Bladder stones: Don't be subjective

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted with Master, Doctor Le Phuc Lien - Urologist - Department of General Surgery - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital.
The main cause of bladder stones is stagnant urine. In addition to the common features of stones in the urinary system, bladder stones also have their own characteristics. Bladder stones are common in men and can be easily treated if caught early.

1. What are bladder stones?

Bladder stones are formed by the accumulation of minerals. Stones in the bladder are usually round and rarely rough and angular.
Bladder stones are diverse, can be from ureteral stones, kidney stones (or both) falling down. When stones fall into the bladder, small stones will be able to be excreted through the urine. However, with large stones, they will stay in the bladder and the existing stone deposits in the bladder will continue to stick, thereby accumulating and causing uncomfortable pain.

2. Causes of bladder stones

There are many causes of bladder stones. Here are some of the main causes of bladder stones:
Stones from the urinary system (ureteral stones, kidney stones) fall. Due to stagnation of urine in the bladder. Use a lot of calcium, phosphorus, minerals, ... but drink less water. The patient uses a certain medicine for a long time, causing precipitation and formation of stones. Often sitting in one place, sedentary and often holding urine. Narrowing of the urethra or due to foreign bodies in the bladder, thereby causing stagnation of urine, stagnant sediment forming stones. Eating less vegetables, being lazy to drink water makes the urine unable to excrete the residues.

3. Signs to recognize bladder stones

Only when moving, causing pain or obstructing the urine flow, can the patient pay attention and seek medical attention. Here are some typical signs of disease:
Urine is dark in color or has a coating on it. Lower abdominal pain, pain in the lower abdomen. Presence of blood in the urine. In men, pain often occurs in the penis. Frequent urination, frequent urination, pain in urination. Urinary interruption while urinating Mild fever in case of bacterial infection.

4. Common complications of bladder stones

Bladder stones that are not treated in time can lead to dangerous complications:
Cystitis
In the case of small stones, which have not blocked the urinary tract, and have not caused cystitis, there are almost no symptoms. clear. When the stone is large, it will cause cystitis. The reason is that when contracting, the stone rubs many times against the mucosa, thereby injuring, causing inflammation, ulceration and infection, even bleeding.
If not treated early, cystitis will become chronic inflammation and can lead to bladder atrophy, bladder fistula, bladder cancer.
Nephritis
Very dangerous complications of bladder stones are nephritis and kidney failure. This complication is difficult to treat, affecting the health, even the life of the patient.
Lower abdominal pain
Patients with severe pain in the lower abdomen due to large stones will irritate, compress, and obstruct the bladder neck (the junction of the bladder and urethra).
The pain in the lower abdomen can gradually spread to the perineum or the top of the external genitals, making the patient very uncomfortable.
Bladder fistula
Bladder stones can also cause bladder fistula, perineal or vaginal fistula (in women). Urine leaking through the vagina and anus causes infection and is very inconvenient in daily life.

5. Can bladder stones be treated and prevented?

In the case of small stones, drugs can be used to gradually dissolve the stones. Stones will be excreted in the urine. If there are signs of infection, antibiotics should be used to fight the infection.
In case of large stones, need lithotripsy or surgery to remove the stone as soon as possible. If there are symptoms of urinary disorders such as frequent urination, painful urination or blood in the urine at the end of the yard, you need to see a doctor immediately.

6. Prevention of bladder stones

You should have a healthy lifestyle, drink enough water, have regular health checkups to prevent bladder stones.
Drink lots of water
Should drink 2-3 liters of water per day to help eliminate toxins and waste from the kidneys and bladder, thereby avoiding the formation of stones.
Use low-fat foods
Foods like fruits, vegetables and whole grains, low-fat or fat-free milk you should add to your daily menu. Limit fried, sauteed, fried foods. Do not use processed and canned foods.
Eat more fish than meat
Limit protein and protein foods because they can make stone disease worse. Do not eat organs, especially liver, because the liver contains a lot of purines - this substance contributes to stone formation.
Eat plenty of fiber-rich foods
Eat plenty of vegetables, fruits and whole grains and beans to help provide good fiber. Women need 21-25g, men need 30-38g per day.
Limit stimulants
Do not use beer, alcohol, tobacco and other bad chemicals because the chemicals that accumulate are easy to form stones.
If there are signs of bladder stones, it is best to go to medical facilities for examination and treatment, to avoid unfortunate complications.
Vinmec International General Hospital now has a Urology Screening Package - Stones, which helps patients detect urinary diseases and stones early even when there are no symptoms. The package of Urology Screening - Stones at Vinmec Hospital includes many utilities such as:
Customers are examined and consulted by urologists. Perform diagnostic X-ray and ultrasound services. Early detection of urinary diseases, stones and timely treatment advice.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.