Kidney stones are a common urological disorder, significantly impacting patients’ quality of life through their symptoms and the need for ongoing management. This article will delve into the primary symptoms of kidney stones and the daily considerations that patients must be aware of to effectively manage their condition.
Firstly, let’s examine the main symptoms of kidney stones. Renal colic, characterized by intense flank pain, is emblematic of kidney stones. This pain typically occurs at night or after physical activity, resembling a sharp, excruciating sensation that can leave patients pale and distressed. Hematuria, or blood in the urine, is another frequent symptom. Some patients may visibly notice blood in their urine, while others may require urinalysis to detect it.
When kidney stones arise from an infection, patients often experience fever. In such cases, it is advisable to increase water consumption to facilitate the expulsion of urine. If a kidney stone obstructs the urethra, impairing urine flow, this could lead to sepsis, potentially threatening the patient’s life. Furthermore, hydronephrosis is a symptom associated with kidney stones. If a stone blocks the renal pelvis or ureter, urine cannot exit the body and accumulates within the kidney, leading to hydronephrosis. Without prompt treatment, this can cause renal damage and, in severe cases, result in uremia.
Having acknowledged the symptoms of kidney stones, we should also consider the daily precautions that patients with kidney stones need to take. Adequate hydration is crucial, especially during summer and at night. It is recommended to drink water before bedtime and again during the night. The best choice is demineralized water, with a daily intake exceeding 2500ml, to dilute the urine, reduce crystal sedimentation, flush the urinary tract, and expel small stones.
Additionally, dietary control is essential. The composition of the diet should be tailored to the type of stone and the pH level of the urine. For instance, patients with calcium oxalate stones should avoid high-oxalate foods such as spinach, tomatoes, potatoes, beets, asparagus, black tea, chocolate, and high-calcium foods like milk and cheese. Patients with idiopathic hypercalciuria should limit calcium intake to reduce its concentration. However, for those whose low-calcium diet leads to increased oxalate excretion and stone formation, a low-calcium diet is not advisable. Patients with hyperuricemia should follow a low-purine diet, steering clear of animal offal, whole grains, and legumes.
Lastly, patients must actively treat conditions that can precipitate kidney stones, such as removing thyroid adenomas, controlling pyelonephritis, and alleviating urinary obstructions.
In summary, the symptoms of kidney stones are diverse, and there are numerous daily considerations for patients. Only by fully understanding this information can patients better manage and treat kidney stones, thereby enhancing their quality of life.