How to check for kidney stones?

Written by Zeng Zhong
Urology
Updated on September 26, 2024
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For kidney stone examination, it is necessary to conduct an ultrasonography of the urinary system. Patients can go to the urology department of their local hospital for a formal examination. The ultrasound of the urinary system primarily looks at the size of the kidney stones and whether there is any water accumulation in the kidneys. Based on the results of the examination, an appropriate treatment plan can be formulated. For example, smaller kidney stones can be treated with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, while larger kidney stones may require minimally invasive surgery.

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Written by Wang Shuai
Urology
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What to eat for kidney stones?

Patients with kidney stones do not have particular dietary prohibitions, but it is generally advised to avoid long-term, large consumption of foods that promote stone growth. For instance, one should not regularly consume foods high in calcium, such as dairy products like milk and cheese, or soy products like tofu, soy milk, etc. These foods should be consumed in smaller quantities. Also, it is advisable to eat less food high in oxalates, such as celery, spinach, and others. If the stones are uric acid stones, it is recommended to reduce the intake of foods high in purines, such as seafood, as well as beer, beverages, and animal offal. These foods have high purine content and should be limited to prevent or reduce the formation of uric acid stones.

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Written by Wang Shuai
Urology
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What should you not eat if you have kidney stones?

Since the main component found in kidney stones is calcium oxalate stones, it is necessary to eat less food high in calcium and oxalates in our diet. Common foods that are high in calcium include soy products such as tofu, soy milk, and dairy products like cow's milk and cheese, which should be consumed in moderation. Additionally, it is advisable to eat fewer foods high in oxalates, such as celery, spinach, strawberries, and chocolate. Moreover, if the stones are uric acid stones, it is important to consume less seafood, animal organs, beer, and other foods high in purines. It is best to drink more water every day and urinate frequently to dilute the urine, which can reduce the formation of stones.

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Written by Wang Shuai
Urology
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Which department should I go to for kidney stones?

After developing kidney stones, it is necessary to promptly visit the urology department of a hospital for examination and treatment. Diagnostic procedures such as ultrasound, CT scans, and imaging are required to determine the exact location and size of the stones. If the stone inside the kidney is small, around five millimeters, this can often be managed by increasing water intake, frequent urination, exercising, and using medications such as stone-expelling granules and effervescent agents to facilitate the expulsion of the stones from the body. If the stone is large and causes hydronephrosis of the kidney, surgery is recommended as soon as possible. If there is a concurrent infection, it is necessary to control the infection before proceeding with surgical treatment.

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Written by Zeng Zhong
Urology
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Do you need to be hospitalized for kidney stones?

Patients with kidney stones need to decide on a treatment plan based on the size of the stones, which determines whether hospitalization is necessary. For kidney stones smaller than 1.5 cm, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy can be utilized, allowing the patient to avoid hospitalization. After treatment, the patient can go home, where it is advised to engage in physical activity, drink plenty of water, and urinate frequently to facilitate the expulsion of the stones. A follow-up ultrasound of the urinary system should be conducted one week later at the hospital to monitor the status of the stone expulsion. If the stones are larger than 1.5 cm, surgical treatment is required, which necessitates hospitalization.

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Written by Zeng Zhong
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Do kidney stones hurt?

Whether kidney stones cause pain depends on whether the stones are moving within the kidney. If the stones are relatively large, they generally do not move within the kidney, and the patient will not feel pain. However, when the stones cause hydronephrosis (accumulation of water in the kidney), the patient may occasionally feel a slight swelling and discomfort in the lower back. If the kidney stones are small, they are likely to move within the kidney, which can lead to severe lower back pain, clinically known as renal colic. This pain is quite severe, and it is necessary to go to the hospital for timely treatment.