What are the causes of kidney and ureteral stones?

The formation of kidney and ureteral stones is mainly related to metabolic abnormalities, urinary tract infections, dietary habits and genetic factors. Treatment methods include drug therapy, dietary adjustments and surgical intervention. Metabolic abnormalities such as hypercalciuria and hyperuricemia increase the risk of stone formation; urinary tract infections cause changes in urine pH, promoting stone formation; high-salt, high-protein diets and insufficient water intake are also common causes; genetic factors such as family history may increase the probability of disease.

1. Metabolic abnormalities: Metabolic problems such as hypercalciuria and hyperuricemia can lead to excessive concentrations of minerals in urine, which are prone to crystallization and stone formation. It is recommended to regularly check blood calcium, uric acid and other indicators, and use drugs such as thiazide diuretics to reduce urine calcium concentrations or allopurinol to control uric acid levels when necessary.

2. Urinary tract infection: Bacterial infection can change the pH of urine and promote stone formation. Treatment includes the use of antibiotics such as cephalosporins and quinolones to control infection, and drinking more water to dilute urine and reduce the chance of stone formation.

3. Dietary habits: A high-salt, high-protein diet will increase the excretion of calcium, oxalic acid and other substances in urine, increasing the risk of stones. It is recommended to reduce the intake of salt and animal protein, eat more fiber-rich foods such as vegetables and fruits, and maintain a daily water intake of 2-3 liters.

4. Genetic factors: People with a family history of kidney stones have a higher risk of the disease. It is recommended that people with a family history undergo regular urine and blood tests to detect and intervene in metabolic abnormalities at an early stage.

5. Drug treatment: For smaller stones, drugs such as alpha blockers such as tamsulosin can be used to help stones pass, or potassium citrate can be used to adjust urine pH to prevent stone recurrence.

6. Surgical intervention: For larger stones or those that cause severe symptoms, treatment can be performed using methods such as extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), ureteroscopic lithotripsy (URS), or percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL).

The formation of ureteral stones is the result of multiple factors. Early diagnosis and comprehensive treatment are the key. By adjusting diet, improving lifestyle, using medication rationally and performing surgery when necessary, ureteral stones can be effectively prevented and treated, the risk of recurrence can be reduced and the quality of life can be improved.