Bladder Stones (Calculi): Causes-Symptoms-Diagnosis-Treatment
What are Bladder Stones?
Urine (pee) can form bladder stones when minerals in it crystallize and clump together. These stones are called bladder calculi.
Bladder stones develop when urine stays in the bladder after you pee. Without treatment, stones can cause infections, bleeding, and long-term problems with the urinary tract.
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Medical terms
- It may sound a touch odd, however you actually will get stones in your bladder. They’re arduous and very little is created from minerals from your pee. They’re most typical in men fifty and older.
- Sometimes, they don’t cause any symptoms and pass out of your body on their own. you'll ne'er even apprehend you had one. however additional usually, they cause pain or different issues once you pee. Once that happens, you have got to induce them to be removed.
- Bladder stones are an arduous plenty of minerals in your bladder. They develop once the minerals in focused pee crystallize and are kind stones. This usually happens once you have bothered to fully evacuate your bladder.
- Small bladder stones could pass while not treated, however generally bladder stones want medications or surgery. Left untreated, bladder stones could cause infections and different complications.
- that contain calcium and oxalate Bladder stones that contain calcium uric acid cystine and xanthine are collectively known as mixed crystals Tiny bladder stones may form over time and block the bladder or urinary tract The larger ones can become stuck in the urethra causing extreme pain during urination Surgery is typically required to remove large bladder stones
Who is likely to get bladder stones?
Bladder stones can happen to anyone, but men over 50 are more likely to develop them. Around half of men over 50 have a condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). BPH is when the prostate (an organ located below the bladder in men) gets bigger. This can make it difficult to empty the bladder. The bladder can become full of stones if urine sits in it for too long.
People who have nerve damage, such as a spinal cord injury that affects the bladder, are more likely to get bladder stones. Also, people who have had specific types of surgery on their bladder (such as an enlarged bladder due to intestinal surgery) are at risk for bladder stones. Very rarely, a person can develop bladder stones even if they do not have any known medical conditions. If you have a kidney stone, it will end up in your bladder. This can happen to people who have difficulty getting their urine out of their bladder- for example, men with BPH.
Risk factors Bladder Stones
Men, especially those over 50, are more likely to have bladder stones.
Conditions that can raise the risk of bladder stones include:
An obstruction. Any condition that blocks the flow of pee from your bladder to the duct — the tube that carries pee out of your body — will cause calculus formation. There square measure variety of causes, however the foremost common is associate enlarged prostate.
Nerve damage. Stroke, spinal cord injuries, Parkinson's disease, diabetes, a herniated disk and a number of other problems can damage nerves that control bladder function.
It's potential to possess nerve injury and a condition that causes bladder outlet obstruction. Having these along any will increase the danger of stones.
Symptoms Bladder Stones
Some bladder stones pass out of the body with urine, and they don't usually cause any symptoms. Larger bladder stones can irritate the bladder and cause severe pain, blood in the urine, and problems urinating. Signs and symptoms may include:
Changes in urine color:If you have cloudy or dark urine, or if you see blood in your urine, there may be a problem.If you have a problem, talk to your doctor about what it might be.
Frequent need to urinate:Sometimes you might feel like you have to go even if you just went.
Pain: When someone has bladder stones, they may feel pain while urinating or during sex. The pain may also be located in the lower part of the abdomen (belly) for men, or in the penis or testicles for women.
Stopping and starting:Sometimes it is difficult to start urinating even if you have to go. Sometimes the urine stream will stop and start (urinary intermittency).
Urinary tract infections:Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can occur if bladder stones are present. Symptoms may include frequent painful urination and cloudy, smelly urine.
Causes bladder stones
Bladder stones form when urine is stored in the bladder for too long. The bladder is part of the body's urinary system. When urine accumulates over a period of time, it becomes concentrated. Minerals in the urine solidify and form crystals that clump together.
When you can't completely empty your bladder, this process happens. Several conditions and factors increase your risk of developing bladder stones, including: 1) Having a high amount of urine in your bladder. 2) Having a UTI (urinary tract infection). 3) Drinking too much water or juice.
Augmentation cystoplastyDuring an augmentation cystoplasty (bladder enlargement) procedure, providers use tissue from the bowel to create a larger bladder. Sometimes the procedure can cause urine to pool in the bladder.
Bladder diverticulaBladder problems can occur if there are pockets or pouches in the bladder. These conditions can happen at birth or they can develop later in life as a result of disease or an enlarged prostate.
DehydrationWhen you urinate, the water dissolves the minerals in your urine and flushes out your bladder. If you don't drink enough fluids, you can get bladder stones because the minerals accumulate in your urine in concentrated form.
Enlarged prostate:As men age, their prostate can grow, which can put pressure on the urethra (the tube that carries pee from the kidneys to the bladder). This extra pressure can make it difficult to completely empty the bladder.
Fallen bladder:Some women develop a condition called cystocele after giving birth. The weakened walls of the bladder fall into the vagina and block the flow of urine.
Kidney stones Bladder stones are similar to kidney stones. Sometimes a stone from your kidneys can travel to your bladder. Usually, if the stone can pass into the bladder it will easily be eliminated through urination. Rarely, in patients who have trouble eliminating a stone, it can get stuck and become difficult to remove. The bigger the bladder, the more pain and difficulty urinating it causes.
Neurogenic bladder: A person with a spinal cord injury or another disease can have nerve damage that affects how the bladder works. People with neurogenic bladder often need a catheter to drain their bladder. Sometimes catheters cannot remove all of the urine. pee.
Medical devicesPatients who have devices in their bladders, such as catheters, can develop bladder stones if crystals form on the device over a period of time longer than the recommended time frame.
How do you naturally remove bladder stones?
While there is no cure for bladder stones, people who have them can manage the condition fairly easily. Medications are available to reduce the symptoms but they aren't always effective and have side effects. By reducing certain known risk factors and increasing water intake you may be able to decrease your chances of developing bladder stones.
How can I clean my bladder?
Step 1: Water If your bladder is inflamed or irritated always drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and flush the bacteria out Water also helps cleanse the body so it will help you start getting rid of the infections in your urinary system The New Health Guide says that if you have frequent urination at night staying well-hydrated during the day will prevent nighttime accidents for most people Step 2: Cranberries and Prunes Cranberries are alleged to be excellent for preventing UTIs because they contain citric acid and malic acid both of which curb bacteria from growing and multiplying inside the.
What natural remedy is best for treating urinary stones?
Urinary stones are difficult to diagnose and even more difficult to treat It is important to treat urinary stones because they can cause very serious and even incapacitating problems if allowed to remain unaddressed One natural remedy that has been proven effective for treating these painful urinary tract mineral deposits is the herb saw palmetto (Serenoa repens).
What vitamins help with kidney stones?
Glucosamine and zinc are two common kidney stones supplements Zinc works at the cellular level to help break down extra compounds that form crystals in your kidneys Glucosamine gives healthy building blocks for new cells to develop so they can remove any existing stones from the kidneys Calcium citrate may work as well by helping to dissolves already existing stones.
Diagnosis Bladder Stones
Your provider will examine you and ask about your symptoms. They may order tests to diagnose bladder stones.
Urine test: Your provider will send a sample of your urine to a lab to check for small bladder stones and to test it for signs of a urinary tract infection or blood.
Imaging tests:CT scans and ultrasound images allow your provider to see pictures of your bladder that are clear and detailed. These tests can show the size, shape, and location of bladder stones.
Cystoscopy:During this procedure, your provider will use a small scope to look inside your bladder and see if there are any stones. The scope is thin and flexible with a camera on the end.
Treatment Bladder Stones
Bladder stones are typically removed by a urologist. Very rarely, bladder stones can be dissolved with patience. It depends on the type of stone you have and may take some time.
Treatment for bladder stones includes:
CystolitholapaxyDuring a cystolitholapaxy, providers use a scope to visualize the stones in the bladder and then break them into tiny pieces with lasers or ultrasound (high-frequency sound waves). The pieces are then removed from the bladder.
SurgeryIf the stones are large, you may need surgery to remove them. Your provider will make an incision in your abdomen and take out the stones.
Prevention Bladder Stones
Drinking plenty of water can help lower your risk of bladder stones. When the minerals in your urine are diluted, it is less likely for them to clump together and form stones. Ask your healthcare provider how much water you should drink each day.
If you are a man over 50 years old, and you have an enlarged prostate, talk to your provider about specific techniques to help you empty your bladder.
Some patients with certain types of stones may benefit from modifying their diet or taking specific medications to reduce future stones.
Outlook
Some small bladder stones may pass out of the body without treatment. But most that don't pass on their own will be removed with minimally invasive procedures or surgery. With proper treatment, bladder stones don't usually cause long-term health problems.
If bladder stones are not treated, the person may experience pain, difficulty urinating, bleeding, and infection. If you have a health condition such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) that can lead to bladder stones, talk to your provider. If you don't treat the cause of the stones, they may form again.
Living With
If you have any signs of bladder stones, talk to your provider. Stones can continue to grow if they're left in the bladder. That's why it's important to get treated as soon as you notice symptoms.
If bladder stones are not treated, they can lead to frequent urinary tract infections and even damage to the urinary tract.
Preparing for your appointment
If you have got signs and symptoms of bladder stones, you are likely to check your medical care doctor initially. You'll then be told that a United Nations agency specializes in treating tract disorders (urologist).
What you can do
To get ready for your appointment, make a list of:
Any symptoms you're experiencing, including any that may seem unrelated to your condition
Key personal information, including any major stresses or recent life changes
All medications you're taking, as well as any vitamins or supplements
In addition:
Be aware of any pre-appointment restrictions. Ask if there's anything you need to do in advance, such as restrict your diet.
Ask a family member or friend to come with you. Someone WHO accompanies you'll keep in mind data that you simply lost or forgot.
It's also a good idea to make a list of questions for your doctor. For bladder stones, some basic questions to ask include:
Is it possible my bladder stones could pass without treatment?
If not, do they need to be removed, and what's the best method?
What are the risks of the treatment you're proposing?
What will happen if the stones aren't removed?
Is there any medication I can take to eliminate bladder stones?
How can I keep them from coming back?
I have other health conditions. How can I best manage these conditions together?
Are there any dietary restrictions that I need to follow?
Will the stones come back?
Do you have any printed materials that I can have? What websites do you recommend?
Don't hesitate to ask additional questions that may come up during your appointment.
What to expect from your doctor
Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions, such as:
When did you begin experiencing symptoms?
Have your symptoms been continuous or occasional?
How severe are your symptoms?
Have you had a fever or chills?
Does anything seem to improve your symptoms?
Does anything make your symptoms worse?
General summary
Bladder stones may be removed using a procedure called lithotripsy in which the doctor applies shock waves or laser beams to shatter the stone and allow it to pass naturally through the urinary tract To perform this procedure the doctor inserts a catheter into the urethra and directs the shock waves or laser beams at the stone from within This process is performed on an outpatient basis and does not require patients to undergo surgery.
