Kidney stones are the most common type of urinary tract stones, with an incidence rate in USA ranging from 1% to 10%. As the name suggests, they are small stones formed in the kidneys. When the concentration of calcium, oxalates, uric acid, and other substances in the urine is too high or their solubility decreases, they accumulate and harden, leading to the formation of stones.
The main types of kidney stones are calcium oxalate, phosphates, and urate, with a minority of cases primarily consisting of struvite stones and cystine stones.
What are the symptoms of having kidney stones?
In some cases, kidney stones may be asymptomatic, cause mild pain, slight soreness in the lower back, or blood in the urine. However, if the stone moves due to drinking water or other reasons and is flushed down into the ureter, or if it passes through the ureter during excretion, one may experience unbearable back and abdominal pain. Acute attacks can cause severe pain accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Therefore, if you experience similar symptoms, do not endure them; seek immediate medical attention from a urologist. Diagnosis can be confirmed through imaging tests such as ultrasound or CT scans, which determine the size, location, and number of stones, guiding subsequent treatment.
How are kidney stones formed?
The causes of stone formation are generally complex. Who is at higher risk for developing kidney stones? People with a family history of stones; those with diabetes, obesity, gout, and hypertension; individuals who consume little water; those engaging in excessive physical activity (including marathon running) may increase their risk of crystalluria and stone formation, although regular exercise does not typically increase risk if adequate hydration is maintained; chronic diarrhea can lead to acidic urine, and persistent acidic urine (pH ≤ 5.5) can promote uric acid precipitation, leading to uric acid stone formation; individuals who have undergone certain surgeries, such as gastric bypass, weight loss surgery, or those with short bowel syndrome, may absorb more oxalates, making them more prone to stones; those with other unhealthy habits and dietary preferences, such as consuming spicy, high-fat, high-protein, high-purine, high-salt foods, alcohol abuse, prolonged sitting, and frequent holding of urine; and occupations associated with high temperatures and less water consumption and urination, such as workers, traffic police, and drivers, may see a higher incidence. Friends with the above conditions should pay extra attention to regular check-ups.
Diagnosis of Kidney Stones
After developing kidney stones, one typically needs to visit a specialized urology department for diagnosis through ultrasound or CT scans to determine the size, location, and number of stones, which can guide subsequent treatment.
Complications of Kidney Stones:
The most common complications after developing stones include pain, infection, fever, hypertension, hydronephrosis, renal atrophy, chronic renal insufficiency, and even uremia. Therefore, it is crucial to treat kidney stones promptly.
Treatment of Kidney Stones:
Patients with stones generally have the following treatment options:
1. Less than 6mm:
Drinking plenty of water, moderate exercise, and using traditional Chinese medicine can help most stones pass on their own.
2. 6-20 mm:
For larger stones, the likelihood of passing on their own significantly decreases. Treatment options include extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) or ureteroscopic stone removal using soft or rigid scopes.
3. Greater than 20mm:
For stones larger than 20 mm in diameter, percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) may be the preferred treatment method.
Each surgical approach has its advantages and disadvantages, and professional doctors must provide expert judgment on the most suitable method.
Dietary Considerations:
Once diagnosed with kidney stones, it is also necessary to adjust dietary habits according to the composition of the stones:
1. Calcium oxalate stones:
Reduce intake of foods high in oxalates, such as spinach, potatoes, bamboo shoots, beets, wild rice stems, persimmons, chocolate, etc., and increase consumption of pure milk, oranges, and lemons.
2. Uric acid stones:
Limit intake of high-purine foods, such as animal offal, meats, fish, shrimp, and long-cooked broths. Eat more low-purine foods, such as cornmeal, cereals, eggs, and fruits.
3. Phosphate stones:
Reduce intake of high-phosphorus foods, such as whole milk powder, bran, dried shrimp, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, etc., and eat more walnuts, carrots, watermelon, winter melon, pears, and fresh lotus roots.