Urinary stones are hard objects, consisting of crystals, which form in the urinary channel. They are otherwise known as kidney stones or renal calculi. These stones can be found either small or large and different in composition; they can develop at any parts of the urinary system, for instance, kidneys, ureters, bladder, or urethra.
The presence of renal stones may cause a great deal of pain as well as unpleasant complications resulting from the process of ureteral obstruction. This article sheds light on urinary stone symptoms, treatments and prevention, of which the first section deals with the urinary stone symptoms.
Symptoms of Urinary Stones:
Urinary stones symptoms usually vary based on stone size, location, and if they push into the urinary tract. Common symptoms may include:
- Severe Pain
- Blood in the Urine
- Urinary Urgency and Frequency
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Difficulty Passing Urine
These symptoms if severe need to be discussed with a Urologist in Rawalpindi in a timely manner.
Treatment Options for Urinary Stones
The treatment of urinary stones is totally depending on different factors which include the size of the stone, how and where it is located, what type of stone it is, and the severity of the patient’s symptoms. Treatment options may include:
- Pain Management: The pain necessitating some amount to strong pain medication like the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or opioids prescribed by the clinician could only be alleviated.
- Hydration: Taking enough water, especially in a large amount, can aid in the process of flushing about the urinary stones and preventing their formation.
- Medication: Administered the type specific medications such as alpha—blockers, thiazide diuretics, or medications to reduce uric acid, could be helpful in either conducting passage of stones or recurrence prevention.
- Ureteroscopy: This methodology that involves the insertion of a membrane composed of a flexible scope through the urethra and along the bladder walls to the kidneys is used to achieve this goal.
- Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL): This is a less invasive form of stones removal from the kidney by creating a skin incision in the back and with a help of a nephroscope to achieve endoscopic access and to extract the stones.
- Surgical Removal: In certain instances, when other courses of treatment are unresponsive or there are cases complicated by urinary tract obstruction or infection, surgery is rendered inevitable.
Prevention of Urinary Stones:
To reduce the risk of developing urinary stones and prevent recurrence, individuals can take the following preventive measures:
- Stay Hydrated: Water and other fluids are the best option compared to possibly forming crystals and stones if you don’t drink enough amount of fluid to dispose urine.
- Dietary Modifications: Trying to cut down on eating foods which contain high amounts of oxalate, sodium, and protein, and having a diet balanced with fat, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains is one approach to stop the chemical crystal formation.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Stones in the urinary tract are one of the health issues that obesity increases the risk of and consequently regular exercise and a nutritious diet that do not excess fat will contribute to significant weight loss as much as possible.
- Monitor Medications: Individuals taking such medications that have been established to the prevalence of having urinary stones must discuss it with their responsible health professionals to determine other medication options.
- Follow Medical Advice: People generally who have some medical problems that were the main reason to develop urinary stones need to follow the instructions of their healthcare provider for healing and treatment.
Conclusion:
Stones in urinary tract, which can conclude anywhere in the urinary tract from kidneys to bladder, can be very painful and uncomfortable and may require surgery. Symptoms of urinary stones can be daunting, yet various approaches to managing the condition include finding ways to ease symptoms and promote proper stone passage or removal. Double to that, use of preventive measures such as drinking enough liquids, modifying one’s diet and maintaining an active lifestyle may play a great role in the prevention of urinary stone and comeback.
Seeking urgent medical advice is important if you experience some symptoms that suggest that you may have urinary stones in the first place as only a properly diagnosed and treated stone may resolve the problem. There is no doubt that the impact of urinary stones on one’s overall health and well-being can be lessened with proper management, including use of preventive measures so that many people can go on to lead full and active lives despite the stones. For treatment you must talk to a Urologist in Lahore.