Kidney Stones: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

Regarding stones (calculi)?

Hello doctor, I had a kidney stone that got stuck in my ureter two years ago.
Shock wave lithotripsy was ineffective, and I later had it removed using endoscopic laser lithotripsy.
Recently, I've been experiencing lower abdominal pain, and I suspect it might be a stone.
Initially, I ignored it, but after three days, the pain subsided, although I started experiencing frequent urination.
An X-ray confirmed that a stone has dropped into my bladder.
Do I need to have it removed? Can drinking more water help it pass naturally? Should I take any medication? If I ignore it, could it lead to complications? (Currently, I am only experiencing frequent urination, and even when I don't need to urinate, I still feel the urge.)

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/09/25

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology

Hello, you can undergo a renal ultrasound or urinary system imaging to check if the stones are causing any obstruction.
If there is a blockage, it is essential to relieve it within two weeks; otherwise, it may lead to irreversible kidney damage.
If the obstruction is resolved within two weeks, it usually does not result in permanent kidney injury.

Symptoms of kidney stones typically become less painful after three days as the nerves adapt, but if the stones move, pain may return.
Therefore, the absence of pain could mean that the stone has passed or that it has not moved at all.
Frequent urination may indicate that the stone is located at the distal end of the ureter; more sensitive patients might also feel a sensation of needing to defecate without being able to do so.
General care for stone patients includes:
1.
If there is an obstruction, seek medical treatment as soon as possible.
2.
Drink plenty of water, aiming for a daily urine output of at least 1500 mL.
The amount of water to drink should be adjusted based on individual sweat levels and urine output.
3.
Diet: Follow a low-sodium diet.
Sodium is a key component in the formation of stones.
Avoid soups, especially rich broths like hot pot or lamb soup, and aim for a lighter diet.
4.
Medications should be determined by a clinical physician.
If you have further questions or need clarification, feel free to ask for more discussion.
Online responses should only be used as a reference; it is still necessary to seek medical care at a healthcare facility.
The Ministry of Health and Welfare Taitung Hospital cares about your health.

Reply Date: 2015/09/25

More Info

Kidney stones, also known as renal calculi, are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside the kidneys. They can cause significant pain and discomfort, particularly when they move through the urinary tract. Understanding the symptoms, treatment options, and preventive measures is crucial for managing this condition effectively.

Symptoms of Kidney Stones
The symptoms of kidney stones can vary depending on their size and location. Common symptoms include:
1. Severe Pain: Often described as sharp or cramping, this pain typically occurs in the lower back, side, or abdomen. It may come in waves and can be accompanied by nausea or vomiting.

2. Frequent Urination: As you've experienced, frequent urges to urinate can occur, especially if a stone is located near the bladder.

3. Blood in Urine: Hematuria, or blood in the urine, can be a sign of kidney stones.

4. Cloudy or Foul-Smelling Urine: This may indicate an infection or the presence of stones.

5. Difficulty Urinating: A stone can obstruct the urinary tract, leading to difficulty in urination.

Treatment Options
In your case, since you have confirmed the presence of a kidney stone in the bladder, the treatment approach may depend on several factors, including the size of the stone and the symptoms you are experiencing. Here are some common treatment options:
1. Observation: If the stone is small and not causing significant symptoms, your doctor may recommend a watchful waiting approach, encouraging you to drink plenty of fluids to help flush the stone out naturally.

2. Medications: Alpha-blockers like Tamsulosin can help relax the muscles in the urinary tract, making it easier for the stone to pass. Pain relievers may also be prescribed if you experience discomfort.

3. Surgical Intervention: If the stone is too large to pass on its own or if it causes severe symptoms, procedures such as cystoscopy (using a thin tube to remove the stone) or lithotripsy (using shock waves to break the stone into smaller pieces) may be necessary.

Prevention Strategies
To prevent future kidney stones, consider the following strategies:
1. Hydration: Drinking plenty of water is one of the most effective ways to prevent kidney stones. Aim for at least 2-3 liters of water daily to dilute the substances in your urine that lead to stones.

2. Dietary Modifications: Depending on the type of stones you have, dietary changes may be necessary. For example, reducing sodium intake and limiting foods high in oxalates (like spinach, nuts, and chocolate) can help prevent calcium oxalate stones.

3. Calcium Intake: Contrary to popular belief, adequate calcium intake can help prevent stones. However, excessive calcium supplements should be avoided.

4. Citrus Fruits: Consuming lemon juice or other citrus fruits can increase citrate levels in the urine, which may help prevent stone formation.

Conclusion
In your situation, since you are experiencing frequent urination and have confirmed the presence of a stone in the bladder, it is advisable to consult your healthcare provider about the need for removal. While drinking plenty of water can help facilitate the passage of smaller stones, larger stones may require medical intervention. Additionally, monitoring your symptoms and following up with your doctor is essential to prevent any complications, such as urinary tract infections or kidney damage.

If you have a family history of kidney stones, like your father, it may be beneficial to discuss genetic factors and tailored prevention strategies with your healthcare provider. Always remember that individual cases can vary significantly, so personalized medical advice is crucial.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Kidney Stones: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Prevention

Yesterday, I experienced persistent stabbing pain in my left kidney. After taking pain medication, I went to the hospital for a family medicine consultation. The doctor ordered a urinalysis, which showed 3+ hematuria, and elevated RBC and WBC counts. The doctor suspected the poss...

Dr. Xie Jiaxing reply Urology
Hello: Please visit the urology clinic for a urinalysis and an abdominal X-ray. If necessary, a renal ultrasound can be performed to determine whether the issue is related to kidney stones or kidney inflammation.

Understanding Kidney Stones: Symptoms, Causes, and Management Tips

Hello Doctor: I had a problem with calcium oxalate kidney stones about a year ago, which stayed in my body for almost six months before gradually passing. During that time, I received one session of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWT). Recently, I've been feeling so...

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology
Hello: 1) Some small stones have been passed without symptoms or with mild symptoms. There are many reasons for concentrated or cloudy urine. It is recommended to drink plenty of water, but the key is to perform a urinalysis for proper assessment. If stones are confirmed, Buscopa...

Understanding Ureteral Stones: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

Hello Dr. Hsu, about two weeks ago I experienced dribbling urination due to a ureteral stone, and a cystoscopy removed about five small stones. Today, I've suddenly noticed that my urine stream has become thinner. Could this possibly indicate a recurrence of stones? I drink ...

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology
Hello, you can undergo a cystoscopy to gain insights and also potentially remove any stones. If you are concerned about pain, you can discuss the option of anesthesia with your physician. In addition to drinking plenty of water, following a low-sodium diet will further enhance th...

Managing Discomfort from Kidney Stones: Essential Tips for Patients

I have a history of right kidney stones and am a carrier of hepatitis C. Recently, I have been experiencing discomfort (not pain) in the lower left back area. Doctor, what precautions should I take? Are there any methods for improvement?

Dr. Zhou Hengguang reply Urology
(1) Kidney stones do not always cause pain; in fact, many instances of lower back pain are caused by injuries to the muscles and tendons adjacent to the spine. (2) For patients with kidney stones, general maintenance includes drinking plenty of water, reducing salt intake, avoidi...