Urinary calculi

Urinary calculi, also known as urinary tract stones, are solid concretions (crystal aggregations) formed in the urinary tract, typically from dietary minerals in the urine. They are a common cause of hematuria (blood in the urine) and often cause severe pain in the abdomen, lower back, or groin.

Causes

Urinary calculi are typically formed from the following substances: calcium, oxalate, urate, cystine, xanthine, and phosphate. The exact cause of urinary calculi can vary, but common causes include:

• Dehydration: Insufficient fluid intake can lead to concentrated urine, which promotes the formation of urinary calculi.
• Diet: A diet high in protein, sodium, and sugar can increase the risk of certain types of urinary calculi.
• Obesity: High body mass index (BMI), large waist size and weight gain are associated with an increased risk of urinary calculi.
• Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions such as renal tubular acidosis, cystinuria, hyperparathyroidism, and certain urinary tract infections can increase the risk of urinary calculi.

Symptoms

Symptoms of urinary calculi can vary depending on the size and location of the stone. Common symptoms include:

• Severe pain in the side and back, below the ribs
• Pain that radiates to the lower abdomen and groin
• Painful urination
• Pink, red or brown urine
• Nausea and vomiting
• Persistent need to urinate

Treatment

Treatment for urinary calculi depends on the size and location of the stone, as well as the patient's overall health. Treatment options include:

• Medication: Certain medications can help control the amount of minerals and acid in the urine, which can help prevent stones from forming.
• Lithotripsy: This procedure uses sound waves to break up large stones so they can pass through the urinary system.
• Ureteroscopy: This procedure involves inserting a thin tube into the ureter to locate and remove the stone.
• Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be required to remove the stone.

Prevention

Prevention of urinary calculi involves lifestyle and dietary changes, including:

• Drinking plenty of fluids: This can help dilute the substances that lead to stone formation.
• Reducing sodium intake: A diet high in sodium can increase the risk of stone formation by increasing the amount of calcium the kidneys must filter.
• Limiting animal protein: Eating too much animal protein can increase the levels of uric acid and decrease the amount of citrate in the urine, both of which can lead to stone formation.