The dangers of kidney stones in women

Kidney stones in women are a relatively serious condition. This condition can cause urinary tract obstruction and painful urination in women, as well as difficulty urinating and urethral damage. Therefore, women with kidney stones need to be treated with medication in a timely manner. Medication can promote the dissolution of stones. If the stones are relatively large, lithotripsy is needed to promote the excretion of kidney stones from the body.

1. What are the hazards of kidney stones?

Causes urinary tract obstruction

This is the most common secondary damage of kidney stones and the main cause of secondary renal damage. Kidney stones can cause blockage in the urinary tract lumen and result in water accumulation above the obstruction site. Kidney stones can cause hydronephrosis for too long, leading to obstruction of urination and excessive pressure on the area above the obstruction. This can reduce blood flow to the kidneys, cause renal tubular degeneration and necrosis, and shrink the kidneys, resulting in decreased renal function or complete failure.

Cause local damage

Small and mobile stones cause little damage to local tissues, while large and fixed staghorn stones can cause the epithelial cells of the renal calyx and renal pelvis to fall off, leading to ulcers, fibrous tissue hyperplasia, neutrophil and lymphocyte infiltration, and even fibrosis. After long-term stimulation by stones, transitional epithelial cells may undergo squamous cell metaplasia and even cause squamous cell carcinoma, so urine exfoliative cytology examination should be performed.

Lead to renal failure

If the stones are allowed to develop, they may eventually lead to kidney failure, commonly known as uremia. Secondly, if ureteral stones block the ureters, the urine in the kidneys cannot be discharged smoothly, which will cause water accumulation in the kidneys. Urine will accumulate in the kidneys for a long time, leading to secondary infection and even uremia, threatening the patient's life.

2. Dietary considerations for kidney stones

Avoid foods high in oxalate

About 60% of stones are calcium oxalate stones. Therefore, you should limit your intake of foods rich in oxalate, including beans, beets, celery, chocolate, grapes, green peppers, cilantro, spinach, strawberries, and vegetables from the cabbage family. Also avoid alcohol, caffeine, tea, chocolate, dried figs, lamb, nuts, green peppers, black tea, poppy seeds, etc.

Pay attention to protein intake

Kidney stones are directly related to protein intake. Protein can easily cause uric acid, calcium and phosphorus to appear in urine, leading to the formation of stones. If you have had calcium stones, you should be careful about consuming too much protein, especially if you have a history of excess uric acid or cystine stones. Limit your intake to 180 grams of high-protein foods per day, including meat, cheese, chicken and fish.

Eat foods rich in vitamin A

Foods containing vitamin A can maintain the health of the urethral lining and help prevent the recurrence of stones. These foods include: carrots, broccoli, cantaloupe, pumpkin, and beef liver. However, high doses of vitamin A are toxic, so it is best to consult a doctor before taking it.

3. How to prevent kidney stones in life

To prevent kidney stones, in addition to paying attention to diet, you should also maintain good living habits, exercise more, and stay out in the sun.

Multi-Activity

People who are not active are more likely to have calcium accumulate in the blood. Exercise helps calcium flow to the bones where it belongs. Don't sit around all day waiting for stones to form; go outside for a walk or do some exercise.

Don't stay up late

Staying up late is the enemy of the body and can cause many symptoms. It can affect the body's normal metabolism and over time may lead to stones.

Avoid prolonged sun exposure in summer

Long-term sun exposure will lead to reduced urine output, increased synthesis of vitamin A and vitamin D in the body, and increased calcium in urine, which may lead to stones.