Kidneys are the organs responsible for the excretory function of the body. Thanks to the work of these organs, all substances entering the bloodstream are filtered. They are responsible for maintaining water-s alt and electrolyte metabolism. In addition, they produce the hormone "erythropoietin", which is necessary for ensuring the function of hematopoiesis. Kidney function can be assessed by urinalysis. There are many different laboratory methods for conducting this study. In addition to the fact that, according to the state of the excreted fluid, one can find out about the presence of inflammatory processes and a violation of the filtering ability of the kidneys, crystals are sometimes found in the urine. Normally, they shouldn't be. Therefore, the appearance of crystals in the analysis of urine indicates functional disorders. In some cases, these changes are observed in the presence of stones. Sometimes this phenomenon indicates a predisposition to certain kidney diseases. At the same time, the pathology itself may not develop yet.
Crystals in the urine: the cause of the appearance in he althy people
Crystals are an accumulation of s alts that form urinary sediment. Their appearancein a small amount is not always a deviation and sometimes occurs in he althy people. If the crystals in the urine are significantly increased, then this indicates a violation of mineral metabolism. The following reasons for the appearance of s alts in OAM are distinguished:
- The predominance of certain foods in the diet. These include meat, tomatoes, asparagus, sorrel, lingonberries. The fact is that this food contains a large amount of acids that crystallize and precipitate.
- Excessive sweating during exercise.
- Taking some antibacterial medicines (drugs of the sulfonamide group, ampicillin).
- Drinking unfiltered tap water.
- Alkaline urine reaction. Observed in the presence of inflammation in the kidneys.
If, due to the above reasons, amorphous crystals appeared in the urine, this is not a pathological condition. However, consistently eating high amounts of acidic foods is thought to be a predisposing factor in the formation of kidney stones.
Appearance of amorphous crystals in pathology
Crystals in the urine can be different. It depends on what s alts they are formed from. The crystals are subdivided into phosphates, urates and calcium oxalates. All of these substances can form kidney or bladder stones. In some cases, stones contain several different s alts at once. Phosphates are often precipitated during bladder infections (cystitis), and they also appear due toincreased secretion of parathyroid hormone. Urates are accumulations of uric acid s alts. Excessive production of this substance indicates a violation of mineral metabolism in the body (gout). In addition, urates are often present in the urine in chronic diseases of the kidney tissue (nephritis, CRF). Most often, calculi consist of calcium, which is released in large quantities and forms crystals. Oxalates in the urine are observed in diseases such as pyelonephritis and diabetes mellitus.
The presence of certain types of crystals is always indicative of pathological conditions. These include s alts of hypuric acid, accumulation of cholesterol, bilirubin, leucine, tyrosine, hematoidin. Normally, these substances should not be excreted by the kidneys.
Symptoms in the presence of crystals in the urine
Most often, the presence of crystals in the urine does not manifest itself. Especially if there is a small amount of s alt accumulation. Symptoms occur with the formation of stones and the development of urolithiasis. In this case, the work of the kidneys is disrupted due to obturation of the pelvicalyceal system. Also, stones can accumulate in the bladder and enter the ducts. As a result, a syndrome such as renal colic develops. The patient complains of severe pain in the lower back, extending down the abdomen and inguinal region. Due to the fact that there is a stone in the ureter, the release of fluid is difficult. Pain in renal colic is so strong that the patient takes a forced position: on his side with the legs brought to the stomach. Crystals in the urine of a child are most often observed due to inflammatory pathologies (acute and chronic pyelonephritis, cystitis). Such ailments are accompanied by fever, nausea, pain in the lower back and abdomen (often on one side).
Diagnostics in the presence of crystals in the urine: decoding of tests
Urates, phosphates and calcium crystals in the urine are found under microscopic examination. In addition to OAM, a biochemical blood test is performed. The presence of crystals in the urine is indicated by a "+" sign. For example, the entry "urates +++" means that these substances are present in large quantities. The pH level is also determined. If this indicator is normal, a more in-depth examination is carried out. Urinalysis is performed according to Zimnitsky, Nechiporenko, ultrasound of the kidneys, excretory urography. In some cases, it is necessary to conduct a study of the parathyroid glands. In addition to laboratory and instrumental diagnostics, it is necessary to find out: what foodstuffs did the person consume before taking OAM, does he drink unfiltered water.
Amorphous crystals in urine: treatment
After finding out the cause of the appearance of crystals in the urine, treatment is prescribed. If there are large stones in the kidneys, surgery is required. In cases where crystals occur against the background of some disease (pyelonephritis, diabetes mellitus, gout), treatment should be directed to the underlying pathology. With the development of renal colic, antispasmodic drugs are prescribed (tablets "No-shpa", "Drotaverine"), uroseptics.
How to prevent the formation of crystals in the urine
To prevent the formation of crystals in the urinary sediment, it is necessary to periodically take OAM. After all, often the accumulation of s alts is not accompanied by any symptoms. It should be remembered that crystals rarely form with proper nutrition. Therefore, it is worth eating foods containing acids in limited quantities. It is not recommended to drink "raw" unfiltered water. In the presence of inflammatory and metabolic diseases, it is necessary to follow the doctor's prescriptions.
