A pharmacist, Greatman Owhor, has said described ureter stones as hard deposits that form in the kidneys and move into the ureters, the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder.
Owhor, stated this in a post on his X timeline, adding that ureter stones are diagnosed and the possible treatment options.
The expert wrote:
These stones can vary in size, and when they get stuck in the ureter, they can cause intense pain and other symptoms.
WHAT CAUSES URETER STONES?
They form when certain substances in your urine, like calcium, oxalate, or uric acid, become too concentrated (are more than the quantity of water needed to dilute them) and solidify.
Factors that increase the risk include:
– Not drinking enough water makes the urine more concentrated, which can lead to stone formation.
– High intake of salt, animal protein, or oxalate-rich foods (like spinach) can contribute.
– If someone in your family has had kidney or ureter stones, your risk might be higher.
– Conditions like gout, obesity, or chronic diarrhea can increase the risk of stone formation.
SYMPTOMS OF URETER STONE
– A sharp pain, usually felt in the lower back or side, and it may spread to the lower abdomen or groin. This pain can come and go in waves.
– You may feel a burning sensation when you pee.
– Your urine might look pink, red, or brown.
– You may feel the urge to pee more often, or have trouble passing urine.
– If there is an infection along with the stone, you may also have a fever.
WHEN SHOULD YOU SEE A DOCTOR?
If you experience any of the following
1. Severe pain that does not go away
2. Blood in your urine
3. Difficulty urinating
4. Fever or chills (which may indicate an infection)
5. Nausea or vomiting that does not stop
HOW ARE THEY DIAGNOSED
– Urine tests check for blood or infection.
– An ultrasound or CT scan can show where the stone is located and how big it is.
– Blood tests to help identify if there’s an underlying condition, like high calcium or uric acid levels, that may be causing the stones.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
– For small stones, many pass out on their own with plenty of fluids and pain relief. Your physician may also prescribe medication to help relax your ureters and make it easier for the stone to pass.
– Stones that are too big to pass may need other treatments like shock wave therapy to break stones or surgery
BUT URETER STONES CAN BE PREVENTED
– Drinking water regularly helps dilute substances in your urine that could form stones.
– Limit your salt intake. It can increase the risk. Salt intake refers to both table salt and sodium found in processed and packaged foods, which can also impact health.
– Eat foods rich in calcium but avoid excess calcium supplements: Calcium from food can help prevent stones, but large doses of supplements may increase your risk.
– Watch out for oxalate-rich foods like spinach, nuts, and tea can contribute to stone formation if eaten in large amounts.
– Maintain a healthy weight because being overweight or obese increases your risk of stones.
Early prevention and lifestyle changes can help reduce your chances of developing these stones in the future
Keep drinking water regularly and stay mindful of your diet to keep your kidneys healthy.
