Nephrolithiasis

• Nephrolithiasis occurs when there‘s an excess of crystal-forming substances that can‘t be dissolved in urine.

• Contributing factors include:

  1. Disturbances in urinary PH

  2. Low urine volume

  3. Low fluid intake

  4. Dietary factors

• Symptoms vary with the site in which the stone is present; in the renal pelvis it is asymptomatic and there‘s no obstruction in urine flow. In the ureter, it increases the pressure inside it, causes spasms of smooth muscle lining, makes the walls distent, and causes renal colic and nausea.

• In the bladder, it causes frequent/painful urination chronic bladder discomfort, hydronephrosis, decreased renal function, and pyelonephritis.

• Types of stones include:

  1. Calcium oxalate

  2. Calcium phosphate

  3. Struvite

  4. Cystine

  5. Uric acid

• X-ray, non-contrast CT, and Ultrasound/MRI are used to diagnose nephrolithiasis

• Treatment options include:

  1. NSAIDs

  2. IV fluids

  3. Medical expulsive therapy

  4. Lithotripsy

  5. Ureteral endoscopy

Source: https://www.osmosis.org/answers/nephrolithiasis