How to check for kidney stones?

Written by Zeng Zhong
Urology
Updated on September 26, 2024
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For kidney stone examination, it is necessary to conduct an ultrasonography of the urinary system. Patients can go to the urology department of their local hospital for a formal examination. The ultrasound of the urinary system primarily looks at the size of the kidney stones and whether there is any water accumulation in the kidneys. Based on the results of the examination, an appropriate treatment plan can be formulated. For example, smaller kidney stones can be treated with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, while larger kidney stones may require minimally invasive surgery.

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Written by Wang Shuai
Urology
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Does kidney stones cause hematuria?

Kidney stones can cause hematuria. The main reason that kidney stones cause hematuria is due to the damage to the mucous membrane of the renal pelvis caused by the stones, and even the rupture of blood vessels, leading to hematuria. In this case, it is necessary to use imaging methods such as color Doppler ultrasound and CT to determine the exact location and size of the stones. If the stone is small, such as about five or six millimeters, symptomatic hemostasis treatment can be conducted, and if necessary, drinking more water, urinating frequently, exercising more, and taking oral stone-discharging granules or effervescents can help expel the stones from the body. If the stone is large, it is advisable to opt for surgical treatment as soon as possible.

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Written by Wang Shuai
Urology
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What should not be eaten with kidney stones

Patients with kidney stones do not have absolute dietary prohibitions. However, it is advisable to consume less food high in calcium, oxalates, and purines. Foods high in purines are mainly found in seafood, animal offal, beer, and beverages. High-calcium foods are primarily found in soy products and dairy products, such as soy milk, tofu, and cow's milk. Foods high in oxalates include celery, spinach, etc. These foods can be consumed in moderation in daily life, but should not be used in large amounts over a long period to avoid further growth and increase of stones. It is also important to drink plenty of water, urinate frequently, and engage in appropriate physical exercise to effectively prevent the occurrence of kidney stones. Additionally, for patients who have already developed kidney stones, it is necessary to timely decide on conservative stone expulsion or surgical treatment based on the size of the stones.

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Written by Zeng Zhong
Urology
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Do you need to be hospitalized for kidney stones?

Patients with kidney stones need to decide on a treatment plan based on the size of the stones, which determines whether hospitalization is necessary. For kidney stones smaller than 1.5 cm, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy can be utilized, allowing the patient to avoid hospitalization. After treatment, the patient can go home, where it is advised to engage in physical activity, drink plenty of water, and urinate frequently to facilitate the expulsion of the stones. A follow-up ultrasound of the urinary system should be conducted one week later at the hospital to monitor the status of the stone expulsion. If the stones are larger than 1.5 cm, surgical treatment is required, which necessitates hospitalization.

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Written by Chen Feng
Urology
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Early symptoms of kidney stones in women

The initial symptoms of kidney stones in women vary depending on the size of the stone and whether the stone causes an obstruction. Generally, during the early stages of kidney stones, the stones are relatively small and do not cause obstruction in the kidney or bladder, and typically do not present any symptoms. However, if a small stone moves downward and accidentally gets stuck in a naturally narrow part of the ureter, it can cause symptoms such as pain and discomfort in the lower back, nausea, and vomiting. If the stone gets stuck at the junction of the ureter and the bladder, it irritates the bladder mucosa, leading to symptoms of frequent urination, urgent urination, and painful urination. However, small stones generally pass on their own. Analgesics can be used for symptomatic treatment. Additionally, medications that dilate the ureter, along with drinking plenty of water and physical activity such as jumping, generally help the stone to pass.

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Written by Wang Shuai
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Are urinary stones the same as kidney stones?

Urinary stones and kidney stones are not exactly the same. Urinary stones refer to stones in the urinary system, including kidney stones, ureter stones, bladder stones, and urethral stones. Therefore, kidney stones are just one type of stones in the urinary system, and urinary stones include kidney stones. If kidney stones occur, one should promptly visit the hospital's urology department for examinations such as ultrasound or CT scans. This facilitates understanding the specific size, location, number of stones, and whether there is accompanying hydronephrosis or infection, allowing for targeted treatment. If the stones are small, drinking plenty of water, urinating frequently, and exercising can help expel the stones from the body. If the stones are large, or there is hydronephrosis, it is advisable to consider surgery as soon as possible.