Urolithiasis is a disease associated with the formation of kidney stones in the kidneys and other organs of the urinary system. And it is the most common reason for going to a urologist. When the kidneys are filled with kidney stones, the pain becomes unbearable and is constant. Small stones can be excreted with urine without causing discomfort.
Symptoms
The first signal of the appearance of kidney stones in the organ is a pulling pain in the lower back.
Sometimes there is discomfort in the lower abdomen, frequent urges to urinate, which passes painfully and with cutting. Flakes or sand appear in the urine.
The disease must be treated, otherwise the kidney stones will block the ureter and slow down the outflow of urine. This will lead to inflammation of the tissues of the organ and develop renal failure. When the blockage is on both sides at once, it will lead to acute renal failure.
Treatment of kidney stones disease
For the removal of small stones smaller than 4 mm, it is not necessary to go to the hospital. They are eliminated from the body with urine. The doctor only recommends antispasmodics to eliminate pain and drugs to dissolve the stones. Additionally, it is useful to use diuretic herbs. These include birch buds, lingonberry leaves and rose hips.
For the removal of large stones will have to lie in the hospital. Basically, ultrasonic waves are used to crush them. Then the stone is divided into small segments and removed from the bladder and kidneys with urine. Stones that are too large are removed by surgery.
The importance of regular monitoring for kidney health
Another essential aspect of preventing kidney stones is regular monitoring of kidney function, especially for individuals at higher risk. Routine check-ups and urine tests can help identify early signs of stone formation or imbalances in the body that may lead to kidney stones. For example, blood tests can reveal elevated calcium or uric acid levels, which are common contributors to stone development. Additionally, imaging tests like ultrasounds or CT scans can help detect stones before they cause severe pain or complications. By catching potential problems early, proactive measures such as adjusting diet or medication can be taken to prevent the stones from growing or causing harm. Regular medical visits provide peace of mind and are crucial in managing kidney health effectively.
Recommendations on hydration to prevent kidney stones
Quite often urolithiasis develops against the background of chronic dehydration. Because of this, the water-salt balance is disturbed, and concretions are formed. Therefore, it is very important to observe a drinking regimen for the prevention of kidney stones. It is necessary to drink at least 1.5-2 liters of water per day – it helps to thin the urine and reduce the concentration of substances that provoke stone formation. Preference should be given to plain clean water, not carbonated sweet drinks or tea and coffee. It is also important to drink evenly throughout the day, rather than drinking large amounts of liquid at a time.
Proper nutrition for the prevention of kidney stones
Quite often urolithiasis is a consequence of an unbalanced diet. It is no secret that certain products can cause a violation of the water-salt balance, which leads to a change in the chemical composition of the urine. As a result, it becomes oversaturated with salts, which precipitate and are deposited in the form of hard concretions. Therefore, the first and foremost advice is to reduce salt intake to prevent kidney stones. This will help to reduce the level of calcium excreted with urine and reduce the risk of developing urolithiasis.
In addition, there are a number of foods that can increase the levels of oxalates, phosphates, uric acid and other compounds in the urine. This eventually contributes to the formation of hard deposits. The main foods to avoid to prevent kidney stones are:
- spinach;
- sorrel;
- rhubarb;
- beets;
- animal proteins;
- nuts;
- chocolate;
- tea and coffee;
- alcohol.
This does not mean that you should completely eliminate them from your diet, but you should consume them in moderation. It is important that the foods that help prevent kidney stones dominate:
- milk, cottage cheese, yogurt, kefir, etc;
- citrus fruits;
- broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, cucumbers;
- whole grain cereals;
- watermelons, melons and other fruits with high water content;
- legumes;
- olive and other vegetable oils.
How lifestyle changes can help avoid kidney stones
Simple regime adjustments quite often help to markedly reduce the risks of developing urolithiasis. Here are some tips:
- Exercise – physical activity and kidney stone prevention are closely linked. It stimulates metabolism and normalizes metabolic processes, preventing excessive accumulation of salts. In addition, it is an effective way to control body weight and prevent obesity, which is one of the risk factors for urolithiasis.
- Observe the regime of day and rest – a healthy sleep is important for the proper functioning of the kidneys and adrenal glands, as well as for metabolic processes.
- Do not abuse alcohol and caffeine – they can provoke dehydration.
- Take steps to reduce stress levels – this is a good prevention of kidney stones that should not be underestimated. It’s worth introducing yoga, meditation and other relaxation techniques into your routine.
- Have regular medical check-ups – this will help to recognize the tendency to stone formation in time and detect pathology at an early stage, when it is easier to treat.
Conclusion
Prevention of urolithiasis requires a comprehensive approach that includes proper nutrition, drinking, physical activity, and stress level management. Timely attention to these factors helps prevent the formation of kidney stones and maintain the health of the urinary system. Regular medical checkups and consultations with your doctor can help identify possible risks and take early action. Simple lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the likelihood of disease and improve quality of life.
