How are kidney stones caused?

Written by Wang Shuai
Urology
Updated on September 03, 2024
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There are many causes leading to the formation of kidney stones, related to daily water and food intake, lifestyle habits, living environment, genetics, and certain diseases. For example, patients with hyperuricemia and those with hyperfunctioning parathyroid glands are prone to the formation of kidney stones. Additionally, individuals who often stay in high-temperature environments and neglect to drink water frequently and urinate regularly, can easily experience concentrated urine, which also promotes the formation of kidney stones. Furthermore, people who consume large amounts of calcium and oxalate-rich foods over long periods are also commonly at risk of developing kidney stones.

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Can people with kidney stones eat pineapple?

Patients with kidney stones can eat pineapple, as well as seasonal vegetables and fruits, as these have no impact on kidney stones. However, patients should avoid spicy and stimulating foods, and refrain from drinking alcohol. Treatment plans for kidney stones should be based on their size. It is advisable to first visit a hospital for urinary system ultrasonography and CT scans to assess the size of the stones. Smaller kidney stones may be treated with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, while larger stones may require surgical intervention.

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Causes of Kidney Stones

The causes of kidney stone formation include the following: One reason is the increased amount of stone-forming components in the urine. Various factors that cause an increase in the concentration of salts, uric acid, oxalates, and cystine in the urine can exceed their solubility. This results in the precipitation and crystallization from the urine, which further grows into stones. For example, hyperuricemia can lead to an increased excretion of urinary uric acid, making it easy to form urate stones. Secondly, the reduction in urine substances that inhibit stone formation, including decreases in citrate and magnesium, can promote stone formation. Third, urinary tract obstruction and infection can lead to stone formation. In cases of urinary tract obstruction and poor urine flow, small crystals formed in the urine can easily adhere to the epithelial cells of the urinary tract, becoming the nucleus of the stone. Urinary tract obstruction may also lead to urinary tract infections where bacteria, pus, and damaged, necrotic epithelial cells can also form the core of stones and gradually develop into larger stones. Fourth, diet and hydration play significant roles. Long-term, high intake of high-protein, high-sodium, high-sugar foods can cause increased excretion of urinary calcium and uric acid, while reducing citrate levels, thus promoting stone formation. A decrease in water intake can also cause urine concentration, further promoting stone formation. Fifth, environmental factors and genetic factors are considered to be related to the formation of kidney stones. It is believed that the hardness of water and genetic factors also have certain relationships with kidney stone formation.

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Written by Zeng Zhong
Urology
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What department should I go to for kidney stones?

Patients with kidney stones need to visit the urology department of their local hospital for standard examinations and treatments. Doctors will conduct an ultrasound and CT scan of the urinary system to determine the exact size of the stones. If the stones are relatively small, measuring less than 1.52 centimeters, they can be treated with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy. If the stones are larger, surgical treatment is necessary. Currently, the main method is a minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy with holmium laser lithotripsy. Patients generally need about 7-10 days post-operation before they can be discharged from the hospital.

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Written by Wang Shuai
Urology
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Does kidney stones cause hematuria?

Kidney stones can cause hematuria. The main reason that kidney stones cause hematuria is due to the damage to the mucous membrane of the renal pelvis caused by the stones, and even the rupture of blood vessels, leading to hematuria. In this case, it is necessary to use imaging methods such as color Doppler ultrasound and CT to determine the exact location and size of the stones. If the stone is small, such as about five or six millimeters, symptomatic hemostasis treatment can be conducted, and if necessary, drinking more water, urinating frequently, exercising more, and taking oral stone-discharging granules or effervescents can help expel the stones from the body. If the stone is large, it is advisable to opt for surgical treatment as soon as possible.

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Written by Wang Shuai
Urology
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How to relieve pain during a kidney stone attack?

When kidney stones occur, there are often significant pain symptoms. This is mainly due to the smaller stones in the kidney moving within the kidney or falling into the ureter, stimulating the ureter wall, causing ureteral spasms and subsequent pain. The pain usually appears suddenly and can be very intense. In such cases, it is necessary to go to the hospital promptly for spasm relief and pain treatment. Medications such as scopolamine, atropine, or tramadol can be used for pain relief. If necessary, scopolamine may need to be administered intravenously. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a physician.)