Kidney stones and bladder stones
Urinary stones, such as kidney stones and bladder stones, very commonly occur in the urinary tract. More and more people are encountering this problem. Men are more prone to urinary stones than women. The stones in the urinary tract often do not cause any discomfort. Symptoms occur if they get stuck in the ureter. In cases of renal colic, severe pain occurs in the kidney area. An increased urge to urinate, blood in the urine or problems urinating point towards urinary stones. See a doctor as infection or narrowing of the ureter can occur.
The causes of kidney stones and bladder stones
Normally, all substances contained in the urine are in a dissolved state. Urinary stones occur when these substances crystallise in the urine and form solid stones. Such urinary stones usually consist of calcium (80%) or uric acid (10%). If the stones are in the kidneys, they are called kidney stones. In cases of bladder stones, the stones get stuck in the urinary bladder. The causes vary and are not always very clear. Not drinking enough, lack of exercise or poor nutrition all have an impact. Certain metabolic diseases or overly acidic urine promote stone formation.
Kidney and bladder examinations
Doctors often discover kidney stones by chance during an ultrasound examination. If they are not causing any problems, nothing needs to be done about it. If the patient presents in the hospital with renal colic, they have flank pain. Red blood cells can be detected in the urine or, in cases of inflammation, also white blood cells. An ultrasound or X-ray examination with a contrast agent will help in the identification of kidney stones.
Treatments
Most of the time, the kidney stones leave the body through the ureter, bladder and urethra without the need for special treatment. Drinking plenty of liquids and taking antispasmodic medication will help. Certain medications can help the body dissolve the stones. If this is not successful, the urologist will break them up using shock waves from outside the body (extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL)). In rare cases, stones are removed through surgery.
Prevention of urinary stones
Unfortunately, kidney stones and bladder stones continue to form over the course of one’s life. 60% of all patients presenting with urinary stones suffer a recurrence. Drinking a lot throughout the day, avoiding excess weight and exercising regularly all help. The diet should be healthy and balanced. Try to catch a urinary stone. This will enable you to have it examined and take more targeted action against the formation of stones.
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