Urinary stones are small pieces of minerals and salts that form when the urine accumulates over time in the urinary tract. Stones can develop from any type of solid material, including calcium, uric acid, oxalate, and other substances in the urine. Stones can block the flow of urine and can cause pain when they get stuck in the bladder or urethra. They can form anywhere from the bladder down to the kidney. Stones can range in size from a grain of sand to a pebble.
Although urinary stones can be painful, they often pass without any treatment. However, when a urinary stone becomes lodged in the ureter, it can cause a blockage and severe pain. In some cases, surgery for stone removal is required. In such cases, you must consult with the best urologist in Tambaram, Chennai. They provide the best medications and remedies, ensuring relief.
Causes:
Urinary stones are a common issue. While the cause of a particular stone can vary, some general factors contribute to its formation. If your body is dehydrated or you are not drinking enough water or eating a high protein diet causing proteins to break down into acids, which can cause crystals to form in the urine. Consumption of excessive alcohol or even some medications can cause urinary stones. Another reason can be the lack of magnesium, causing the body to conserve it, which can lead to water and salt retention in the kidneys. It can cause the crystals to form in the urine and eventually make their way to the bladder, where they can become stones.
Symptoms:
The symptoms of urinary stones can vary depending on the size and location of the stone. Most stones cause no symptoms and are only discovered when a person has a routine urine test or x-ray. When symptoms do occur, they may include:
- Pain in the back and side
- Pain below the ribs
- Difficulty in urinating or burning sensation when urinating
- High radiating pain in the lower abdomen and groin
In case of severe pain, red or pink urine, or even if you are feeling nausea and vomiting, you must immediately consult the best urologist in Chennai. These are severe symptoms that need immediate medical assistance.
Treatment for urinary stones
Getting rid of a urinary stone is easy, but in some cases, more complicated measures are required. Most urinary stones can be eliminated with simple measures like drinking plenty of fluids and taking pain medication as needed. If the stone is small enough, it may pass through the urethra on its own. If the stone is larger, or if it is causing pain or other problems, more aggressive treatment may be necessary.
Some common treatments for urinary stones include surgery to remove the stone, shock wave lithotripsy to break the stone into smaller pieces that can then be passed, and medications to help dissolve the stone. Sometimes, a combination of treatments from a urology doctor in Tambaram may be necessary.
