Urinary Stone Disease (USD), also known as urolithiasis, nephrolithiasis, or kidney stones, describes the presence of stones and calcification within the urinary system. Stones can arise in any part of the upper urinary tract due to congenital urogenital abnormalities, blockage, dehydration or infection.
While it is common to have urinary stone disease (USD) just once, around 35% of individuals experience it multiple times, such as Urological Diseases in America (UDA). This blog explores 7 intriguing and lesser-known facts about urinary stones.
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What are Urinary stones or Kidney Stones?
Urinary stones also be referred to as kidney stones. These are the hard deposits of mineral salts, mainly calcium, in your kidneys. These stones can be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball.
Urinary stones, or kidney stones, come in various sizes and shapes. They can have smooth or jagged surfaces and typically have a colouration that ranges from yellow to brown. Small kidney stones may sometimes pass through your urinary tract, causing minor or no pain. Whereas, A large kidney stone may get stuck along the way. A kidney stone that gets stuck can block your urine flow, causing severe pain or bleeding.
What are the Types of Urinary Stones?
There are several types of urinary stones with different compositions and characteristics. These include:
1) Calcium Oxalate Stones:
Calcium Oxalate Stones are the most prevalent type, accounting for approximately 80% of urinary stones. It is formed when the calcium combines with oxalate in the urine.
Foods high in oxalate, such as spinach, rhubarb, and beetroot, can contribute to forming calcium oxalate stones in the human body.
2) Uric Acid Stones:
Uric acid stones develop when there is an excess of uric acid in the urine. This type of stone can form in individuals suffering from gout or those who consume purine-rich foods such as organ meats, shellfish, and certain types of fish high in purines.
3) Struvite Stones:
Struvite, also called infection stones, are typically associated with urinary tract infections (UTIs). These stones are developed in alkaline urine when certain bacteria produce ammonia. They can increase and become large, potentially leading to complications and concern.
Foods high in protein, foods rich in phosphorus, and excessive sodium intake can contribute to the development of struvite stones.
4) Cystine Stones:
Cystine stones are rare and occur in individuals with cystinuria problems, an inherited metabolic disorder. Cystinuria affects the reabsorption of the amino acid cystine in the kidneys, which results in its accumulation and subsequent stone formation.
Inadequate fluid intake and excessive sodium intake can contribute to the formation of cystine stones.
5) Brushite Stones:
Brushite stones are rare but particularly problematic. They tend to be larger and more resistant to treatment than other types of stones. Brushite stones are typically composed of calcium phosphate and form in acidic urine.
A diet high in animal protein, high oxalate intake, high sodium intake, low fluid intake, and excessive consumption of calcium-rich foods can contribute to the formation of brushite stones.
Less common types of urinary stones include ammonium urate stones (associated with certain metabolic disorders), xanthine stones (related to a rare genetic condition called xanthinuria), and drug-induced stones (caused by certain medications or substances).
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Urinary Stones?
Urinary stones symptoms can vary depending on the size, location, and movement of the stone within the urinary tract. Here are the common signs and symptoms associated with urinary stones:
1. Severe Pain:
The most common symptom is intense pain that starts suddenly and can be excruciating. It generally begins in the back or side below the ribs and goes down to the groin.
2. Blood in the urine:
It is another common symptom of urinary stones. Depending on the amount, the blood may give the urine a pink, red, or brownish colour or visible blood clots.
3. Frequent Urination:
The increased frequency of urination occurs due to irritation and by the stone. However, the amount of urine passed during each episode may be small.
4. Urgency and Burning Sensation:
Individuals with urinary stones may experience a sense of urgency to urinate, even if the bladder is not full. Some may also experience a burning sensation during urination, similar to the symptoms of a urinary tract infection.
5. Cloudy or Foul-Smelling Urine:
Urinary stones can sometimes have a cloudy or unpleasant smell of urine. These changes often indicate the presence of infection.
6. Nausea and Vomiting:
These symptoms can result from the intense pain or the body's response to the obstruction caused by the stone.
7. Fever and Chills:
Individuals may develop fever, chills, and general malaise. These symptoms suggest that the stone has caused an infection that requires immediate medical attention.
7 Facts about Urinary Stones
Urinary stones, kidney stones or renal calculi are common and often painful conditions that can affect anyone. While most people are familiar with kidney stones, you may need to learn several surprising facts about urinary stones.
1) Size Variations:
Urinary stones come in a range of sizes. The size of the stone often determines the severity of symptoms and the treatment approach required. They can be as tiny as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball.
2) Hereditary Factors:
Genetic factors can contribute to forming specific types of stones, making family history an essential consideration. Kidney stones can have a hereditary component. If someone in the family has experienced urinary stones, the risk of developing them increases.
3) Composition Varieties:
While calcium oxalate is the most common chemical forming kidney stones, other stones can also occur. These include uric acid, struvite stones (related to urinary tract infections), and cystine stones (caused by a genetic disorder).
4) Gender Discrepancy:
Men are more susceptible to urinary stones than women, with a ratio of around 3:1. This is partially due to physiological differences, such as a higher concentration of calcium in the urine and a longer urethra. However, women can still develop kidney stones and should know the associated risks.
5) Occupational Risks:
Jobs that involve prolonged periods of sitting or limited access to fluids, such as long-haul truck driving or airline piloting, may contribute to dehydration and increase the likelihood of developing urinary stones.
6) Dehydration Connection:
Lack of water consumption results in concentrated urine, crystallising the salts and minerals and forming stones quickly. One of the most significant risk factors for urinary stones is dehydration. Staying well-hydrated, mainly by drinking plenty of water, prevents stone formation.
7) Paediatric Occurrence:
Some medical conditions or genetic factors can also contribute to stone formation in children. While it is commonly associated with adults, it can also affect children. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential for managing urinary stones in paediatric patients.
Conclusion
Early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of urinary stones can help prevent complications such as urinary tract infections, kidney damage, or obstruction. If you are unsure about your symptoms or concerned about urinary stones, it is always best to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and guidance.
Jain Multi Speciality Hospital is a reputable healthcare provider offering comprehensive urological care, including diagnosing and treating urinary stones. Jain Multi Speciality hospital has a dedicated team of experienced urologists, state-of-the-art facilities, and advanced diagnostic technologies to provide personalised and effective treatment options for urinary stone patients.
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