Urolithiasis disease

Urolithiasis disease

Urolithiasis (urolithiasis) is the formation of stones in the kidneys and ureters. Urolithiasis mainly affects adults, but it also occurs in children; the stones are mainly localized in the right kidney, and bilateral kidney damage is possible. Stones vary in composition and shape. Most of them consist of calcium oxalate: such stones occur with long-term use of furosemide, high levels of calcium in the blood, excess purine content in the diet, and hyperparathyroidism. Oxalate stones have a spiky surface and easily injure surrounding tissue. Urates are formed from uric acid in an acidic environment and are found in gout and pyelonephritis. Urate stones are brick-yellow in color and have a smooth surface. Cystine stones are formed when the filtration of cystine is impaired; they are white-yellow in color, round in shape, with a smooth surface, and soft consistency. In rare cases, the filtration of all amino acids is disrupted, their increased concentration is found in the urine, and then coral stones appear, which are a cast of the inner surface of the kidney.

What causes urolithiasis?

The main cause of urolithiasis is a slight metabolic disorder, which leads to the formation of insoluble salts, which form into stones - urates, phosphates, oxalates, etc. However, even if you have a congenital predisposition to urolithiasis, it will not develop unless there will be predisposing factors such as:

1. a certain composition of water and food - for example, spicy and sour foods increase the acidity of urine, which makes stones easier to form;

2. lack of vitamins;

3. injuries and bone diseases - osteomyelitis, osteoporosis;

4. chronic diseases of the stomach and intestines, such as chronic gastritis, colitis, peptic ulcer;

5. dehydration - lack of water in the body, which can be the result of an infectious disease or poisoning;

6. various diseases of the kidneys and genitourinary system - pyelonephritis, cystitis, prostate adenoma, prostatitis and others

Symptoms of urolithiasis

Urolithiasis develops gradually and urolithiasis manifests itself only when the stone reaches a significant size and interferes with the outflow of urine. The most characteristic symptom of urolithiasis (urolithiasis) is renal colic. This is a sharp, sudden, cramping pain; During an attack, a person constantly changes position, moans, screams. An attack of renal colic is most often provoked by shaking or fast walking.

When examined during an attack, tension in the abdominal muscles on the affected side is determined. Small stones can pass away on their own, which is also accompanied by renal colic. Hematuria (blood in the urine) is common and occurs when the stone damages surrounding tissue. With a long course, urolithiasis is complicated by the addition of an infection, which manifests itself as pyelonephritis. In patients with urolithiasis, a positive Pasternatsky symptom (light tapping on the lower back), painful palpation along the ureter is noted.

A plain radiograph reveals stones containing oxalates and phosphates, but urates and cystine stones are not detected. Then excretory urography is performed, which allows you to accurately diagnose urolithiasis.

From the preamble. Urolithiasis belongs to the class of urological diseases. It is characterized by the presence of a stone in the urethra. Urolithiasis can occur in both men and women of different age categories.

Etiology. Two circumstances play a significant role in the formation of stone: