Mr. Zhang, a 50-year-old accountant, suddenly felt severe pain in his lower back during a family gathering, which quickly spread to his abdomen and groin. Despite his attempts at patience, the intensity of the pain made it difficult for him to walk upright. The incident happened suddenly, and his family rushed him to a nearby hospital. After an emergency examination, the doctor diagnosed Mr. Zhang with kidney stones, which had begun to move, which was the direct cause of the severe pain.
This case is not an isolated case, as millions of people around the world suffer similar suffering from kidney stones. Kidney stones are not just a medical problem, they also have a direct impact on the patient's quality of life and daily activities. The suddenness and intensity of pain can often be unexpected, but understanding the basics of kidney stones may help us prevent and cope with this common health problem.
Kidney Stone Basics: Know your enemy, prevention is better than cure
What are kidney stones?
Kidney stones, medically known as kidney crystal deposition, refer to hard mineral and salt crystals that form in the kidneys. These crystals are mostly composed of calcium stones (especially calcium oxalate), but can also contain other types of chemicals such as uric acid and phosphate. Stones can range in size from tiny particles (barely perceptible) to large enough stones to block the urinary tract.
How is it formed?
The formation of kidney stones is usually associated with several key factors:
Inadequate water intake: Insufficient water intake can lead to overly concentrated urine, which is prone to stone formation.
Dietary factors: Diets high in salt, sugar and protein may increase the risk of stone formation.
Genetic predisposition: Individuals with a family history of cases of kidney stones have a higher incidence.
Lifestyle: Lack of exercise may also promote stone formation, as physical activity can help prevent the deposition of certain minerals in the kidneys.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of kidney stones may include, but are not limited to:
Low back or flank pain: The pain may be intermittent or continuous, and the pain may radiate to the lower abdomen and inner thighs.
Hematuria: Urine may be pink, red, or brown in color.
Urinary frequency, urgency: especially if the stone is located close to the bladder.
Nausea and vomiting: due to severe pain or stones affecting other organs.
For individuals who experience severe pain or symptoms described above all of a sudden, especially those with a family history of kidney stones, medical testing should be considered as soon as possible. Using imaging techniques such as ultrasound or CT scans, doctors can confirm the presence of the stones, their size and location, and then develop a treatment plan accordingly.
Although kidney stones are common, understanding their causes, symptoms, and prevention methods is the basic health knowledge that everyone should have. Its incidence can be significantly reduced with appropriate dietary modifications and lifestyle modifications.
Contemporary Treatments and Techniques: Unlocking a New Era in Kidney Stone Treatment
The treatment of kidney stones has undergone a revolutionary change from traditional surgery to modern minimally invasive techniques. Today, we have a variety of highly effective and less invasive treatment options that allow patients to recover quickly with minimal discomfort.
Non-surgical treatments: Medications and fluid therapy
Kidney stones smaller than 5 mm are often treated non-surgically. The main methods include adequate hydration to promote the natural passage of the stone, and the use of medications to manage symptoms and help the stone pass. Commonly used medications include lithosis and anti-inflammatory drugs, such as α-blockers, which relax the muscles of the urethra and help the stones pass more smoothly.
Surgical treatment: a breakthrough in minimally invasive techniques
With the advancement of technology, the surgical treatment of kidney stones has greatly developed in the direction of minimally invasive. Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) is one of the most commonly used treatments that breaks up the stone by focusing the shock wave so that it can be expelled naturally. In addition, laser lithotripsy inserts laser fibers into the urethra or urethra through a catheter to act directly on the stones, which is highly efficient and has few side effects.
The latest advancement is percutaneous nephrolithotripsy, a treatment for larger kidney stones. Under local anesthesia, a small incision in the patient's back is passed directly into the kidney, a lithotripsy is used to break the stone into small pieces, and then it is removed. This method has a quick recovery and a short hospital stay, making it suitable for patients with large stones or complex locations.
Pain management: Easily cope with the pain caused by kidney stones
The pain caused by kidney stones can be intense, and the right pain management strategies are essential to improve the quality of life of patients.
Non-pharmacological therapies: Gentle and effective
Common non-pharmacological pain management methods include hot and cold compresses, which can reduce local pain without relying on medications. In addition, moderate physical activity, such as slow walking, is also thought to help promote the natural passage of stones while reducing pain.
Drug therapy: precise and targeted
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, are commonly used for drug treatment. These medications are not only effective in controlling pain, but also reduce inflammation caused by the movement of the stones. For more severe pain, doctors may recommend opioids, but they are often used as a last resort because of their potential dependence.