What are uric acid stones like?
In recent years, with the improvement of health awareness, uric acid stones have become one of the hot topics. Many people only discover that they have uric acid stones during a physical examination or when they experience related symptoms. So, what do uric acid stones look like? What are its characteristics and hazards? This article will give you a detailed analysis based on the popular discussions on the Internet in the past 10 days.
1. Definition and causes of uric acid stones
Uric acid stones are stones formed by the deposition of uric acid crystals in the urinary system, accounting for 5%-10% of all urinary tract stones. Its formation is closely related to hyperuricemia, low urine pH (aciduria), and dietary factors. The following are the main causes of uric acid stone formation:
| Reason | Specific instructions |
|---|---|
| hyperuricemia | Excessive uric acid concentration in the blood leads to increased uric acid excretion in the urine. |
| acidic urine | When the pH value of urine is lower than 5.5, uric acid tends to crystallize and precipitate. |
| high purine diet | Excessive intake of foods high in purine, such as red meat, seafood, and alcohol. |
| Insufficient fluid intake | Concentrated urine increases the risk of uric acid crystals. |
2. Appearance and characteristics of uric acid stones
Uric acid stones look different from other stones (such as calcium oxalate stones) and have the following typical characteristics:
| Features | Description |
|---|---|
| color | Usually yellow or brownish-red, with a smooth surface. |
| shape | Mostly round or oval in shape, with blunt edges. |
| texture | It is soft, fragile, and not obvious under X-ray (CT or ultrasound examination is required). |
| solubility | It is soluble in an alkaline environment and therefore can be treated with medications to adjust urine pH. |
3. Symptoms and dangers of uric acid stones
The symptoms of uric acid stones are similar to other urinary tract stones, but due to their particularity, some symptoms are more prominent:
| Symptoms | Specific performance |
|---|---|
| low back or abdominal pain | When the stone moves, it causes severe pain that may radiate to the lower abdomen or perineum. |
| Hematuria | The stones rub against the urinary tract mucosa, causing bleeding and turning the urine red or brown. |
| Frequent urination and urgency | Stones can irritate the bladder or urethra and cause discomfort during urination. |
| urinary tract infection | Stones may block the urinary tract and cause infection, causing symptoms such as fever and chills. |
4. Prevention and treatment of uric acid stones
The key to preventing uric acid stones is to adjust your diet and lifestyle habits. Here are some effective suggestions:
| measures | Specific methods |
|---|---|
| drink more water | Drink no less than 2000ml of water every day to dilute urine. |
| Control purine intake | Reduce the intake of high-purine foods such as red meat, seafood, and alcohol. |
| alkalize urine | Appropriate intake of potassium citrate or sodium bicarbonate can increase urine pH. |
| Regular inspection | Patients with hyperuricemia should regularly monitor urine pH and uric acid levels. |
For uric acid stones that have formed, treatments include:
5. Conclusion
Although uric acid stones are less common than calcium oxalate stones, their dangers cannot be ignored. By understanding what it looks like, what causes it, and how to prevent and treat it, we can better prevent and manage this disease. If you have related symptoms, it is recommended to seek medical treatment promptly to avoid delay in treatment.
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