Calcium oxalate crystals in urine: Symptoms, causes

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Calcium oxalate crystals in the urine are the most common cause of kidney stones. Reduce the risk of calcium oxalate stone formation by following a diet that limits foods containing oxalates, protein, and salt, combined with drinking enough water.

1. What are calcium oxalate crystals?

Calcium oxalate crystals in the urine are the most common cause of kidney stones. It is made from oxalate combined with calcium, of which oxalate is a substance found in foods such as green leafy vegetables. Having too much or too little oxalate in the urine can cause it to crystallize into crystals in the urine and clump together into stones.
Kidney stones can cause pain and complications such as urinary tract infections. This disease can be prevented with a few changes in the diet.

2. Oxalate in which foods?

Oxalates are found in many foods, with the main dietary sources of oxalate being:
Spinach and other green leafy vegetables Rhubarb Wheat bran Almonds Radishes Navy beans Chocolate Okra Fries and baked potatoes Nuts Soy products Tea Strawberries and raspberries. After entering the body, the above foods will be gradually digested in the digestive tract, the nutrients will be absorbed, and the waste products will be taken to the kidneys to be eliminated through the urine. Waste from oxalates is broken down into oxalic acid. If not completely broken down, it can combine with calcium to form calcium oxalate in the urine.

3. What symptoms do calcium oxalate stones cause?

Kidney stones usually don't cause any symptoms until they start moving through the urinary tract. As the stone moves, the pain can become intense.
The main symptoms of calcium oxalate stones are:
Pain in the side and back that can be severe or intermittent Pain when urinating Blood in the urine, which can be red, pink or brown Cloudy urine foul-smelling urine Nausea and vomiting Fever and chills if infected.

4. What causes calcium oxalate crystals?

Common causes of calcium oxalate crystals in the urine include:
Not drinking enough water Diet too much oxalate, protein or salt In other cases, certain diseases can increase the risk of adhesions calcium oxalate crystals form stones, including:
Hyperparathyroidism Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease Dent's disease, an inherited disorder that damages the kidneys Gastrectomy to lose weight Diabetes Obesity.

5. How to diagnose calcium oxalate stones?

Several types of tests may be ordered to diagnose calcium oxalate stones:
Urinalysis : A 24-hour urine sample can be used to check for oxalate levels in the urine. Urine samples will be collected throughout the day. Normal urine oxalate level is less than 45mg/day. Blood tests: Blood tests may be ordered to look for the genetic mutation that causes Dent's disease. Imaging tests: X-rays or CT scans can help see stones in the kidneys.

6. Are pregnant women at high risk of kidney stones?

During pregnancy, the blood flow in a woman's body increases to nourish the developing fetus. More blood is filtered through the kidneys, which means more oxalates remain in the urine, which can increase the risk of stone formation.
Kidney stones can cause complications during pregnancy. Some studies have shown that kidney stones increase the risk of miscarriage, pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, and cesarean delivery.
During pregnancy, imaging tests such as CT scans or X-rays may not be safe for the baby. Instead, your doctor may use ultrasound to make a diagnosis.
Up to 84% of kidney stones pass on their own during pregnancy. About half of stones that don't pass during pregnancy will pass on their own after delivery.
If you have severe symptoms due to kidney stones, increasing the risk of pregnancy, procedures such as stenting or lithotripsy may be indicated to remove the stones.

7. How to treat calcium oxalate stones?

Small stones can dissolve on their own without treatment in about 4-6 weeks, drink plenty of water to help eliminate stones better. Prescription alpha-blockers such as doxazosin (Cardura) or tamsulosin (Flomax) may also be prescribed to dilate the ureters to make it easier for stones to pass.
Pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help ease your discomfort until the stones are gone. However, if you're pregnant, talk to your doctor before taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin, and celexcoxib).
If the stone is too large or does not dissolve, a number of interventions can be used to remove the stone, including:
Endoscopic extracorporeal lithotripsy (ESWL): ESWL works to break the stone into pieces small. Within a few weeks after ESWL, the stones should be cleared out. Ureteroscopy: A thin endoscope with a camera on the end is threaded through the bladder into the kidney. The stone is then either removed with a pick or crushed first with a laser or other tools and then removed. Your doctor may place a stent in your ureter to keep it open and allow urine and stones to drain out. Percutaneous lithotripsy: Percutaneous lithotripsy requires general anesthesia. The surgeon will make a small incision in the back and remove the stone with small instruments.

8. How to prevent calcium oxalate crystals?

You can prevent calcium oxalate from forming crystals in your urine and avoid kidney stones by following these tips:
Drink more water : People who have had kidney stones should drink 2.5 liters of water a day. Everyone needs different amounts of water, ask your doctor about the daily amount of water you need to provide your body. Limit salt in the diet: A diet high in sodium can increase the amount of calcium in the urine, which can cause stone formation. Monitor protein intake: Protein is essential for a healthy diet. However, eating too many high-protein foods can increase the risk of stone formation. You should only provide a protein intake of less than 30% of your total daily calories. Get the right calcium in your diet: Too little calcium in your diet can cause oxalate levels to rise. To prevent this, be sure to provide your age-appropriate daily calcium intake. Cut down on foods high in oxalates: Examples include rhubarb, soybeans, beets, and nuts. When you eat foods rich in oxalates, eat them with foods that contain calcium, such as a glass of milk. This way, the oxalate will bind to the calcium before reaching the kidneys, so it will not crystallize in the urine.

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Reference source: healthline.com