If you have a dull abdominal pain extending to the back ribs area, or severe abdominal pain causing you to bend over, along with symptoms of frequent urination, this may be a warning sign of urinary tract stones such as kidney stones and ureteral stones. The symptoms depend on the size, location, and duration of the stone formation.
How to observe yourself? Stay away from urinary tract stones
- Urine test to check for blood in the urine. It may be microscopic blood not visible to the naked eye and requires a microscope for detection, or in some cases, the blood may be dark enough to be seen with the naked eye.
- Back pain
*Kidney stones: If the stone is larger than 1 centimeter or there is an infection, there will be a dull pain in the left or right abdomen, pain around the ribs, not very severe.
*Ureteral stones: Because the ureter is small, about 3 millimeters, stones as small as 3-4 millimeters can cause severe abdominal pain.
- Symptoms of painful urination, irritation, frequent urge to urinate. In some cases, stones or blood clots may be passed in the urine.
How many types of urinary tract stones are there?
Urinary tract stones are divided into two main groups:
- Radiopaque stones can be seen on X-rays. Most are called “calcium stones”, which form from infections. Certain foods can cause radiopaque stones, such as butter, milk, chocolate, and aromatic vegetables.
- Radiolucent/transparent stones cannot be seen on regular X-rays but can be detected by ultrasound or CT scans. Nowadays, more patients are found in this group. Protein-rich foods and meat may cause radiolucent stones.
Urinary tract stones can be cured… with these treatments
- Kidney stones not exceeding 5 millimeters: There is a chance the stone will pass on its own. Doctors will recommend drinking plenty of water and taking stone-dissolving medication. However, for large stones, surgery is required, either endoscopic surgery or open surgery. Doctors may also recommend stone fragmentation using shock waves, which takes about 1 hour.
- Ureteral stones may be treated by stone fragmentation or endoscopic laser lithotripsy to break the stone and remove it. Endoscopic surgery for urinary tract stones can be done without external incisions.
Just drinking water… reduces the chance of urinary tract stones
Urinary tract stones can be prevented simply by drinking 2-3 liters of water daily, not holding urine, exercising regularly, and if you suspect you have symptoms in the risk group, see a doctor promptly before the stones cause urinary tract infections, kidney infections, or lead to kidney damage and failure.
