If you started to worry about pain in the lumbar region, then this may indicate that stones have begun to form in your kidneys. Usually such a disease occurs if the metabolic processes in the human body are disturbed. According to statistics, this disease worries every eleventh person. This most often affects men between the ages of twenty-five and sixty, but exceptions are possible.
In this article, we will talk about how kidney stones are formed, and also find out what are the causes of this pathology, how it is diagnosed and treated. Read the information provided carefully in order to arm and protect yourself as much as possible.
What are these stones?
Everyone should be aware of how kidney stones form. Most often, such stones consist of calcium s alts, which in science are called carbonates. However, in some cases, stones may also contain s alts of oxalic acid, as well as phosphoric or uric acids. Some stones may be of a protein, cystine, or urate nature. However, this is extremely rare.
When a stone comes out, it is very important to catch it and send it for research, since the further treatment process will depend on this. Quite often, patients suffering from urolithiasis, along with this disease, also have various pathogenic bacteria in the urinary tract. Keep in mind that if bacteria get into the kidney, this can also contribute to the formation of stones in it. It is for this reason that coral-like stones develop. Such formations grow so quickly and strongly that they can completely occupy the entire space of the internal organ.
If you understand why and how kidney stones form, you can prevent the development of this disease by taking all necessary measures in a timely manner. Usually, first of all, neoplasms are formed in the kidneys, after which the disease spreads further, affecting the ureters, bladder, and also the urethra. Stones can be completely different sizes. There are very small formations, up to three millimeters in diameter, as well as large ones - exceeding fifteen millimeters. It is very important to prevent the occurrence of such a stage, otherwise the disease may end in death for the patient.
Oxalate stones
Most often, patients meet precisely with oxalate kidney stones. From whatthey are formed, is of interest to many people who are afraid to face such a dangerous pathology. These neoplasms, like all others, occur in the body in the presence of pathologies in metabolic processes, as well as in the abuse of oxalic and ascorbic acids by people. These acids are found in foods such as sorrel, spinach, citrus fruits, tomatoes, cranberries, and all types of sour-tasting fruits and berries. These stones range in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters. However, in some cases, neoplasms can be so large that they occupy the entire space of the kidney. Such stones have a heterogeneous structure with sharp edges and spikes, therefore they are very dangerous, as they can damage internal organs. If you notice that you have bloody discharge in your urine, immediately run to the hospital, as this most likely indicates that it was such a stone that damaged the urinary ducts.
How do kidney stones form?
In fact, the process of s alt formation is quite complicated. According to experts, this is due to violations of urine colloids, as well as changes in renal chlorenchyma. Stones can form from various crystals and mineral s alts that accumulate in the kidneys over time. So, when disturbances occur in the body's metabolic system that affect the balance of fluid concentration, as well as other components of urine, then all the crystals accumulated in the kidneys can precipitate and begin to accumulate in the urinary tract. This is how the process can be briefly described askidney stones form.
Stones always begin to form from insoluble particles, if for some reason violations have occurred in the body. The speed, as well as the intensity of the process of stone formation is individual, and depends on many factors.
Why do kidney stones form?
There are a huge number of reasons for the formation of urolithiasis. This disease affects all the inhabitants of our planet. That is why the question of why kidney stones form is so relevant. The occurrence of this disease can be accompanied by a large number of factors. Consider the most significant of them:
- changes in the body of a hormonal nature;
- there is a very high level of calcium in the blood;
- also a common reason why stones and sand form in the kidneys is the abuse of alcohol-containing drinks;
- another cause of stone formation is the consumption of certain drinks, as well as foods that contain a large amount of calcium.
In other words, stones can form under the influence of external and internal causes.
External factors include changing climatic conditions, poor nutrition, and drinking large amounts of water containing lime s alt.
But internal causes include hormonal imbalances, mineral metabolism, as well as the presence of bone tissue and spinal cord injuries. Also worth including herethe presence of diseases of the digestive system, abnormal liver function, changes in the composition of urine, and the presence of pathogenic microorganisms in the organs of the urinary system.
What foods are associated with stone formation?
Do not forget that in everything you need to know the measure. If you eat your favorite, but at the same time unhe althy foods, it will not bring significant harm to your body. However, regular abuse can be extremely dangerous for the body. And so, consider what foods form kidney stones:
If you are prone to stone formation, try to reduce the amount of greens in your diet, and especially foods such as sorrel, spinach and rhubarb. They contain a large amount of oxalic acid, which can cause stones to form. Also, experts recommend reducing the consumption of milk, strawberries, beets and cabbage
- Sardines and red meat. However, you should not completely exclude these products from your diet. You can consume once every ten to fourteen days.
- Using carbonated drinks. They contain a large amount of phosphoric acid, which can provoke the process of stone formation.
- The use of refined carbohydrates disrupts the production of insulin, and this leads to the process of washing calcium out of the body, which contributes to its precipitation. Coffee drinks have the same properties.
- Alcoholic drinks significantly speed up the processurination, which helps to accelerate the removal of nutrients from the body. In this case, the crystals can also precipitate and provoke the formation of stones.
- Excessive s alt intake is very dangerous for the body, because it is this product that most often leads to stone formation. It promotes the retention of water in the cells, and this leads to the deposition of calcium in them.
How fast do rocks form?
Many patients are interested in the question of how quickly kidney stones form. In fact, such a phenomenon is considered individual. For some, the size of the stones increases very quickly, for others it is quite slow. It all depends on the metabolic processes in the body, as well as on the lifestyle of a person. When asked how quickly kidney stones form, doctors may answer that they can appear in the body even in a few days.
Quite often, a patient may suffer from this disease and not even be aware of its presence. However, as soon as the stones become impressive in size and the disease begins to be accompanied by severe pain, it will immediately become clear that stones have formed in the kidneys.
The main symptoms of this disease
From what kidney stones are formed, we have already found out. Now it’s worth figuring out what the symptoms of this phenomenon are. Of course, the first and most important symptom is the presence of severe pain. However, quite often the initial stages of this disease do not have any symptoms, so the patient does not start the treatment process in a timely manner and is verygreatly aggravates his situation.
This disease is usually accompanied by pain in the lumbar region when performing physical exertion, as well as when in the wrong position of the body. Pain can also occur in the lower abdomen and inguinal region.
Usually, after prolonged severe bouts of pain, the formed stones begin to leave the body with urine.
Also, the color of urine can also indicate kidney stones. Usually in the presence of this disease, it acquires a dark shade. In some cases, spotting can be seen in it. If you have these symptoms, go to the hospital immediately.
Also, the course of the pathology may be accompanied by an increase in body temperature, which cannot be brought down by conventional drugs.
Diagnostic features
In fact, the disease can already be diagnosed based on the patient's complaints. However, this is far from enough. It is very important for the patient to take urine and blood tests, as well as undergo an ultrasound examination. However, this method does not always give absolutely accurate results. When examining, it is very important to know where kidney stones form. Therefore, in order to obtain a complete picture of the disease, doctors prescribe a CT scan of the kidneys to their patients. The presence of stones can also be determined using x-rays. However, this method does not allow to detect protein and uric acid stones. To date, the most accurate results can be achieved using a magnetic resonance type of study.
Features of treatment
Many patients are interested inthe question is how quickly kidney stones form again. Here a lot will depend on the patient himself. If he does not adjust his diet and does not learn to lead a he althy lifestyle, then the likelihood of a relapse is very high. Within a month, you can see how the disease begins to progress again. If the patient clearly fulfills all the requirements of the doctor, then the disease may stop bothering him at all.
And so, let's consider what are the features of the treatment of this disease.
Kidney stones can be treated conservatively as well as surgically. Treatment depends on the type of stones as well as their size. So, there are special solvents that can eliminate certain types of stones. The course of treatment with such drugs is about two to three months. However, do not expect that there are magic pills that can eliminate all types of this ailment.
Surgical treatment is not used very often. This is usually done in cases where the patient travels a lot and lives in distant parts of the globe. Most often, operations are prescribed for those patients who have formed very large stone formations, or the person suffers from kidney failure.
In other cases, endoscopic procedures are used. A special device is inserted through the urethra into the kidney, where it crushes the stones, while removing their large pieces. Small particles will leave the body on their own, along with urine. Most often, laser and ultrasonic devices are used for crushing.methods.
Features of proper nutrition
Even if you were able to get rid of kidney stones with the help of a surgical or conservative method, you should not hope that you have completely eliminated this pathology. The formation of kidney stones is a chronic process, therefore, without taking the necessary preventive measures, the disease will make itself felt again and again. There is no general diet suitable for every patient. The doctor will select a diet that will be suitable for you, based on the etymology of the disease, as well as on the characteristics of your body.
If a patient has urate kidney stones, then he should exclude such foods as liver, kidneys, fish and meat broths from his diet. For oxalate stones, reduce your intake of lettuce, spinach, and sorrel as much as possible. But for the prevention of phosphate stones, experts recommend excluding foods such as fruits, vegetables and milk from the diet.
The most important step in the treatment of urolithiasis is to drink enough fluids. Following this advice is very important for kidney he alth. Every day you need to drink at least one and a half liters of purified water. At the same time, in no case do not drink sweet carbonated drinks, as well as coffee. Such drinks not only do not quench thirst, but also provoke the formation of stones in the urinary system.
Also, doctors strongly recommend that their patients lead an active lifestyle, which includes sports, as well as dailywalks in the open air. And if possible, avoid stressful situations, because stress is a dangerous enemy of the hormonal system of our body.
Conclusions
How long does it take for kidney stones to form? This is a question that interests many patients. Once again, it is worth repeating that this process is individual, as it depends on the eating habits of a person, as well as on the individual characteristics of his body. Everyone can be affected by the process of stone formation, so carefully monitor your he alth.
