What are the causes of ureteral stones?

The causes of ureteral and pelvic stones include genetic factors, environmental factors, physiological factors, trauma, and pathological causes. Genetic factors may lead to metabolic abnormalities, environmental factors such as diet and climate conditions can affect stone formation, physiological factors include metabolic disorders and urinary tract infections, trauma may cause changes in urinary tract structure, and pathological causes such as kidney disease may also cause stones. Treatment requires medication, surgery, diet, and lifestyle adjustments based on the cause.

1. Genetic factors play an important role in the formation of ureteral and pelvic stones. People with a family history of stones are more likely to develop the disease. Metabolic abnormalities such as hereditary hypercalciuria and hyperoxaluria increase the risk of stones. In terms of treatment, genetic testing can be used to identify the cause of the disease, and targeted drugs such as thiazide diuretics and alkaline citrates can be used to regulate metabolism.

2. Environmental factors such as diet and climate conditions can also affect stone formation. A high-salt, high-protein diet and insufficient drinking water can easily lead to concentrated urine and increase the risk of stone formation. High temperature environments may cause dehydration and promote stone formation. It is recommended to reduce salt intake, control protein intake, keep daily water intake above 2000 ml, and avoid prolonged exposure to high temperature environments.

3. Physiological factors such as metabolic disorders and urinary tract infections are also common causes. Diseases such as hyperparathyroidism and gout may cause abnormal urine composition and increase the risk of stones. Urinary tract infections may change the pH of urine and promote stone formation. Treatment should be targeted at the underlying disease, such as using uric acid-lowering drugs to treat gout and anti-infection to treat urinary tract infections.

4. Trauma may cause changes in the urinary tract structure, affect urine excretion, and increase the risk of stone formation. Urinary tract stenosis or obstruction after trauma may cause urine retention and easily form stones. Treatment needs to solve the problem of urinary tract obstruction, and surgical correction should be performed if necessary.

5. Pathological causes such as kidney disease may also cause stones. Diseases such as polycystic kidney disease and glomerulonephritis may change the composition of urine and increase the risk of stones. Treatment should be targeted at kidney disease, such as using drugs to control the deterioration of kidney function, and performing dialysis or kidney transplantation when necessary.

The causes of ureteral and pelvic stones are complex and varied, and treatment requires targeted measures based on the specific cause. Stones can be effectively prevented and treated by adjusting diet, improving lifestyle, taking medication, and performing necessary surgical interventions. Regular physical examinations and timely detection and treatment of underlying diseases are important in reducing the risk of stone occurrence.