Know the causes and see how to prevent

The kidneys are similar in shape to the bean grain, each averaging 140g. They are located at the back of the abdomen, near the spine. In addition to being responsible for filtering the blood, they have several functions. “Among them, basic acid control, eliminating excess salts that are stored in our blood (such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium) and controlling our blood pressure”, explains André Luis Baracat, a nephrologist at Beneficência Portuguesa de São Paulo. Paul.

Importance of water for the kidneys

Kidneys are also responsible for controlling the amount of water in our body. The consumption of water is fundamental for the proper functioning of these bodies, in addition to some attitudes. “Avoid the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, control protein intake, periodically perform a urine test and renal USG, to make an early diagnosis of kidney stones, tumors and nephritis [são cuidados importantes]”, advises urologist Luiz Renato Montez Guidoni. In addition, hydration is essential to prevent diseases such as kidney stones.

What are kidney stones?

Kidney stones, better known as kidney stones kidneys, are hardened formations in the kidneys or urinary tract, resulting from the accumulation of crystals in the urine. It can affect anyone, but some groups are more affected. “It is more prevalent in patients with a family history of renal lithiasis, obese, with increased uric acid after bariatric surgery and users of medications that help to form stones, such as topiramate”, analyzes urologist Luiz Renato Montez Guidoni.

Causes of kidney stones

The stones can be microscopic or a few centimeters in size. “Within our population, perhaps the greatest cause of formation is heredity, passed from father to son, there is no way to fix it. The second is urinary tract infection, more common in women”, analyzes André Luis Baracat. Unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as excess sodium intake, foods rich in animal protein and low fluid intake, can also cause the disease.

disease symptoms

Among the most common symptoms of kidney stones are:

• Intense pain, which starts in the back and radiates to the abdomen towards the inguinal region. It is a pain that manifests itself in cramps. That is, with a peak of intense pain followed by a period of relief. In general, these attacks are accompanied by nausea and vomiting.

• Change in urine colorby the presence of blood. It may become reddish or darkened, with or without difficulty urinating.

• Suspension or decrease in urinary flow.

How to prevent kidney stones

To prevent the formation of stones in the kidneys, it is recommended to consume at least 2 liters of water per day and a low-salt, low-protein diet. “In addition, obesity is related to the formation of calculations. Once the calculus forms, it can come out spontaneously or be surgically removed. Only uric acid stones have any possibility of being dissolved”, explains the urologist.

Treatments for kidney stones

One option for treating renal colic is the use of analgesics for pain relief. “From the moment the exams confirm the urinary tract obstruction by calculation, the treatment can be done in different ways, depending on the intensity and frequency of the pain, presence of fever, alteration in the function of the kidneys and characteristics of the calculations, such as size, location and consistency”, analyzes physician Luiz Renato Montez Guidoni.

clinical treatment

According to the urologist, clinical treatment is done with drugs that fight pain and facilitate the expulsion of the stone. If there is a need for an emergency procedure, it is usually simple and non-invasive; “with early hospital discharge and relatively short recovery”, he adds.

Luiz Renato Montez Guidoni explains that the calculation can also be fragmented and removed. Usually, in the same procedurea urinary tract drain is placed (which is completely internal to the patient) called a Double J catheter. It consists of a thin silicone tube that facilitates the passage of urine trapped in the kidneys and is removed a few days after the first procedure.

The procedure can also be done with a device that emits shock waves, “which, when reaching the stone, normally fragments it, with subsequent elimination of the stone in the patient’s urine”. So, the ways of clinical treatment are varied.

natural treatment

Natural remedies have properties that can help in the treatment and prevention of various diseases. The stonebreaker plant is one of them. “Patients suffering from kidney stones, which are kidney stones, can make use of the famous stone-breaking tea. It has the power to inhibit stone formation; but it has already been proven that, for this to happen and bring benefits to those who are using it, the herb must be ingested in very high quantities”, explains André Luis Baracat. The nephrologist points out that this natural treatment has long-term results, consuming a few liters a day.