When minerals and salts in the body accumulate in the kidneys to form hard crystals, kidney stones quietly form. This process is often silent until the stones move and cause pain, and one is not aware of their presence. By exploring the early signs, we can identify and act earlier to reduce pain and facilitate the passage of stones.
The early signs of kidney stones may not be obvious, but there are certain subtle signs that can help us warn:
Dullness and discomfort: Mild and intermittent pain in the back, abdomen, or flank may be an early sign.
Abnormal urination: Urinary frequency, urgency, painful urination, or different shades of urine, sometimes hematuria may be observed.
Changes in urine output: Whether it's a decrease in urine output or a sudden inability to pee, it can be a warning sign.
Lifestyle adjustments play a key role in preventing the formation of kidney stones and promoting their excretion
Hydration intake: Increase your water intake and drink at least 2 to 3 liters of water a day to help dilute the minerals in your urine.
Dietary modifications: Reduce your intake of foods high in salt, protein and oxalic acid to reduce the risk of stone formation.
Stay active: Moderate physical activity helps to boost metabolism and reduce the possibility of stone formation.
For stones that have already formed, in addition to lifestyle adjustments, medical intervention is key:
Medications**: Some medications can help relieve pain, and some can promote the passage of stones.
Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy: A non-invasive lithotripsy method that uses a shock wave to break up the stone into small pieces so that it can be easily discharged.
Minimally invasive surgery:For larger stones, minimally invasive surgery may be needed to remove them.
The management of stones is not only about eliminating existing stones, but also about taking comprehensive measures to prevent the formation of new stones
Regular check-ups:Through regular physical examinations and urine tests, the mineral levels in the body are monitored to detect potential problems in time.
Individualization**: Individualized plan, considering the individual's health status and the characteristics of the stone, to develop the most suitable management strategy.
Although kidney stones are common, early identification and proper management can effectively reduce the discomfort they bring and prevent the formation of new stones。The key is to make aggressive lifestyle modifications, seek medical intervention if necessary, and maintain kidney health through comprehensive management. Everyone can take action to dramatically reduce the impact of kidney stones on quality of life through small everyday changes.