Many people are familiar with the situation when a doctor discovers kidney stones. This disease is also called nephrolithiasis. What it is? This is the name given to the process of formation of various crystalline structures in the kidneys. They vary in chemical composition, location, and vary in size from a few millimeters to more than 10 centimeters in diameter.
Nephrolithiasis. What is it and what are the causes
Stony structures can appear in the kidneys, renal pelvis, urinary tract. This process is characterized by the fact that substances that normally should be excreted are retained in the body and crystallized. It is noticed that men have kidney nephrolithiasis much more often than women. The formation of stones is influenced by the nature of human nutrition. The more he consumes fats, proteins of animal origin, products with a high content of acids, the higher the risk of nephrolithiasis. Also, the cause of the disease can be a low level of urine excreted (increased sweating, a small amountfluid intake). Frequent infections of the genitourinary system, metabolic disorders are other factors that contribute to the onset of the disease. Inactive lifestyle, large weight loss can also affect the process of stone formation.
Symptoms
Sometimes the disease occurs without significant symptoms. However, in most cases, signs of nephrolithiasis such as back pain and renal colic can be observed. All this can be accompanied by nausea and vomiting. The chair and intestinal gases do not depart, the amount of urine decreases markedly. Nephrolithiasis also has the following symptoms: every third patient notes the presence of blood in the urine. This is due to damage to the mucosa during the course of the stone. Body temperature is within 37, 5 ° C. The disease is also dangerous for its complications. With untimely treatment, inflammatory processes in the kidneys, stagnation of urine, and bleeding are possible. It is also possible the development of renal failure.
Types of stones
Oxalate stones are most often formed in the kidneys. They are the hardest formations that can occur due to excessive use of vitamin C, with problems with metabolic processes. The appearance is diverse: small, large, smooth, warty. Sizes sometimes reach several centimeters. An excess of uric acid in the body, a violation of purine metabolism - this is the reason that urate nephrolithiasis is diagnosed. About 5% of all kidney stones are phosphate based. Even less commonly, cystine or xanthine stones are found. Nephrolithiasiskidneys can also be infectious. This diagnosis is more common in women than in men.
Diagnosis of disease
If a patient notices signs of urolithiasis, then a visit to the doctor should not be postponed. Nephrolithiasis is fairly easy to diagnose. First of all, a urine test is prescribed. As a rule, even in the early stages of the disease, an increase in the number of leukocytes is observed, ESR is also higher than normal. Neoplasms in the kidneys are clearly visible on ultrasound diagnostics, radiographic images. However, it is worth noting that urates do not appear when using x-rays. In most cases, the stones have a heterogeneous composition. Usually s alts of a certain type predominate, while others are in the form of impurities. That is why almost all stones are radiopaque. To clarify the diagnosis, computed tomography, excretory urography may be needed. These methods allow you to see all the functional changes in the organs and choose the most appropriate treatment tactics.
Coral nephrolithiasis. What is it
A special form of urolithiasis is the formation of staghorn stones. It has been established that due to the characteristics of the female body, the fair sex suffers from such a disease much more often. Experts note a number of factors that can lead to the occurrence of this type of stone. These include kidney diseases (both congenital and acquired), hot climate, unbalanced diet, poor ecology. Not excludedthe possibility of developing nephrolithiasis during pregnancy. This may be due to hormonal changes. The hereditary factor also plays an important role. Some doctors associate this disease with thyroid problems. Symptoms of the manifestation are as follows: pain in the lower back, kidneys, stool disorder, nausea, blood in the urine. Also, most patients report increased thirst.
Treatment methods
Small stones leave the body on their own and do not require intervention. The doctor prescribes a set of measures aimed at alleviating the patient's condition. It is recommended to increase the amount of water a person drinks per day. Light exercise is also shown. Certain medications are also prescribed, which relieve swelling, pain syndromes. A method of dissolving the stone is also practiced if urate nephrolithiasis is diagnosed. What is it and how does this process take place? Litholytic therapy is prescribed if the stone is still in the kidney. The specialist selects drugs that dissolve the formation. However, it is forbidden to choose a medicine on your own. After all, destroying one type of stones, the drug does not affect others and is even able to enhance their growth. Therefore, nephrolithiasis, its treatment requires the advice of a competent specialist.
Crushing kidney stones
If the stone is large, apply the crushing technique. This process takes place using ultrasound or a laser. The last one is the most efficientas it allows you to break any stones. Crushing can take place remotely, and a shock wave of the required power is generated. Contact grinding is also practiced. Through a small puncture, a special liquid is simultaneously injected, thanks to which the crushed stone is immediately washed out. The whole procedure takes about one hour.
Surgical intervention for nephrolithiasis
One way to remove kidney stones is endoscopic. During the intervention, a special instrument is inserted through the urethra or into an incision on the side (depending on the location of the formation). The stone is crushed, then removed with a loop. Operations that require a large incision in the abdominal cavity are being performed less and less. Basically, experts choose gentle methods of getting rid of crystalline formations.
Prevention methods
To prevent the development of urolithiasis, you must follow a number of rules. It is very important to observe a competent drinking regimen. The amount of liquid that a person consumes should be at least 1.5 liters. In addition, special attention must be paid to its quality. If your home has hard water, then you can not do without high-quality filters. Do not abuse mineral waters, as they can provoke this disease. Proper nutrition can also protect against nephrolithiasis. If urates are found, it is necessary to limit the amount of meat, offal. It is worth giving up the use of smoked meats. Oxalate stones impose theirrestrictions. Foods that contain oxalic acid are banned. Sorrel, spinach, beans, citrus fruits, strawberries - this is an incomplete list of foods that can aggravate the situation. Phosphorus-carbonate formations require the exclusion of foods containing large amounts of calcium.
Basic principles of the diet for urolithiasis
Nephrolithiasis (bilateral or unilateral) makes its own adjustments to the patient menu. In addition to the diet and drink, there are other points that you should pay attention to. Experts recommend limiting your s alt intake. It is also worth minimizing alcoholic beverages, especially of dubious quality. Particular care must be taken with vitamin C, because it is its excess that can provoke kidney nephrolithiasis. The treatment of many colds is accompanied by an abundant intake of foods rich in this vitamin. Therefore, people prone to the formation of stones should not exceed the daily allowance (1 gram). In the season of watermelons, you can enjoy this berry to your heart's content. It cleanses the kidneys well, helps to remove sand and small stones. It is recommended to exclude canned vegetables, juices. It is better to eat fresh vegetables and fruits, as well as prepare fresh juices.
