On a sunny weekend, Mr. Zhang and his family were enjoying a relaxing family gathering. Suddenly, he felt a sharp pain in his lower back, so strong that he could barely stand. The atmosphere of the party suddenly became tense, and his family rushed him to a nearby hospital. After examination, the doctor told him that the severe pain stemmed from a kidney stone in his body.
This sudden, painful experience is not uncommon. Kidney stones are a prevalent health problem across the globe that can not only cause severe pain but can also lead to more serious complications. In this story, Mr. Zhang's experience is just one of the millions of people suffering from kidney stones. So, what causes kidney stones, and how can we prevent these causes of this distress?
Causes of kidney stones: Know the enemy and avoid fighting
Mineral accumulation: a silent threat
Kidney stones are usually formed by an excess of minerals in the body. These minerals mainly include calcium, uric acid, oxalate, and phosphate. Under normal conditions, these substances are excreted in the urine, but when they are present in excess in the urine, they crystallize and gradually form stones. In particular, calcium salt stones, which are the most common type, account for about 80% of kidney stone cases.
Inadequate water intake: a catalyst for the crisis
Adequate fluid intake is essential to prevent kidney stones. Not only does water help dilute the mineral concentration in the urine, but it also promotes the flow of urine and reduces the chance of stone formation. Daily intake of adequate water (2 to 3 litres per day is recommended) can significantly reduce the risk of stones.
Dietary factors: You are what you eat
Dietary habits also have a significant impact on the formation of kidney stones. A diet high in sodium increases the excretion of calcium in the urine, which increases the risk of stone formation. In addition, a high-protein diet increases the concentration of uric acid in the urine, which also promotes the formation of stones. A high-sugar diet is also a risk factor, as it can increase the excretion of calcium in the urine. Therefore, adjusting your diet to reduce your intake of these foods is a key step in preventing stone formation.
Heredity and lifestyle: a role to be reckoned with
Genetic factors also play a role in kidney stone formation. Certain genetic disorders can change the way certain substances are excreted in the urine, increasing the risk of stones. In addition, lifestyle, especially lack of physical activity, has also been linked to an increased risk of stones. Regular physical activity helps maintain healthy metabolic levels and may reduce stone formation.
By gaining a deeper understanding of these causes, we can not only better understand the mechanism of kidney stone formation, but also take targeted preventive measures. By changing your diet and lifestyle habits, increasing your water intake, and having regular health check-ups, you can significantly reduce the incidence of kidney stones, which can lead to pain and complications. This is a smart action that everyone should take, especially those with a family history.
How to Recognize the Alarm of Kidney Stones: The Truth About Pain and the Essentials of Diagnosis
The pain of kidney stones is often described as unbearable, but identifying the specific characteristics of this pain is essential for timely diagnosis. Pain caused by kidney stones usually occurs suddenly, and patients may feel severe pain in the lower back or back, especially on both sides of the lower back to the groin. This pain can sometimes change in intensity with changes in position, especially when the stone moves to the urethra, and the pain can spread to the lower abdomen or even the genital area.
Specific manifestations of pain
The pain of kidney stones can be divided into several types:
Acute colic: When stones block the flow of urine, pressure increases in the urinary tract, triggering severe colic.
Dullness or discomfort: Small stones or may cause only mild discomfort or dull back pain when the stones do not move.
Fluctuating pain: The intensity and location of the pain may change as the stone moves.
Critical steps in diagnosis
For the diagnosis of pain, doctors usually rely on the following methods to determine its cause and location:
Urinalysis: check for blood in the urine, white blood cells (signs of infection), and crystals (which may indicate stone components).
Blood tests: Measure the levels of calcium, uric acid and electrolytes in your blood to help determine the possible components of the stone.
Ultrasound: Mapping the body's internal structures through sound waves can help spot the location and size of the stones.
CT scan: provides more detailed images of the inside of the body, especially if the location is unclear or if multiple stones are suspected.
Breaking the Stone Barrier: A Treatment Strategy for Kidney Stones
Once the diagnosis is confirmed, treatment will be based on the size, type, and location of the stone. There are various ways to treat kidney stones, ranging from medication to surgical intervention.
Medication and pain management
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): such as ibuprofen or naproxen, which are used to control pain and reduce inflammation.
α-Blockers: Telazosine, for example, can help stones smaller than 10 mm pass through the urethra smoothly.
Fluid Therapy: Consume plenty of water to help promote the natural passage of stones.
Surgical and non-invasive surgical options
Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL): The use of shock waves to break up kidney stones from outside the body is a common method for treating small to medium-sized stones.
Urethroscopic lithotripsy: Lithotripsy is applied to urethral and bladder stones by direct palpation of the urethral insertion instrument.
Percutaneous nephrolithotripsy: For larger or complex stones, lithotripsy is performed through the skin directly into the kidneys.
Understanding the painful manifestations and diagnostic methods of kidney stones is key to prompt treatment, and choosing the right treatment strategy can be effective in relieving symptoms and preventing future recurrence. Through the combination of medications, techniques and surgical treatments, the management of kidney stones has become more refined and personalized. It is important for patients to have this information in order to be able to make informed medical decisions if they experience symptoms.