Ureteric Calculi

Painful urination: Know about ureteric calculi

About

Ureteric calculi or stones are those lying within the ureter, at any point from the ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) to the ureterovesical junction (UVJ) a classic cause of renal colic-type abdominal pain.

The condition affects nearly 12% of men and 7% of women [1]

- Treatable by a medical professional
- Requires a medical diagnosis
- Lab tests or imaging often required
- Short-term: resolves within days to weeks

Over 80% of renal calculi are formed by calcium stones. Struvite, uric acid, and cystine stones are the other causes.

Symptoms

A small ureter stone shows no symptoms. Larger ones become an obstruction to the flow of urine. Symptoms shown by the larger stones are:
Extremely pain, often accompanied by cramping in the kidney area and lower abdomen. The pain can later spread to the groin.
Peristaltic pain (renal colic), haematuria, nausea, and vomiting are other symptoms.

Treatment

Self-care
Aim to drink 2-3 liters (4-6 pints) of fluid each day (e.g. water, squash, or fizzy drinks). You should aim to keep your urine colorless throughout the day. Restrict excessive protein and salt intake. Depending on the type of calculi, different kinds of foods like tomatoes, green leafy vegetables, etc. are restricted. Consultation with a registered dietitian is recommended.
Medication
Diuretics and NSAIDS may be recommended.
Specialists
Efficient treatment requires a team of urologist, nephrologist, and dietitian. Connect with your expert team through mfine.