Urinary tract stones are a medical condition that occurs due to the formation of mineral and salt deposits along the urinary tract, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. This condition can cause severe pain and impair quality of life. If not treated properly, urinary tract stones can lead to serious complications, including kidney damage and urinary tract infections.
Risk Factors for Urinary Tract Stones
There are various factors that can increase a person's risk of developing urinary tract stones, including:
- Not drinking enough water
Dehydration is the main cause of kidney stones. When the body lacks fluids, urine becomes more concentrated, allowing minerals to easily precipitate and form crystals. - Diet high in salt and animal protein
Excessive salt consumption increases calcium levels in urine, while animal protein can increase uric acid levels and lower urine pH, which accelerates stone formation. - High oxalate intake
Foods such as spinach, chocolate, tea, and nuts are high in oxalate, which can bind with calcium in urine and form calcium oxalate stones. - Family history
Individuals with family members who have had urinary tract stones have a higher risk due to genetic factors. - Certain medical conditions
Diseases such as recurrent urinary tract infections, hyperparathyroidism, obesity, and metabolic disorders can trigger stone formation.
Symptoms of Urinary Tract Stones
The symptoms that appear depend greatly on the location and size of the stone. Some common symptoms include:
- Severe pain in the lower back or abdomen , which can radiate to the groin. This pain is called renal colic.
- Pain when urinating (dysuria).
- Bloody urine (hematuria), usually looks reddish or tea-colored.
- Frequent urination , especially if the stone is in the bladder.
- Nausea and vomiting , especially if there is a urinary tract obstruction.
- Fever and chills , if accompanied by a urinary tract infection.
How are urinary tract stones treated?
Treatment for urinary tract stones depends on the size, location, and severity of symptoms:
- Conservative therapy
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It is a non-invasive procedure that uses shock waves from outside the body to break the stones into small fragments so they can be passed through the urine. - Urinary tract endoscopy (URS/RIRS)
A scope-like instrument is inserted into the urinary tract to view and destroy the stones directly, usually using a laser. - PCNL (Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy)
Minimally invasive surgery used to remove large kidney stones through a small incision in the back.
Urinary Tract Stone Prevention
The main preventive measures are maintaining hydration by drinking enough water (at least 2–3 liters per day), reducing salt and animal protein intake, and avoiding foods high in oxalate. Those who have previously experienced stones are advised to have regular metabolic urine and blood tests.
To prevent the recurrence of stones in the urinary tract, you must do the following:
- Avoid holding in urine for too long
- Drink 8–10 glasses of water/day if there are no contraindications.
- Drink lime water at least 2–3 times a week
- Reduce sweet or salty foods
- Reduce drinking tea/milk/coffee (enough 1x/day)
- Eat healthy/fiber foods
- Reduce foods that contain ingredients and are fatty
- Do exercise regularly
- Regularly carry out checks at the hospital
When Should You Seek Medical Help?
After urinary tract stone surgery, recovery usually goes well if the patient follows the doctor's recommendations. However, there are some signs that should not be ignored as they could indicate complications.
Consult a doctor immediately if you experience a high fever, severe pain that doesn't respond to medication, large amounts of blood in your urine, difficulty urinating, or pain in your back or lower abdomen. These conditions could indicate an infection, bleeding, or an incompletely removed stone.
Further examinations will help your doctor ensure your condition remains stable and prevent more serious complications. Don't hesitate to attend scheduled check-ups and maintain a healthy diet and fluid intake to ensure optimal recovery.
This article was written by Dr. Paulus Rudy Kurniawan Hasibuan, Sp.U (Urological Surgery Specialist at EMC Cikarang Hospital).