Urinary Calculus Disease
A urinary calculus, or stone, can form anywhere in the urinary tract. While the majority of these stones pass out of the body in the urine without symptoms, stones that obstruct one of the urinary drainage tubes can cause severe pain.
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Location
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A calculus is identified by the location where it forms, such as kidney stone, bladder stone, or ureteral stone.
Types
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According to the Merck Manual, 80 percent of urinary stones are made of calcium. The rest form from substances such as uric acid (a chemical formed by the breakdown of an organic compound called purine), cystine (an amino acid), and struvite (a phosphate mineral).
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Effects
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The Merck Manual says a urinary calculus that obstructs part of the urinary drainage system causes location-specific symptoms. Bladder stones can cause lower abdominal pain, and kidney stones or ureteral stones may cause pain in the back, flanks, pelvis, and/or genital area. Urinary stones can also cause more general symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, restlessness, urinary frequency, chills, fever, and bloody urine.
Prevention
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Dietary restrictions can help prevent specific types of urinary stones. People prone to any type of urinary stone are also encouraged to drink plenty of water.
Treatment
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Treatment options range from drug therapy that helps stones pass to sound waves (lithotripsy) and more or less invasive surgical procedures.
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