Concrements (stones and sand) are formed due to the crystallization and precipitation of salts contained in urine. In men, this disease occurs a little more often than in women, but in women it develops more often in severe form.
Kinds of stones
The following types of stones are distinguished by chemical composition:
- calcium-phosphate;
- calcium-oxalate;
- urate (consisting of uric acid);
- cystine or protein;
- magnesium-containing;
- with a mixed chemical composition.
The size of the stones can vary from a few millimeters (sand and small formations) to giant ones, 7-10 cm in size, capable of completely blocking the outflow of urine from the kidney.
The shape of the stones depends on their chemical composition. So calcium stones are usually smooth and flat, resembling pebbles, and urate angular, with sharp edges.
Separately, one should consider coral stones, which belong to the struvial (infectious) stones, and develop against the background of a kidney infection. Such stones have many branches, in shape resembling coral - hence the name, and they are able to occupy the entire renal pelvis.
Kidney stones - symptoms
In mild form the disease may not manifest itself in any way, but in most cases it has a number of clearly expressed symptoms.
- Dull pain in the lower back, on the one hand or bilateral, which increases with a sharp change in body position and physical exertion.
- Kidney colic - acute spasmodic pain in the lower back. Emergency care for colic lies in the application of a large dose of antispasmodics, for example, no-shpy, at least 4 tablets, and preferably in the form of an injection. Anesthetics in this situation can not be taken.
- Difficulty urinating or pain when urinating.
- Blood in the urine or its turbidity.
Medication
To combat kidney stones, a number of drugs are used, most based on herbs, which help slow down growth, dissolve or remove stones.
Blemaren, Uralit U - preparations for dissolution of stones and alkalinization of urine. Effective against urate and mixed stones.
Kanefron H is a plant remedy of complex action. It is used with urate and calcium oxalate stones.
Cystone is a complex herbal preparation. It is used for all types of stones.
Phytolysin, Phytolite - preparations based on herbal extracts. Promote the excretion of small stones and hinder the growth and formation of new stones.
In the case of the infectious nature of the disease (coral stones), in addition to all the mandatory treatment with antimicrobial drugs to neutralize the infection. The most commonly used antibiotics include amikacin, gentamicin, ofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, lomefloxacin pefloxacin, diclofenac, ketorolac.
Other treatments
- Surgical removal of stones.
- Crushing of kidney stones with ultrasound.
- Crushing stones with a laser.
Traditional methods of treatment
One of the most effective folk remedies are chicken stomachs, or rather, thin skins, to which they are covered. It is necessary to remove this film from stomachs, dry it, grind it into powder and take 1/5 teaspoon three times a day, with plenty of warm boiled water. The course takes from three to five months, depending on the size of the stones.
Diet
In the treatment of urolithiasis, an important role is played by the diet, which consists in excluding from the diet products that provoke growth and the formation of new stones.
When alkaline stones (phosphates, carbonates) should reduce the number of vegetables, fruits, foods rich in calcium, if possible, give up dairy products. Increase the consumption of fish, meat, flour products and cereals.
With urate stones, on the contrary, you need to reduce the amount of meat and vegetable fats, and drink lemon juice.
With oxalate stones, it is required to limit products rich in oxalic acid: oranges, sorrel, spinach, potatoes, milk, cottage cheese.
Also, for any type of stones, it is recommended to increase the amount of liquid used up to two or more liters per day.