Causes of kidney and ureteral stones

The formation of kidney and ureteral stones is mainly related to abnormal urine composition, urinary tract infection and lifestyle habits. Treatment requires medication, extracorporeal lithotripsy or surgery according to the size and location of the stones. When the concentration of calcium, oxalic acid, uric acid and other substances in urine is too high, they are prone to crystallization and form stones. Urinary tract infection can promote stone formation. Insufficient drinking water and a high-salt, high-protein diet can also increase the risk.

1. Genetic factors: Some people are prone to stones due to family heredity, such as patients with cystinuria or hypercalciuria. They need to check the urine composition regularly and use drugs to adjust the urine pH when necessary.

2. Environmental factors: Sweating a lot and drinking less water in a high temperature environment can easily lead to concentrated urine and increase the risk of stones. It is recommended to maintain daily water intake at 2000-3000 ml and avoid drinking sugary drinks.

3. Physiological factors: Metabolic abnormalities such as hyperparathyroidism can lead to increased blood calcium and increased urine calcium content. The primary disease needs to be treated and the intake of high-calcium foods should be limited.

4. Trauma: Urinary tract injury or surgery may cause urine retention and increase the risk of stone formation. Regular check-ups are required and antibiotics should be used to prevent infection when necessary.

5. Pathological factors: Urinary tract infections such as pyelonephritis can change the composition of urine and promote stone formation. Antibiotics should be used in time for treatment, and the amount of water consumed should be increased to dilute the urine.

The treatment of renal and ureteral stones needs to be combined with the cause and characteristics of the stones. For small stones, drinking more water and taking stone-excreting drugs such as tamsulosin or potassium citrate can promote excretion. For large stones, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy or percutaneous nephrolithotomy can be chosen. After surgery, the dietary structure needs to be adjusted, the intake of high-salt and high-protein foods should be reduced, and regular check-ups should be conducted to prevent recurrence.