In this article we will look at the different types of kidney stones and what they can do. We will also cover what Sepsis is and how severe a urinary tract infection can be. Cystine stones are the most common form of stone, although other types can develop as well. The following information is for education purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. If you have any of these conditions, seek treatment as soon as possible.
Hydronephrosis
Hydronephrosis is a potentially life-threatening condition, but it can also be mild enough that a baby can live with it. If left untreated, it can lead to urinary tract infections and kidney stones, and can even harm the developing fetus. The good news is that treatment for hydronephrosis is relatively easy, and most cases can be resolved without the need for surgery.
While hydronephrosis is uncommon in a young, healthy person, it should be investigated by a doctor if there is swelling of the kidney or pain from kidney stones. In addition to pain from kidney stones, ultrasound and CT scans are necessary for diagnosis. It's also a potential diagnosis for someone experiencing voiding difficulties. Once detected, hydronephrosis will cause irreversible damage to the kidneys. The accumulated urine creates high hydrostatic pressures that destroy the glomeruli and delicate kidney tissue.
Sepsis
A patient with a kidney stone may have severe pain in the abdomen, groin, or lower back. Pain is often described as the worst pain a person can experience. A stone lodged between a kidney and bladder can cause intense pain. This pain may come in waves, be throbbing, or stabbing, and last for an hour or more. It is important to seek immediate treatment to minimize the risk of sepsis and infection.
In this case, a woman in her fifties presented to the hospital with signs of a stone. She was initially given pain medication and an anti-nausea medicine and sent home with the hope that she would pass the stone on her own. But over the next four days, her condition worsened. She was diagnosed with sepsis and treated aggressively with antibiotics and IV fluids. Eventually, she was discharged from the hospital, but not before a full week had passed.
Severe urinary tract infection
A sepsis-like condition, a urinary tract infection can cause a fatal response by the body. When the immune system is weakened and the body's defense mechanisms fail to fight off the infection, the result is a complication called sepsis. Sepsis is less common than a urinary tract infection but still has deadly consequences. A urinary tract infection is a common condition, affecting about 50-60% of adult women at some point in their lives. Unless treated promptly, it can cause organ failure and even death.
To prevent a UTI, go to the bathroom at least 15 minutes before or after sex. A gentle wash of the genital area is also recommended after sex. Avoid using sexual positions that strain the urethra and bladder. If you must engage in sexual activity, use a water-soluble lubricant. Drinking plenty of water helps keep your bladder bacteria-free.
Cystine stones
Symptoms of kidney stones can vary. They can range from minor discomfort to a life-threatening emergency. If you think you have kidney stones, it's important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. If left untreated, the condition could lead to serious complications and require surgery. To treat your condition, your doctor will prescribe a medication called penicillamine. It is 50 times more soluble than cystine. Although penicillamine can cause side effects, they are rarely severe enough to prevent its use.
The first-line treatment for kidney stones is to raise the alkalinity of urine. This increases the likelihood that cystine stones will dissolve. If that doesn't work, drug treatments are available that contain free sulfur atoms and can cause the immune system to react against the medication. Patients with cystine stones will also need to drink more fluid than people with other types of stones. The recommended fluid intake is four quarts of water per day.
Uric acid stones
While kidney stones usually pass in the urine, the bigger ones can cause serious pain and even kidney failure. If not treated early, these stones can lead to serious complications including a urinary tract infection, a kidney failure, or even death. Fortunately, most kidney stones can be removed through specific treatment methods. In rare cases, the condition can be treated without surgery. However, surgery is reserved for the worst cases.
In addition to blood and urine tests, your doctor will order a second 24-hour urine collection to determine whether treatment is working or if your doctor suspects a less common type of stone. Urine samples should be collected at least 6 weeks after an attack because the pH of urine can change during this time. In addition to uric acid, doctors will look at the levels of calcium, phosphate, and citrate in your urine.
