What should I do if I have kidney stones?

Generally, stones may be caused by factors such as genetics, insufficient fluid intake, poor dietary habits, infections, or urinary tract obstruction. Treatment options include increasing physical activity, drinking more water, dietary adjustments, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, and intracavitary lithotripsy. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and receive appropriate treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. Specific analysis is as follows:

1. Genetics

If someone in the family has a history of stones, the likelihood of developing stones in descendants also increases. Appropriate physical exercise is recommended, as it can promote metabolism and blood circulation, increase urine output, and help expel small stones or stone fragments from the body.

2. Insufficient Fluid Intake

Inadequate daily water intake may lead to concentrated urine, increasing the concentration of crystalline substances in the urine, which can precipitate and form stones. Drinking more water helps increase urine output, thereby diluting minerals and salts in the urine and reducing the risk of stone formation.

3. Poor Dietary Habits

Diets high in fat, cholesterol, and sugar, as well as excessive consumption of foods rich in oxalate and calcium—such as spinach and beetroot—can easily increase the concentration of crystalline substances in urine or bile, leading to stone formation. Adjusting the diet by reducing intake of high-oxalate, high-purine, and high-sodium foods can lower the risk of stone development.

4. Infection

Infections may result from pathogens such as bacteria entering the body. Urinary tract infections can increase the amount of bacteria and their metabolic products in the urine, promoting stone formation. Symptoms often include frequent urination and urgency. Under medical supervision, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) may be used. ESWL is a rapid and effective method for treating stones, using ultrasonic energy to break stones into smaller fragments that can be more easily expelled naturally.

5. Urinary Tract Obstruction

Urinary tract obstruction is usually caused by blockage or compression of the urinary lumen. This condition can impair urine flow, causing urine to remain in the urinary tract for prolonged periods, which may lead to stone formation. Symptoms may include cloudy urine and difficulty urinating. Intracavitary lithotripsy is recommended under medical supervision. This method is suitable for complex or difficult-to-remove stones, using specialized instruments inserted into the urinary tract to directly fragment the stones into smaller pieces or powder, which are then expelled naturally or removed surgically.

In daily life, to prevent stone formation and recurrence, it is important to maintain good hydration habits, follow a balanced diet, engage in moderate physical activity, and regularly monitor overall health.