Ureteral calculi may sound like a strange and complex disease, but it is actually a common urinary system disease. When a stone moves or becomes blocked in the ureter, it can cause severe pain that can be painful.
What are ureteral stones?
The ureters are the long, thin tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder and are primarily responsible for transporting urine. When an uninvited guest appears in this obscure passage – a stone, it will let you know what real pain is.
Stones are hard deposits that form due to excessive concentrations of certain substances in the urine such as calcium, oxalic acid, uric acid, etc. The size can vary from a few millimeters to a few centimeters. Small stones may silently flow out of the body in the urine, but larger stones can get stuck in the ureters, causing pain and potentially blockage in the urine.
How does the pain hit?
The pain of ureteral stones is usually acute and intermittent, which is often referred to as "colic". This pain can extend from the lower back to the lower abdomen and even spread to the genital area. The stone is like a rough pearl that moves slowly through your internal ducts, and every movement can trigger a painful electric shock.
Causes of ureteral stones
1. The concentration of stone-forming substances in the urine is too high, such as calcium, uric acid, oxalic acid, etc.;
2. Urine excretion is reduced, making it easy for stone components to be deposited;
3. Urinary tract infection or structural abnormality, which promotes the formation of stones;
4. Bad lifestyle habits, such as drinking too little water, eating too greasy, overeating calcium-rich foods and neglecting water supplementation, etc.
In addition, stones can irritate the walls of the ureters, leading to an inflammatory response and worsening pain.
How to deal with this pain?
Treatment depends on the size of the stone, its location, and whether it is causing complications, such as infection or kidney damage. The following are common ways to treat ureteral stones:
1. Conservative treatment
For small stones (usually less than 5 millimeters), your doctor may recommend conservative treatment, including:
Adequate water intake: Increasing water intake can help dilute the urine and allow the stones to pass on their own.
Pain medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or opioids can help control pain.
Medical observation: Periodic imaging tests are performed to assess changes in the location and size of the stones.
2. Medication
There are medications that can help relieve symptoms or promote the passage of stones, such as:
α受体阻滞剂:如泰拉唑辛(tamsulosin),放松输尿管肌肉,有助于结石的排出。
Calcium antagonists, such as Modafei, can also be used to relax the ureters.
3. Mini Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL)
Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy is a non-invasive treatment that uses high-energy sound waves to break stones into small particles so that they can be more easily excreted from the body.
4. 输尿管镜碎石术(URS)
This is a minimally invasive procedure in which a doctor inserts a long, thin mirror (ureteroscope) through the urethra and bladder into the ureter, directly visualizes the stone, and uses a laser or other tool to crush it.
5. Percutaneous Nephrolithotripsy (PCNL)
Percutaneous nephrolithotripsy may be required for larger stones or if extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy is ineffective. This method usually involves making small incisions in the patient's back, followed by direct access to the kidneys and/or ureters to remove or crush the stones.
6. Open surgery
Although rarely needed nowadays, in some extremely complex or difficult cases, open surgery may be required to remove the stone.
Diet and lifestyle modifications
An important aspect of preventing stone formation is to make changes in diet and lifestyle:
1. Reduce salt intake.
2. Cut back on foods high in oxalic acid.
3. Increase your intake of fruits and vegetables.
4. Maintain an appropriate weight.
5. Exercise regularly.
A doctor or medical professional should be consulted for personalized advice and a diagnosis before taking any treatment measures. The appropriate treatment regimen for stones should be determined by the physician based on the patient's specific situation.
Ureteral stones can be an unforgettable and painful experience, but the good news is that it is completely manageable and can often be cured. Remember, maintaining proper hydration, paying attention to a healthy diet, and getting your body checked regularly can all help keep you safe from this "internal storm".