Bladder stones, otherwise known as kidney stones, urolithiasis, or renal calculi, are often recurrent urologic conditions. Almost anyone can be afflicted with this common condition, as it is one of the oldest medical abnormalities known to humans. Morbidity rates are higher among men than women, and those diagnosed with bladder stones will eventually suffer from recurrence within a decade.
Bladder stones can occur anywhere in the urinary tract. Presence of which may cause obstructions in the kidneys, bladder, or urethra. A diagnosis of urolithiasis must be suspected if symptoms such as abdominal pain, dysuria (painful urination), or blood in the urine are observed.
What Causes Bladder Stones
Basically, any condition that leads to the stagnation of urine within the bladder can result to the formation of stones. Once urine becomes too concentrated, wastes clump together and form crystals. Eventually, these become calculi. Bladder stones are made up of different components. Some are composed of calcium oxalate, uric acid, struvite, or cystine. The formation of these calculi depends on the following factors:
- Low urine volume. This is usually a result of low fluid intake.
- Hypercalciuria. Excessive amount of calcium in the urine can lead to stone formation.
- High urine pH
- Spinal cord injuries.
Such conditions incapacitate the extremities, including control of the urinary tract. Incontinence follows and urine stays within the bladder walls.
How to Prevent Bladder Stone
Health conscious individuals can prevent the formation of bladder stone by adhering to the following recommendations:
- Calcium. Consume just the right amount of dairy products and calcium-fortified orange juice.
- Sodium. Fresh or frozen vegetables must comprise majority of the diet when possible.
- Protein. Meat such as beef and pork intake must be kept to a moderate level.
- Potassium. Low intake of potassium rich foods such as vegetables and fruits increase the risk of kidney stone formation.
- Limited oxalates. Precaution must be observed in eating foods such as spinach, rhubarb, beets, nuts, chocolate, tea, wheat bran, and strawberries.
- Supplements. Vitamin C supplements and antacids must be avoided.
How to Get Rid of Bladder Stones
By far the best home remedy for getting rid of bladder stones is hydration. The patient must drink lots of fluids, with simple water as the best choice. Other alternative choices are ginger ale, lemon-lime soft drinks, and fruit juices. At least 2.5 quarts of urine a day is needed to prevent stone formation, which is about 10 to 12 full glasses of water a day. More glasses of fluids must be consumed to wash away the buildup of wastes within the urinary tract.
