an attack is often accompanied by the appearance of sand or small stones in the urine, the urine itself is excreted with blood (which is caused by a stone damage to the walls of the urinary tract).

Increased urination

Kidney stone disease is accompanied by the appearance of a difference in terms of urination in comparison with its features in a healthy person, in particular, as the name of the item implies, we are talking about the frequency of its manifestation. The urge to urinate when the stone is concentrated from the side of the lower part of the ureter in some cases may generally be unreasonable. The rapid movement of the stone along the ureter leads to the appearance of strong and frequent urge to urinate, these urges are always associated with pain.

Sore urination

Pain during urination is a specific symptom, the appearance of which suggests the presence of stones in the bladder or ureter. In some cases, urination may be accompanied by an intermittent stream. The release of stones during urination, along with soreness, is accompanied by a burning sensation. The presence of especially large stones in a severe form of the disease leads to the fact that patients can urinate only in the supine position.

Clouding of urine

Urine, even when it comes to comparing its specificity between a healthy and a sick person, is in any case characterized by the presence of some turbidity, which is caused by the presence of mucus and epithelial cells. Meanwhile, in a sick person, clouding of urine occurs under the influence of an increased amount of epithelium, salt, leukocytes and erythrocytes. Kidney stones are characterized by the appearance of dark and thick urine at the very beginning of the act of urination, it may also contain sediment and an admixture of blood, due to which the urine becomes reddish.

Blood in urine

Blood in the urine is usually noted after suffering severe bouts of pain or when exposed to external factors that play a role in the appearance of symptoms in kidney stones (exercise, etc.). This symptom indicates that the movement of the stone has caused damage to the urinary tract. In any case, this symptom cannot be ignored; its appearance, along with other symptoms, requires an appropriate examination.

Elevated temperature

An elevated temperature is evidence of a complication of urolithiasis with kidney stones; pyelonephritis can be designated as one of the options - the development of this complication is characterized by a temperature (38-39 ° C). In addition, fever is also a companion to the condition of renal colic.

High blood pressure

High blood pressure also quite often accompanies pathology in the form of kidney stones. The change in pressure is associated with the development of complications, mainly calculous pyelonephritis. Similar to other symptoms, high blood pressure also accompanies attacks of renal colic.

Retention of urine

This symptom can literally be designated as a dangerous manifestation of kidney stones, its appearance indicates a blockage of urinary tract stones. Retention of urine for a period of several days becomes the cause of the development of uremia, which, in turn, becomes the cause of death. Uremia in particular means a state of acute (in this case, in others, possibly chronic) self-poisoning of the body against the background of renal failure, accompanied by the accumulation of toxic products that occurs in the blood as a result of nitrogen metabolism, as well as due to a violation of the osmotic and acid-base balance. The main manifestations of the development of uremia are headache, diarrhea, itching of the skin, vomiting, convulsions, the development of coma, etc.

Returning to the symptom of urinary retention, it can be indicated that it is accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen (by the nature of the manifestation, such pain is bursting). Also, there are imperative urge to urinate - urge, an irresistible and sudden type of occurrence, characterized by the inability to control the process of emptying. Spontaneous emptying of the bladder is excluded in this case. Also, patients may experience chills, fever. Breathing becomes shallow and cold sweats may appear. The main way to eliminate this manifestation is to insert a catheter.

Coral nephrolithiasis (coral kidney stones): symptoms

Coral-shaped stones are designated by us as a separate and, one might say, a special form, which is due to some differences in terms of their formation and the mechanism of subsequent development and manifestations. Of course, the difference between kidney stones of this type from the rest requires the use of other methods of treatment. First of all, it is important to indicate that coral stones are formed against the background of the inferiority of kidney functions, their previous appearance, as well as against the background of violations of the constancy of the conditions of the internal environment that are relevant to the body.

As the name suggests, coral stones are characterized by their special shape, which resembles the calyx-pelvis system. Such stones completely occupy the space of the pelvis, moreover, the processes of stones penetrate into the cups, thickenings form from their ends. As for the composition of coral stones, they usually contain carbonate apatite.

Coral stones are formed in both children and adults, while in men they are detected less often than in women. As one of the reasons for this type of stone formation, the increased activity inherent in the parathyroid glands is indicated. It is possible to determine such activity by highlighting its typical signs, which consists in an increased content of calcium in the blood, a reduced level of phosphorus in it, as well as in increased urinary excretion of calcium. What is noteworthy is that it is the latter factor that contributes to the rapid formation of kidney stones, and often in the form of their bilateral defeat, with a subsequent predisposition to their reappearance.

When considering other cases, the influence of infections is traced, especially bacteria, which have the ability to produce a special type of enzyme, urease, due to which urine is capable of alkalization. The alkaline medium, in turn, is an ideal medium for the crystallization of phosphates. From the noted influence on the part of bacteria, in particular, the bacteria Proteus should be distinguished, which often acts as the causative agent of a disease such as pyelonephritis, especially in pregnant women. Meanwhile, even those bacteria that, in principle, do not produce urease, can also cause kidney stones, because due to the fact that they can accumulate calcium, this feature determines the basis for the formation of stones.

Violation of the outflow of urine, as well as infection, in women is usually caused by actual physiological changes that the urinary system undergoes during pregnancy. The relationship between the gestational form of pyelonephritis (that is, pyelonephritis that develops during pregnancy) and coral kidney stones is scientifically substantiated and proven.

Also, the inflammatory process and infection are predisposing factors for the development of urinary stagnation in the conditions of the calyx-pelvic system, affecting also the work performed by the nephrons. Because of this, kidney functions associated with the excretion of certain substances in the urine (phosphates, urea, calcium, citric acid) are subject to disruption, and this, again, leads to the formation of stones.

Following the formation of coral stones, due to which already existing disorders associated with the processes of urination and with the course of pyelonephritis, gross forms of functional changes also begin to develop in the kidney tissues. Against the background of the activity of the infection, the kidney tissue begins to melt - pyonephrosis develops. Gradually, on the basis of pathological changes, provided that the course of the disease is favorable and with low activity of pyelonephritis, renal failure begins to develop gradually due to the impaired function of the nephrons.

In this form, the disease as a whole develops gradually, in its course a latent period and an initial period are indicated - the precursors of the period in which the manifestations of the disease are pronounced. Accordingly, the course of the latent period is accompanied by a course in which there are no special signs of kidney stones, as well as the pathological processes accompanying this. Nevertheless, there may be a nonspecific type of symptoms that are more consistent with chronic pyelonephritis, in particular, increased fatigue and weakness, chills in the evening, headaches.

At the initial period of the disease, within which the process of stone formation ends, symptoms may occur in the form of a slight dull soreness localized in the lumbar region, in some cases, when passing urine tests, mild changes of a nonspecific type may be noted. The detection of stones of this type at the initial stage, if it happens, is accidental, based on the results of plain radiography.

As for the period of pronounced manifestation of symptoms, it is characterized by the constancy of pain in the lumbar region. With coral stones, renal colic is an atypical manifestation, therefore it rarely develops and only under the condition that the ureter is clogged due to the influence of a small stone. As part of the active stage of the course of pyelonephritis, fever, weakness and increased fatigue, and general malaise are periodically manifested. When taking tests, erythrocytes are detected in the urine. This stage is also accompanied by the addition of a symptom in the form of high blood pressure to the general picture of the disease. If, during the manifestation of this stage, a detailed diagnosis is carried out, then it is possible to determine the initial signs indicating renal failure.

In the future, the symptoms of the development of a chronic form of renal failure become more pronounced. Here there is already a final period in the course of the disease, symptoms are especially pronounced here in the form of dry mouth and severe thirst, increased fatigue and weakness, urinary disorders, pain in the lumbar region and mild fever.

Symptoms of kidney stones coming out

Similarly to the acute form of the manifestation of the disease, the release of kidney stones is provoked mainly by significant physical exertion and any actions in which the body is in a state of shaking due to factors affecting it (jumping, riding, running, etc.).

The ureter is the narrowest of those in the urinary system; it is about 5-8 millimeters in diameter. Nevertheless, due to its inherent elasticity, it is possible for a stone to pass through it within a diameter of 1 centimeter. Considering that kidney stones often have an irregular shape with sharp edges, an attempt to pass the passage of the ureter causes injury, which is accompanied by severe pain that suddenly appears in the back (on the side with which the diseased kidney is located), pain in the lower abdomen, and soreness spreading to the genitals and thighs.

The exit of stones is also accompanied by an increase in all the symptoms that accompany the disease as a whole. Here, frequent urination is also noted, accompanied by burning, nausea with vomiting, and in some cases - loose stools. In addition to these symptoms, the appearance of chills and fever can be indicated. In the event that the stone becomes the cause of the blockage of the outflow of urine, problems with urination may occur, up to its complete cessation.

Diagnosis

A specialist can recognize kidney stones on the basis of the patient's general anamnesis (medical history), symptoms typical for the manifestation of renal colic, as well as on the basis of instrumental and laboratory research methods.

The leading method for determining the presence of kidney stones is an X-ray. Most of the stones are detected during a diagnostic procedure such as plain urography. Nevertheless, this method is not too suitable for detecting urate and protein stones due to the fact that the rays are not delayed by the stones, which, accordingly, does not create shadows in obtaining plain urograms (these results are the principle of the procedure, on the basis of which it is allowed to obtain adequate result). In this case, stones are identified by pyelography and excretory urography. Excretory urography also allows you to obtain information on morphological and functional changes that are relevant to the state of the urinary tract and kidneys, due to this method, the area of concentration of stones (ureter, calyx or pelvis), their size and shape is determined.

As additional methods used to diagnose kidney stones, CT or MRI, radioisotope nephroscintigraphy are used.

Treatment

Treatment of kidney stones can be based on two main principles of influence on them, this is conservative treatment or surgical treatment.

Conservative therapy it is used only in cases where the stones are small in size. For this purpose, drugs are used, due to the effect of which the stones simply dissolve. However, they can only be used on the basis of a doctor's recommendation with a prior comprehensive examination. Diet is one of the main components of conservative treatment. Based on the composition of the stones and the peculiarities of their structure, it is determined which products are to be excluded. Complicated course of the disease (concomitant pyelonephritis, for example) determines the need for antibiotics.

Surgical therapy is required even in cases where conservative therapy does not give appropriate results. Some time ago, this type of impact presupposed an open operation, which subsequently ended with the removal of the affected organ itself. Now an open operation to remove a kidney stone is a rare phenomenon, such an effect is used only with a significant size of the stone or with the development of renal failure.

Before the operation, drugs are prescribed that provide improved blood microcirculation, in addition to this, antibiotics and antioxidants are prescribed. In situations in which the ureter is blocked by a stone, treatment accompanying the movement of the stone begins with the excretion of urine from the kidney. This effect refers to a kind of surgical intervention, it is carried out under local anesthesia, the possibility of significant blood loss, as well as the development of complications, is not excluded.

If you develop symptoms that indicate the presence of kidney stones, you should see a nephrologist.

Kidney stones, or urolithiasis, is the occurrence of a pathology associated with the formation of a solid mass in the pelvis, as well as the renal calyx. Such stones are a mixture of minerals directly with organic matter, which can vary in size, shape and location. This disease can appear due to various reasons, is characterized by the presence of certain symptoms and requires proper treatment.

It should be noted that the first symptoms indicating the occurrence of kidney stones are piercing acute painful sensations in the lower back, as well as in the lateral parts of the abdomen. This pain is called renal colic. It is so pronounced that a sick person is not able to find a comfortable position, no matter how hard he tries. As a rule, the appearance of this pain syndrome is facilitated by spasm and increased peristalsis of the urinary tract. Often the pain spreads to the thighs, genitals, groin and suprapubic regions. In addition, such

symptoms

Like nausea, increased urination, vomiting and bloating.

Very often, to relieve pain, specialists resort to the help of narcotic drugs. Often, such intense pains are associated with the movement of a stone from the kidneys, which subsequently stopped in some part of the ureter. In the event that the pain syndrome in the lower back is not sharp, dull in nature, then the cause is a large enough stone that stood in the way of urine outflow. In addition, the patient can observe an admixture of blood in urinary secretions. The fact is that sometimes after an attack of renal colic, small stones can themselves come out with urine, which provokes damage to the mucous membrane of the urinary tract itself.

If the stone is formed in the ureter or renal pelvis, then the pain is localized in the groin area. It should be borne in mind that in rare cases, urolithiasis can proceed completely without any pain syndrome and do not differ in certain symptoms. True, there is a danger of unpleasant consequences in the form of kidney infection. Indeed, in the body, as a rule, nothing goes unnoticed.

The main reasons for the appearance of urolithiasis are: disturbance of water-salt metabolism, mineral-laden hard water and food, infection in the kidneys, changes in acid-base balance, urinary stagnation, long-term dehydration of the body, the presence of an inflammatory process in the mucous membranes of the kidneys.

Currently, this disease is treated with a conservative as well as an operative method. Conservative therapeutic therapy consists of adherence to a special diet and the use of a variety of medications based on the clinical picture of the disease. In addition, the use of antibacterial drugs is very often recommended. There are plant-based medicines that slow down the process of stone formation. These include: "Fitolizin", "Prolit", "Cyston", "Tsistenal". However, before using these medications, it is imperative to consult a doctor. In addition, pain relievers and antispasmodics are prescribed. Surgical treatments include crushing kidney stones and surgery. Basically, this technique is used in the presence of large-diameter stones, due to which there was a blockage of the urinary tract, and it is not possible to remove them on your own.

The kidneys are a paired organ, which is the basis of the urinary system of higher animals, including humans. One of the most common congenital anomalies of this organ is doubling

The reasons for the doubling of the kidney are manifold: the mother's use of hormonal drugs during pregnancy, radioactive

irradiation

Exposure to certain chemicals, lack of vitamins during pregnancy.

A double kidney looks like two kidneys joined together. They are independently supplied with blood through two renal arteries. The parenchyma, renal pelvis and ureter are also doubled.

In some cases, there is no doubling of the renal pelvis and ureter, this is called incomplete doubling.

The upper half of the duplicated kidney in most cases is underdeveloped.

Doubling of the kidney has practically no specific symptoms. A person can live for many years without suspecting that he has a congenital anomaly of the kidney, without experiencing any inconvenience in this regard. This is especially often the case with incomplete doubling.

When the kidney is fully duplicated, the risk of certain diseases increases. One such disease is pyelonephritis, an inflammation that affects the pelvis, parenchyma, and renal calyx. Possible hydronephrosis - pathological expansion of the renal pelvis. These people are also at increased risk of kidney stones.

Doubling of the kidney is diagnosed using ultrasound, cystoscopy, computed and magnetic resonance imaging, X-ray examination. If the disease is asymptomatic, this anomaly may be accidentally discovered during such diagnostic procedures.

Incomplete doubling of the kidney in most cases does not require any treatment, since it does not pose a danger. With a full doubling, the main effort is directed to the treatment not of doubling of the kidney as such, but of those diseases to which it led - pyelonephritis, urolithiasis.

In the absence of such complications, prevention of their occurrence is carried out. The patient should be monitored regularly by a nephrologist.

Surgical treatment in the form of removing a part of a doubled kidney or both of its halves is resorted to only in case of complete loss of the kidney's function, organ death or danger to life, which is posed by the complications that have arisen, in particular, such a need may arise with hydronephrosis.

Sources:

Why is the doubling of the kidney in 2018 dangerous?

Kidney stone: the first symptoms

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Kidney stones are the main symptoms:

Back pain
Elevated temperature
Frequent urination
Blood in urine
Painful urination
Spreading pain to other areas
High blood pressure
Testicular pain
Renal colic
Passing stones when urinating
Sand coming out when urinating
Pain in the penis
Pain in the labia

Kidney stones: a snapshot of a 15 cm calculus

Location of stones in the bladder and kidney: an approximate ratio of the frequency of localization in specific areas

Kidney stones: causes

There are certain metabolic disorders that contribute to the formation of kidney stones (urinary stones), these include the following:

an increased level of uric acid in the blood - hyperuricemia;
an increased level of uric acid in the urine - hyperuricuria;
an increased level of phosphate salts in the urine - hyperphosphaturia;
an increased level of calcium salts in the urine - hypercalciuria;
increased levels of oxalate salts in the urine.

Let's single out the exogenous factors provoking the development of urolithiasis:

features of climatic conditions;
features of drinking and nutritional regimes;
features of the soil (its geological structure);
features of flora, chemical composition of water;
features of living conditions (sedentary lifestyle, monotony in it);
peculiarities of working conditions (for example, work in hot workshops, hazardous production, hard physical labor).

The endogenous causes of the development of urolithiasis and kidney stones include the following:

hereditary predisposition;
hyperactivity of certain enzymes in the body, their lack or absence;
infectious diseases of the urinary tract;
infectious diseases of the general type (furunculosis, salpingo-oophoritis, osteomyelitis, tonsillitis, etc.);
liver diseases, diseases of the biliary tract and gastrointestinal tract;
transfer of diseases or severe injuries that cause a long period of immobilization (bed rest, limited mobility).

Localization of kidney stones and ureter

Kidney stones: types of stones, features of the process of their formation

Cystine stones basically contain sulfur compounds of the cystine amino acid. Such stones have a soft consistency, they have a round shape and a smooth surface, the color is yellow-white.

Phosphate stones basically contain calcium salts, which are part of phosphoric acid. Such stones have a soft consistency, the surface is either somewhat rough or smooth, they are easily crushed, the color is grayish-white. The formation of such stones is caused by the alkaline composition of urine, their growth occurs quite rapidly, especially if there is a concomitant infection - pyelonephritis.

Oxalate stones basically contain calcium salts, which are part of oxalic acid. Oxylate stones have a dense structure, an uneven and, one might say, prickly surface. The formation of such stones is accompanied by an alkaline or acidic urine reaction.

Protein stones are formed mainly due to fibrin, salts and bacteria. Kidney stones are flat and soft, small in size, and white in color.

Carbonate stones are formed due to the precipitation of calcium salts in the composition of carbonate acid. Such stones can have different shapes, they are soft and smooth, the color is light.

Cholesterol stones are rarely formed in the kidneys, the basis of their composition is cholesterol. By consistency, such stones are soft, easily crushed, the color is black.

Uric acid stones are formed due to the crystals of salts that make up the uric acid. In structure, they are quite dense, their surface is either pinpoint or smooth. An acidic reaction in the urine leads to the formation of such stones.

A mixed composition of kidney stones, in contrast to the considered variants of the homogeneous type, are formed infrequently (as a variant of such stones - coral stones (coral nephrolithiasis)).

Kidney stones: location

Kidney stones: symptoms

Back pain

Spreading pain to neighboring organs

Renal colic (attacks)

Increased urination

Sore urination

Clouding of urine

Blood in urine

Elevated temperature

An elevated temperature is evidence of a complication of urolithiasis with kidney stones, pyelonephritis can be designated as one of the options - the development of this complication is characterized by a temperature (38-39 ° C). In addition, fever is also a companion to the condition of renal colic.

High blood pressure

Retention of urine

Coral nephrolithiasis (coral kidney stones): symptoms

Symptoms of kidney stones coming out

Diagnosis

As additional methods used to diagnose kidney stones, CT or MRI, radioisotope nephroscintigraphy are used.

Treatment

Treatment of kidney stones can be based on two main principles of influence on them, this is conservative treatment or surgical treatment.

Conservative therapy is used only in cases where the stones are small. For this purpose, drugs are used, due to the effect of which the stones simply dissolve. However, they can only be used on the basis of a doctor's recommendation with a prior comprehensive examination. Diet is one of the main components of conservative treatment. Based on the composition of the stones and the peculiarities of their structure, it is determined which products are to be excluded. Complicated course of the disease (concomitant pyelonephritis, for example) determines the need for antibiotics.

Surgical therapy is required even in cases where conservative therapy does not give appropriate results. Some time ago, this type of impact presupposed an open operation, which subsequently ended with the removal of the affected organ itself. Now an open operation to remove a kidney stone is a rare phenomenon, such an effect is used only with a significant size of the stone or with the development of renal failure.

If you develop symptoms that indicate the presence of kidney stones, you should see a nephrologist.

Kidney stones how to determine how it hurts

In case of a violation of the hormonal background or metabolic processes in the female body, the development of pathological processes is possible, among which diseases of the kidneys and gallbladder are distinguished.

Not always, in the presence of kidney stones, women experience unpleasant symptoms and a deterioration in well-being.

Most often, problems do not arise in the early stages, calculi do not appear, but with progression, sharp pain and other unpleasant sensations begin.

Main reasons

The main causes of stones in the paired organ in women are still 100% unknown. There are certain factors that provoke stone formation, among them a genetic predisposition, birth defects or metabolic failures can be distinguished.

The following reactions can cause the formation of stones:

Excess uric acid in urine and blood.
The appearance of phosphate salts in the urine.
The presence of calcium salts or oxalates.

Violations do not appear on their own; internal and external causes can affect the development of renal calculi. The main ones are:

Poor environmental conditions, climate.
The water used is of poor quality, food products, which contain a lot of chemicals and preservatives.
Insufficient activity, which leads to a stagnant process.
Features of work.
Insufficient secretion of enzymes by the pancreas.
Infectious infections of the urinary system.
Malfunctions of the digestive system.
Abnormal development of the kidneys and genitourinary system, when a woman has malformed kidneys or one part of a paired organ, there are bends of the ureter or abnormalities of other parts.
Endocrine system pathologies.
A hormonal imbalance that often occurs during pregnancy.

In addition, any woman needs to monitor proper nutrition, observe the drinking regime, and, if necessary, use biological additives and vitamin complexes.

Subject to the basic rules, excluding possible causes of the development of calculi, it will be possible to avoid their appearance.

Types of stones

As a result of metabolic disorders in the kidneys, salt of various types begins to accumulate, which is called microliths.

In a healthy person, such particles are excreted naturally, but in case of violations, a delay and accumulation in the tubules begins. This deposit exists as a core for further stone formation.

The solid formations themselves in the paired organ are of different types, differ in shape, size, composition and localization. In medicine, it is customary to distinguish the following types of stones:

Calcium - very often diagnosed in women, the formation itself is very solid, in the composition of calcium salts. This form has several subspecies.
Phosphate is a type of calcium stones that appears when metabolic processes fail. The structure is smooth, the density of formation is low, which makes it easy to dissolve the stones.
Oxalate - often appear in women who abuse rich foods and sweets. This is a type of calcium calculus that has a hard structure with small thorns that can damage mucous membranes. As a result of mechanical damage, blood appears in the exiting urine, pain and other unpleasant sensations. Oxalate species cannot be dissolved.
Struvite - develop with an infectious infection of the body, especially if there are pathogenic organisms in the genitourinary system. The stone forms quickly, and the characteristic symptoms do not appear in the initial stages.
Acidic - urate stones that appear due to non-compliance with the drinking regime, when the pH rate in the paired organ decreases to 5 or more.
Cystine - such stones in women are caused by congenital problems with metabolic processes, in particular protein metabolism. The shape of such stones is hexagonal; they are very difficult to dissolve.
Mixed - urate-oxalate.

Scientists were able to prove that all diseases have a psychological character of appearance and development.

Stone formation in women or men is also considered a psychosomatic disorder. Due to the paired organ, the body is cleansed by filtering blood, removing harmful substances through urine.

Experts say that the left kidney is responsible for the emotional state of a person, and the right kidney for his desires.

If a woman is constantly in a negative mood, and it is impossible to cope with emotions on her own, then the impulses do not go outside, remaining inside.

The formation of calculi can be as a result of a woman's isolation, the inability to express her feelings.

The main symptoms

Kidney stones are not common in women. With such a pathology, there may be an asymptomatic course, in which patients simply do not notice small stones and do not know what they are.

As a rule, the course of the disease without signs is rare. Many people may not be aware of the presence of stones while they are stationary, after which vivid and pronounced symptoms appear in women.

Pain syndrome

The very first sign of stones will be pain in the lumbar region. By nature, the attacks are dull, aching.

As soon as the stone begins to move and tries to get out, the pain intensifies dramatically, it is difficult to endure it.

Based on the localization of the stone, the syndrome appears on the right or left. By changing the position of the torso, the pain changes in intensity, and may disappear.

Often with pain there is a fever, an attack of nausea and an increase in pressure. If the stone leaves the kidney and enters the ureters, then the sensations will shift.

Unpleasant sensations develop as a result of injuries from the sharp parts of the stone.

Renal colic

Renal colic almost always occurs in women with kidney stones. It develops sharply, localized at the top of the lower back, pain is manifested by contractions.

Initially, with colic, the syndrome appears under the ribs, after which it radiates to the groin and side of the abdominal cavity.

The duration of the attack can be up to several days, the woman cannot find a comfortable position in which the colic will pass.

The development of the symptom causes clogging of the lumens in the urinary system, as well as severe stress and inflammation. This flow appears in the presence of small stones.

Large calculi lead to overlap of the pelvis, as a result of which the general clinical picture changes.

Low back pain becomes weak and dull. The duration of sensations can be several hours or days.

Signs of urine outflow

In the presence of kidney stones in women, it is possible to notice formations during urine output. In women, frequent urges appear, which is caused by the movement of solid formations along the ducts.

During urination, pain, burning sensation develops, and an uneven stream appears. The biological material itself changes color to dark, since there is sand in the urine. There is a chance for blood to appear.

A rather dangerous symptom will be urinary retention or complete absence of the process. If urine does not come out for several days, the result will be death.

After renal colic often appears in the bloodstream in the urine. Such discharge should be diagnosed, and the condition should not be allowed to take its course. Blood indicates trauma to the ducts, renal tissues.

Other symptoms

It is worth noting that kidney stones in women manifest themselves in different ways, it all depends on the size and type of education.

With acute calculi that begin to move, a sharp pain appears, the attacks are sudden, and the girls themselves cannot normally tell where it hurts, since the syndrome radiates to different parts of the body. At this time, the following symptoms appear:

The skin on the face turns red.
Cold sweat appears.
The temperature rises to 37.5-38 degrees.
Vomits and vomits.

In some cases, the painful condition leads to shock. Analgesics and other pills with blockage do not give the desired effect, and a woman needs to call an ambulance for emergency treatment.

Among the other possible manifestations of stones in women, there are:

The appearance of sediment in urine.
Pus or blood in the urine.
Violations of urination.
General malaise in the form of weakness, fatigue.

If you have the symptoms described, you should immediately contact a doctor to provide timely assistance.

Kidney stones during pregnancy

Kidney stones in women can appear during pregnancy. If urolithiasis is not complemented by an infectious lesion, then there is no danger for bearing a child and for the development of the fetus itself.

The development of renal colic can be fatal for the mother, in addition, there are risks of miscarriage or early birth.

With the development of such a symptom, powerful spasms appear in the muscles, which begin to spread to the uterus. The condition leads to her hypertension and termination of pregnancy.

Concretions in pregnant women increase the likelihood of tissue inflammation, which can pass from the kidneys to other parts.

When carrying a child, therapy is complicated, because antibiotics and other medications are prohibited. The doctor needs to select the safest treatment possible, taking into account the type of pathological process.

Surgical treatment can only be carried out to save life; in other situations, operations are postponed, they can be used after the birth of a child.

The formation of stones often appears in the 2-3 trimester. The reason for pregnancy is an increased intake of calcium, uterine pressure, as well as pathological abnormalities in the kidneys.

Complications

Solid formations in the paired organ in women can cause global changes that cannot be restored. The disease can cause complications, including:

Pyelonephritis is an inflammatory process in the renal tissues, which can be complicated by purulent formation and significantly complicates a woman's life.
Hydronephrosis - due to solid particles, clogging of the ducts and impaired outflow of urine is possible.
Urosepsis is a pathology that, without therapy, causes lethal consequences.
Insufficiency of the paired organ.
Pathologies of the cardiovascular system, which can lead to a stroke in the future.

In addition to the described consequences, women have a lot of unpleasant sensations that do not allow them to live normally.

The most dangerous formation of stones will be for patients who already have a kidney transplant or serious immunity problems.

Diagnosis

Before starting treatment, a thorough diagnosis is required. With the development of characteristic signs, doctors will first of all check the structure and function of the kidneys and gallbladder.

The essence of the diagnosis is to determine the stones, as well as their size, type and place of formation. To accurately determine the causes of solid formations, to establish a diagnosis, the following types of diagnostics can be used:

Laboratory examinations, which consists in the delivery of urine and blood for further analysis.
Ultrasound of the paired organ and abdominal cavity is the safest and fastest technique of all that will allow you to see kidney stones. This method is one that is capable of detecting urate salt formations.
X-ray is used as an auxiliary method for diagnosis. Tactics are used more often if oxalates of more than 3 mm develop in the kidneys. With other structures of the formations, the images cannot show them, but the method often helps to determine the therapy before the start of the surgical intervention.
Urography - with the help of contrast, which is launched into the blood, it is possible to determine the localization of hard stones.
CT is one of the best methods for identifying calculus, type and location.

As a result of the data obtained, the doctor determines the scheme of further therapy.

Treatment methods

Treatment of stones in women is carried out using surgical and conservative methods. The essence of conservative therapy is to remove pathologically altered tissues, stones, and other manifestations that caused inflammation in the kidneys.

If diagnostic techniques have shown small solid formations, then doctors recommend changing the regime of drinking fluids.

You need to consume about 3 liters of water per day, as well as use medications that can dissolve stones. In addition, you need to adjust the diet.

Antibiotics are prescribed by doctors in cases where there are additional infections or pathological bacteria in the kidneys and other parts of the urinary system.

Surgical treatment is a radical measure that is needed in case of emergency measures, as well as the ineffectiveness of medicines and other conservative treatment methods.

Surgical treatment makes it possible to improve the outflow of urine, does not allow the development of tissue necrosis.

Possible options for surgical treatment include:

Open or abdominal surgery - used by doctors in rare cases, since the method is traumatic. Recommended for coral calculi.
Endoscopic and laparoscopic surgery are common treatment options, minimally invasive with a quick recovery period. The calculus is removed with an abdominal puncture, through which an instrument is inserted to remove the calculus.
Wave lithotripsy - consists in crushing stones using a shock wave effect. The method is used for stones up to 2 cm.

Treatment with medicines is carried out for small formations, the size of which will not be more than 4 mm.

Based on the type of formations, the condition of the woman and other indicators, drugs are selected personally.

You cannot use pills on your own, you need to follow the dose and scheme that the doctor indicates in order to prevent complications.

Proper nutrition

Treatment of stones in a paired organ in a woman or a man consists not only in removing the stone, using medications.

Patients will need to take steps to prevent the development of stones in the future. During and after treatment, special nutrition is used, the essence of which is to relieve symptoms, improve the condition of the kidneys and their rapid recovery.

The diet directly depends on the type of stones, their structure and composition. Among the basic rules are:

With urate formations, you will need to reduce the consumption of chocolate, salts, coffee and meat products. It is forbidden to use legumes, preference is given to plant foods and dairy products.
With oxalate stones, it is worth reducing the intake of ascorbic and oxalic acids. To do this, reduce the use of spinach, sorrel, coffee and sweets in the diet. It is imperative to limit the use of dairy products, they can be in small portions, low-fat type. Eat more meat, vegetables and fruits.
With phosphates, you need to give up milk, plant products, and various types of spices. Add more muffins and meat to your diet every day.

Observing nutrition, you need to follow the drinking regime, using the amount of water recommended by the doctor.

Folk remedies

Traditional recipes for removing stones are used in an integrated approach, in conjunction with proper nutrition, medications and other measures.

If a woman's urolithiasis has no complications, then folk remedies will give quick positive results.

For therapy, an infusion of medicinal herbs is used. It's easy to cook them, 3 tablespoons are added to 1 liter of boiling water. medicinal herb, infused all day.

You need to drink a drink to remove stones 3 times a day, 100 ml. The choice of herbal ingredient depends on the composition of the stone:

For urate formations, dill and its seeds, mint leaves, lingonberries, birch leaves are used.
With oxalates, you need to use elderberry, birch buds, corn stigmas, horsetail.
The presence of phosphates is treated with bearberry, lingonberry, knotweed.

Herbal ingredients are powerful diuretics and some can fight pathogenic bacteria. A doctor should be consulted before using any prescription.

Prophylaxis

Even with the right treatment, the prognosis for women with urolithiasis can be unfavorable.

In general, if the stones increase, and the removal operation is carried out quickly, then the results are positive, however, there are risks of relapse.

To exclude the re-development of stones, you need to follow the doctor's recommendations, use preventive measures:

Monitor your own weight, if necessary, carry out its adjustment.
Use the correct nutrition as prescribed by the doctor.
Conduct physiotherapy exercises and just engage in activity.
To refuse from bad habits.
Use folk remedies for prevention.

Knowing the features of stones, treatment and prevention measures, every woman can exclude some of the causes of development.

When stones appear, you can quickly determine the pathology by symptoms, which will allow you to quickly begin treatment, eliminating complications.

Useful video

Kidney stones are considered a common condition that affects about 3% of the population. In women, this problem manifests itself less often than in men. At the same time, their urolithiasis may be more acute or be unnoticed for some time due to similar symptoms with gynecological pathologies. What are the causes of kidney stones in women and how to prevent this problem?

What external factors lead to the formation of kidney stones?

The causes of kidney stones in women are the effects of the following external factors:

improper nutrition. Protein kidney stones are formed when a large amount of food of animal origin is consumed. Also, a negative reaction can appear when a large amount of spices or other products are included in the diet;
drinking a lot of alcoholic beverages;
uncontrolled intake of certain drugs - aspirin, anticoagulants and others;
intake of too much vitamins C and B12 into the body or insufficient - vitamins A or some of the B group;
not drinking enough liquid. As a result, salts are poorly washed out of the kidneys together with urine, which leads to the formation of stones;
living in hot climates or working in conditions of constant high air temperatures. In this case, the body may feel a lack of water, which leads to the formation of kidney stones.

Internal factors leading to kidney stones

The reasons for the formation of kidney stones in women are considered:

various diseases of the genitourinary system. These include cystitis, pyelonephritis and many others;
fractures, some diseases of the musculoskeletal system, which occur in an acute or chronic form;
the presence of pathologies that lead to stagnation of urine in the kidneys. This can provoke an irregular shape of this organ, narrowing or expansion of the ureter;
the development of diseases that lead to excessive formation of uric acid. For example, gout;
the presence of diseases that lead to disruption of metabolic processes in the body. For example, an ulcer, colitis and others;
pathologies of the thyroid gland, which lead to an increase in the level of calcium in the blood;
a person's stay in a motionless state for a long time.

Varieties of stones

Depending on the structure and composition of stones, the following types are distinguished:

cystine. They contain cystic acid and sulfur. They are characterized by a smooth surface, regular rounded shape and yellowish color;
phosphate. Formed from phosphoric acid salts. They have a gray color, a smooth surface, a pliable structure;
proteinaceous. They differ in their multicomponent composition, which includes various salts and bacteria, fibrin. They are white, small in size;
oxalate. Formed from oxalic acid salts. I have a rigid structure, their surface contains thorns;
carbonate. Formed from salts of carbonate acid. Are white, soft and smooth;
urate. Formed from uric acid crystals. They are characterized by a smooth surface and dense structure;
cholesterol. Formed from cholesterol. They are black in color and have a soft texture.

Symptoms

The symptoms of kidney stones in women may not appear for a while. This is observed when this formation is in the pelvis. The first signs of kidney stones make themselves felt during movement along the urinary tract. In this case, the following symptoms are observed:

severe pain, which is mainly localized in the lumbar region. They are usually dull in nature and are aggravated when trying to change the position of the body;
very often kidney stones are accompanied by pain in other parts of the body. This happens when the calculus moves to another organ of the urinary system. If it ends up in the ureter, pain will be localized in the groin or genital area. This is due to trauma to the walls, which occurs when the formation moves;
development of renal colic. It is characterized by the appearance of severe cramping pains. Renal colic is characterized by some periodicity. It can either arise or stop several times a day;
due to the development of intense pain syndrome, the woman feels rather bad. There is increased sweating, an increase in body temperature, nausea and vomiting;
the process of urination is painful.

Diagnostics

For kidney stones, a standard set of diagnostic procedures is prescribed:

general urine analysis. They reveal signs of an inflammatory process developing in the urinary system (leukocytes increase). Also, the established indicators indicate impaired functioning of the kidneys and changes in metabolic processes;
Ultrasound. With its help, you can see a kidney stone, determine its size and location;
various X-ray techniques - X-ray, excretory urography, CT.

Also, a woman must be examined by a gynecologist and an endocrinologist, which will help to establish the presence of problems that affect the course of urolithiasis.

Treatment principles

How to treat kidney stones so as not to harm your body? If this problem is not acute, and the existing formations are small (up to 3 mm), conservative methods can be followed. In this case, treatment means:

taking antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs. Such treatment is mandatory when a bacterial infection is attached and an inflammatory process develops;
antispasmodic drugs. Helps eliminate urinary tract spasm and relieve pain;
diuretics. Treatment with diuretics increases the volume of urine. As a result, small stones and sand leave the body on their own;
litholytic agents. Helps dissolve kidney stones.

Diet

In order for the treatment of stones to lead to a positive result, a woman must adhere to a certain diet. It is as follows:

drinking a lot of fluids, which is necessary to remove small stones and sand along with urine;
in the presence of calcium formations, the use of such products as milk, cheese, cottage cheese and others is necessarily reduced as much as possible;
in the presence of oxalate stones, it is forbidden to eat a lot of spinach, oranges, milk, sorrel and potatoes;
in the presence of formations of urate origin, it is recommended to limit food of animal origin;
with phosphate stones, dairy products get to the forbidden food. It is also recommended to limit your intake of vegetables and fruits.

Radical procedures for getting rid of calculi

Surgical treatment is indicated when the size of calculi is too large, and they are unable to leave the woman's body on their own. It is also practiced after unsuccessful conservative therapy or with the development of any complications. In this case, one of the methods is used:

shock wave lithotripsy. It implies the use of ultrasound, with the help of which the calculi breaks up into small fragments. They are able to freely leave the urinary system, which leads to a complete recovery. This procedure is used if the size of stones does not exceed 2 cm. To obtain the desired effect, you need to carry out 1-2 sessions with ultrasound;
normal open-type operation. The calculi are removed surgically, which is very traumatic, but effective;
endoscopic surgery. Special equipment is inserted into small incisions in the skin to remove the stone from the kidney. This method is less traumatic than conventional surgery, therefore it is used more often.

Preventive measures for stones

Correct prevention of urolithiasis is very important. It is as follows:

drinking a lot of liquid, preferably plain water;
proper nutrition with the inclusion of a variety of foods in the diet;
it is recommended to limit as much as possible or completely abandon the use of fatty, spicy, smoked foods;
avoid hypothermia;
give up excessive alcohol consumption and smoking;
be regularly examined by a urologist, gynecologist, endocrinologist and other specialized specialists in order to timely identify any health problems;
follow all the recommendations of doctors in the presence of problems with the urinary system.

Prevention of urolithiasis is necessary for both healthy people and those who have suffered from it before. Relapses of this pathology are very common.

Content

This phenomenon in medicine is called urolithiasis or "nephrolithiasis". Kidney stones can develop in men, women and children, the signs and symptoms of pathology are the same for them, the disease requires treatment and it rarely goes away without complications. Stones are formed not only in the kidneys, they can appear in any organ of the human urinary system.

What is nephrolithiasis

This diagnosis is made when the doctor diagnoses kidney stones - crystalline hard deposits or simply "stones". They are formed, as a rule, in the calyx, pelvis, sometimes in the parenchyma of the kidney. Nephrolithiasis is more often diagnosed in men, in children and women it is found much less often. At risk are people aged 25-50 years.

Cause of Kidney Stones

There are no absolute conditions under which nephrolithiasis develops. Kidney stones are the result of a combination of circumstances unfavorable for the human body. Doctors identify the following circumstances that can provoke the development of the disease:

hereditary predisposition;
eating food saturated with salts, hard water;
excessive consumption of spicy, salty, spicy and acidic foods in food, they increase the acidity of urine;
lack of vitamins;
lack of ultraviolet rays;
urinary infections;
violation of the functioning of the parathyroid glands;
prolonged dehydration of the body due to infectious diseases, poisoning;
the geographical factor, for example, in hot countries, pathology is diagnosed more often;
diseases and injuries of the skeletal system, among the provoking factors are osteomyelitis, osteoporosis;
diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, organs of the genitourinary system of the chronic type: colitis, peptic ulcer, gastritis, cystitis, pyelonephritis, adenoma.

Stones can form on any part of the genitourinary system, and not only in the kidneys, they can have different sizes and differ in composition depending on the cause of their formation. The calculi are divided into the following types:

Phosphate calculi - are formed from phosphoric acid salts. Often found in urinary tract infections, grows rapidly in alkaline urine.
Cholesterol. Formed when cholesterol is high, but very rare.
Oxalate. The reason is the high calcium content of oxalic acid if the urine is acidic or alkaline.
Urate. One of the most common types of calculi are formed from uric acid salts.
Cystine. Formed from compounds of cystine amino acids.

How fast they grow

The growth rate of stones in the kidneys is influenced by their appearance, which were described above. Some of them are formed for a month, others accumulate their mass over the years. If a person does not exclude the negative factors that caused the growth of formations in the kidneys, they will appear regularly and grow rapidly. If there are prerequisites for the formation of stones, you should regularly undergo diagnostics, because it is much easier to remove small stones.

Symptoms

The disease can occur for both a child and an adult. Pathology is more common in the stronger sex, but the signs of the presence are the same in all people. Symptoms of the disease in women are manifested to a greater extent due to the structural features of the body. A person will not feel any manifestations of pathology until the stone begins to move. At the beginning of the release of the calculus, the patient experiences severe, severe pain. The main manifestations of pathology include the following signs:

lower abdominal pain;
stitching, sharp pains in the side or lower back, in an area of the kidney called renal colic;
bouts of vomiting, nausea;
frequent urge to urinate;
increased body temperature;
delay in urination;
discharge of sand or stones in the urine;
cold sweat;
increased pressure;
bloating of the intestines;
irradiation renal pain, which radiates to neighboring organs;
burning, pain when urinating.

Renal colic attacks are the main symptom of pathology. It occurs when there is an obstruction of the ureter of the stone during advancement, it is felt as a sudden cramping pain. Unpleasant sensations are provoked by increased peristalsis, spasm of the urinary tract. When interviewed, patients talk about severe pain, which makes a person look for a comfortable position, walk from corner to corner. Often after seizures, sand is excreted along with urine, the duration of the seizure is 1-2 hours.

Diagnostics

The treatment regimen for kidney stones in women and men depends on the diagnosis. In medicine, the following methods are used to determine the type of neoplasm:

Ultrasound of the affected organ;
urography (excretory or survey);
laboratory examination of blood, urine;

If these methods did not help to accurately establish the type of stones, then the following diagnostic procedures may be prescribed to the patient additionally:

nephroscintigraphy - determines the degree of functional disorders in the work of the kidneys;
CT multispiral type - this method helps to determine the type of neoplasm, its size;
antibiotic sensitivity test - determines the degree of inflammation of the urinary tract.

Before carrying out laboratory and diagnostic procedures, it is imperative to collect anamnesis, interview the patient. The doctor will try to identify the reasons that caused the development of the disease and the appearance of stones. This is a basic diagnosis that helps to determine the probable root causes of pathologists and, on their basis, select the optimal course of treatment or prescribe surgical removal of calculi.

Kidney stones treatment

In some cases, if the size of the formation and its individual characteristics, the structure of the human urinary system, the option of independent discharge of the calculus is possible. If the stone is less than 5 mm, then in 70-80% of cases they come out of the kidney themselves, if the size is 5-10 mm, then the probability is 20-45%. Sometimes abnormalities in the structure of the human genitourinary system, for example, narrowing, can lead to a blockage of the ureter. Because of this, the calculus will not be able to come out on its own and treatment is required. Formations larger than 10 mm often require surgical removal.

For any type of nephrolithiasis, the patient is prescribed diuretics, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, stone-expelling, antispasmodic agents.Conservative treatment includes the following areas:

correction of electrolyte, water balance;
diet therapy;
drug therapy;
physiotherapy;
physiotherapy;
phytotherapy;
health resort, balneological treatment.

Surgical method

Use as a treatment for neoplasms in the kidneys depends on the size, position of the calculus. The activity of the infection, the state of the urinary tract, the patient's complexion are analyzed, the doctor can rely on individual factors and his own experience. There are two main types of surgical intervention:

Open surgery. The most reliable and oldest method, but it is highly traumatic and therefore considered dangerous. By means of an incision in the kidney or bladder, the stone is removed mechanically. Such an operation is prescribed if it is impossible to use endoscopic techniques or ESWL.
Endourethral technique. Endoscopic equipment is inserted into the renal pelvis through the urethra, and a puncture in the skin can also be used. The apparatus is brought to the stone, removed or destroyed (crushing stones) by one of the methods: laser beam, contact ultrasonic wave, mechanically.

Before the appointment of surgical removal, the patient must drink drugs that improve blood microcirculation, antioxidants, antibiotics. If there is a blockage of the ureter with a stone, then therapy begins with the excretion of urine from the kidney. This procedure is considered a surgical intervention, it is carried out under local anesthesia, there is a risk of significant blood loss and complications.

Drugs

If coral stones have formed inside the kidneys, which are a consequence of an infectious pathology, a course of antimicrobial drugs is definitely needed to kill the pathogen. To combat calculi, drugs are used, as a rule, based on herbs, which slow down the growth of the stone, help dissolve, remove neoplasms from the organ. Doctors prescribe the following medications:

Cyston. This is a herbal preparation of complex action, it is prescribed for any type of pathology.
Kanefron N. Complex herbal medicine, most effective for calcium oxalate and urate calculi.
Phytolysin, Fitolit. A product based on herbal extracts, helps to remove small stones, prevents the growth of existing ones, prevents the formation of new ones.
Uralit U, Blemaren. A medication is used to alkalize urine, dissolve the neoplasm.

Diet

One of the common reasons for the appearance of calculi in the kidney is improper diet, poor-quality water and food. If in the urology department a diagnosis of scalate stones was made, then it is necessary to combine therapy with a correct diet. The following rules should be adhered to:

It is necessary to exclude from the diet all foods that contain a lot of oxalic acid: milk, oranges, lettuce, sorrel, spinach, potatoes, oranges.
You should add more dried apricots, grapes, pears, apples and dishes that contain a lot of magnesium (it binds oxalic acid).

If phosphate calculi were found in the kidneys, then the diet is aimed at acidifying urine. To do this, you should adhere to the following rules:

It is recommended to drink more lingonberry, cranberry juice.
For the treatment of this type of formations, a meat diet, a large amount of meat, fish protein is well suited. Such products should form the basis of the menu.
Milk, vegetables, herbs, dairy products should be completely excluded.

Urate neoplasms require the elimination and the diet of any meat products, smoked, spicy, chocolate, lemons. You need to consume more vegetable juices, fruits, especially watermelons and melons. When treating any type of stones, you should strictly monitor your drinking diet, you need to drink at least 2 liters of liquid per day (the water should not be hard). There are a number of general recommendations for the appearance of symptoms of urolithiasis:

avoid fatty foods, fried and smoked foods, with an excess of salt;
should be taken, if necessary, herbal infusions;
drink about 2.5 liters of water per day (not coffee, tea, etc.);
it is better to give up alcohol.

Folk remedies

At home, in addition to medicines, you can use herbal infusions and decoctions. Folk remedies for kidney stones are often used in therapy along with medications. It is better to check the appointment with the attending physician first. The following recipes can be used:

Rosehip root is well suited for remote crushing. It is necessary to take 35 g of dry, crushed raw materials, pour 2 cups of boiling water and leave in a water bath for 15 minutes. Remove from the stove and wrap up the product for 6 hours. Then the broth must be filtered and taken in half with. 4 times a day 30 minutes before meals. The action of this remedy is strong, therefore, it cannot be taken for more than 4 weeks. Before use, you need to consult a doctor or herbalist.
With urates and oxalates, the following infusion can be made. Take 200 ml each of olive oil, vodka, honey, lemon juice and mix everything thoroughly. Place the mixture in a cool, dark place for 2 weeks and close the container tightly. You need to drink it in 1 tbsp. l. per day for 2 weeks, then you need a break of 5 days and repeat the course again.
Take 10 lemons and mince them, separate the seeds and peel beforehand. Fold the resulting mass into a 3-liter jar, add 2 tbsp. l. medical glycerin and pour 2 liters of boiled water. Stand for half an hour and strain. You need to drink the whole bottle in 2 hours with an interval of 10 minutes between servings. Next, put a warm heating pad on the affected kidney, you will feel an increase in pain (sand will begin to come out). For each preparation, you need to prepare fresh lemon juice, because it quickly loses its properties.
You can prepare a decoction on watermelon rinds. You can take as raw materials only berries that have grown on a home plot, cultivated varieties are grown on a large amount of nitrates, and this is harmful for such a disease. The peels of the watermelon must be dried in an electric dryer or oven, it is better to cut them into pieces. Then you need to fill them with water and boil over low heat for about an hour. Filter the broth and take 1 glass 3-5 times a day before meals.

How kidney stones come out

Sometimes cleansing occurs on its own, together with the outflow of urine, calculi pass through the genitourinary system. This movement causes pain, colic is accompanied by sharp attacks that frighten a person. If a person is diagnosed with kidney stones, then you should be aware of the symptoms that accompany the independent exit of the stone. You can understand that he began to go out on the following grounds:

There is a cramping cutting pain from the side of the diseased kidney, then it moves to the groin area. When the stone moves, then unpleasant sensations appear in the thigh, groin.
The most severe pain occurs if the calculus is stuck in the ureter. With renal colic, the intervention of doctors is required.
Blood impurities appear in the urine, it becomes cloudy, urination becomes frequent, because the ducts are blocked by a neoplasm and it is impossible to remove all urine at one time.
Renal colic provokes the development of symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders: the general condition worsens sharply, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting.
There is a strong rise in body temperature if the stone has blocked the ducts by 2/3.
With nephrolithiasis, an increase in pressure can be observed, it is very difficult to remove it with antihypertensive drugs.

Prophylaxis

The appearance of neoplasms in the genitourinary system is a multifaceted, complex process, therefore, preventive measures are selected individually for each patient. There is a list of recommended actions that will reduce the likelihood of the occurrence of urolithiasis and the development of complications of urolithiasis.

Drink at least 2 liters of fluid daily to maintain adequate urine output.
Maintaining optimal saline and acidic urine parameters. Urine should have a normal pH of around 6.0. If a person has a normal or alkaline pH, you need to add more acidic foods to the diet: natural coffee, Coca-Cola, legumes, fish, meat.
For the prevention of urolithiasis, you need to follow a diet, food should be complete, you should not get hung up on one type of food.

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