Urinary Tract Stones: Symptoms, Treatment, and Follow-Up

Urinary Tract Stone Issues 2

Responder: Taoyuan Hospital / Urology Department / Dr.
Fu Shih-Chang, 2015/06/22 "Inquiry / More questions answered by this physician" If you are concerned about antibiotic resistance, it is recommended to visit the outpatient clinic for a urine test to confirm that the inflammation has been adequately treated.
If the kidney stones are small and asymptomatic, it is advised to follow up in the outpatient clinic every six months to a year; however, if symptoms such as hematuria or severe pain occur, you must seek immediate medical attention.
Additionally, if I am still taking antibiotics, will it affect the results of the urine test? I am worried that the doctor will refuse to perform the urine test.
Thank you.

Mr. Li, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/06/23

Dr. Fu Shizhang reply Urology

Of course, you should wait until you finish the course of antibiotics before returning for a follow-up appointment.

Reply Date: 2015/06/23

More Info

Urinary tract stones, commonly known as kidney stones, can lead to a variety of symptoms and complications, making it essential to understand their management and follow-up care. Based on the information provided, it seems you have experienced symptoms such as difficulty urinating, hematuria (blood in urine), and abdominal discomfort, which are indicative of potential urinary tract stones.

Symptoms of Urinary Tract Stones
The symptoms of urinary tract stones can vary depending on the size and location of the stone. Common symptoms include:
1. Pain: Often described as severe and sharp, pain can occur in the back, side, or lower abdomen. This pain may come in waves and can be accompanied by nausea or vomiting.

2. Hematuria: The presence of blood in urine, which can range from a faint pink to a deep red color, is a common symptom.

3. Difficulty Urinating: This may manifest as a feeling of urgency or incomplete emptying of the bladder.

4. Frequent Urination: Increased frequency of urination, especially at night, can occur.

5. Infection Symptoms: If a stone causes a blockage, it can lead to urinary tract infections, presenting with fever, chills, and cloudy or foul-smelling urine.

Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies such as ultrasound or CT scans, along with urinalysis to check for blood, crystals, or signs of infection. In your case, the ultrasound indicated mild hydronephrosis (swelling of the kidney due to urine buildup), which suggests a blockage that may be caused by a stone.

Treatment options depend on the size and location of the stone:
1. Conservative Management: For small stones (usually less than 5 mm), increased fluid intake is often recommended to help flush the stone out naturally. Pain management may include medications like NSAIDs or opioids.

2. Medical Expulsive Therapy: Medications such as alpha-blockers can help facilitate the passage of stones by relaxing the muscles in the ureter.

3. Surgical Interventions: Larger stones or those causing significant symptoms may require procedures such as extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), ureteroscopy, or percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

Follow-Up Care
Follow-up care is crucial to ensure that the stone has passed and to monitor for any complications. Regular urinalysis can help detect any residual blood or signs of infection. If you are still experiencing symptoms like mild abdominal pain or changes in urination, it is essential to communicate this with your healthcare provider.

Regarding your concern about the impact of antibiotics on urinalysis results, it is generally advisable to inform your doctor about any medications you are taking. Antibiotics can affect the results of urine cultures but should not significantly alter the urinalysis for blood or crystals. If you are concerned about antibiotic resistance or the effectiveness of your treatment, discussing this with your physician is important.

Prevention Strategies
To prevent future stone formation, consider the following strategies:
1. Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids, particularly water, to dilute urine and reduce the concentration of stone-forming substances.

2. Dietary Modifications: Depending on the type of stones (calcium oxalate, uric acid, etc.), dietary changes may be necessary. For example, reducing intake of high-oxalate foods (like spinach and nuts) can help prevent calcium oxalate stones.

3. Medications: In some cases, medications such as potassium citrate may be prescribed to help prevent stone formation.

Conclusion
In summary, urinary tract stones can cause significant discomfort and complications. It is essential to follow up with your healthcare provider, especially if symptoms persist or worsen. Regular monitoring through urinalysis and imaging, along with lifestyle modifications, can help manage and prevent future occurrences of urinary tract stones. If you have any further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for personalized advice and treatment options.

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