Sand in the kidneys in women and men: what to do, treatment with folk remedies at home

Sand in the kidneys is one of the most common modern diagnoses. The term "sand" is conditional, since the role of sand is played by finely dispersed particles - salts. Some types of salts group together and form larger compounds - stones. Stones and sand in the kidneys indicate the development of urolithiasis or urolithiasis.

The kidneys are a natural filter that purifies our blood, helps maintain the constancy of the internal environment of the body, maintains blood pressure and is involved in the construction of red blood cells.

Kidney diseases are asymptomatic at first, in most cases the initial stage of kidney diseases is discovered by chance, for example, during a medical examination. Pain and discomfort in the kidney area indicate an advanced pathological process, the treatment of which is quite long and has many nuances.

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Epidemiology

Statistics show that more than 70% of cases of kidney disease are diagnosed late, which significantly complicates treatment and leads to a number of serious consequences.

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Causes kidney sand

Most often, the pathology occurs as a result of metabolic disorders, with a change in the pH (reaction) of the environment. The normal pH is within 5-7. Depending on the urine reaction, 2 types of sand (salts) in the kidneys are distinguished:

1. Alkaline urine salts (pH greater than 7).
2. Acidic urine salts (pH less than 5).

Alkaline urine salts include triple phosphates, ammonium urate and amorphous phosphates.

Acidic urine salts include urates, oxalates and uric acid crystals.

These salts differ in appearance. Some of them are harmless, such as triple phosphates. Others by their nature have uneven edges, spiky and sharp edges. Oxalate sand in the kidneys or ammonium urate salts cause damage to the renal tissue, walls of the ureters and bladder. This is why the patient will feel that his kidneys hurt because of the sand. The unpleasant sensations are significantly increased when the sand comes out of the kidneys.

The size of the sand in the kidneys reflects the degree of the pathological process. A particle diameter of up to 3 mm indicates the presence of sand alone, while larger particles indicate the presence of stones.

A large amount of sand falls out as sediment, which can be seen with the naked eye after urination. The color of the sediment changes depending on the type of salts, their density and the presence of additional impurities (mucus, pus, blood).

The causes of sand in the kidneys are quite varied. They include:

1. Kidney injuries, including back injuries (fractures, contusions of the spine and individual vertebrae)
2. Congenital anomalies of kidney development, including agenesis (one kidney)
3. Disruption of calcium and phosphorus metabolism due to hypofunction or hyperfunction of the parathyroid glands
4. Acute and chronic diseases of the genitourinary organs
5. Unhealthy diet, excessive consumption of alcohol (especially wine and beer), sour, spicy and fried foods
6. A sharp transition to vegetarian diets with a predominance of fresh vegetables and fruits in the diet
7. Chronic kidney disease
8. Diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia (increased levels of fat particles in the blood)
9. Irradiation
10. Bone diseases (osteoporosis, osteomalacia), vitamin D deficiency
11. Sedentary lifestyle, obesity
12. Drinking poor quality water that is unbalanced in chemical composition
13. Insufficient fluid intake
14. Hypothermia, especially of the legs and back
15. Prolonged nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

Minor sand in the kidneys during pregnancy, although a deviation from the norm, is not a cause for concern. Its appearance is due to the fact that the intrauterine development of the child requires full mobilization and intense work of the mother's body, so the kidneys work in an enhanced mode. Correction of the diet under the supervision of the attending physician will help to improve their work in the shortest possible time.

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Risk factors

People at risk are those whose work takes place in drafts and cold rooms. Work in chemical plants producing aniline dyes and pesticides can cause kidney disease due to the nephrotoxic effect of chemicals.

Another risk factor is the type of activity associated with trauma. Professional sports, in particular martial arts (boxing, Thai boxing, karate) can cause kidney disease due to aggressive mechanical impact.

Excess weight and obesity increase the risk of developing urolithiasis due to a wide range of metabolic disorders (in diabetes mellitus or gout, under-oxidized metabolic products accumulate, the pH shifts to the slightly acidic side, and salts of acidic urine appear).

A history of kidney disease, such as pyelonephritis or glomerulonephritis, significantly increases the risk of developing kidney disease even after 10 years. Sand in the kidneys and pyelonephritis may indicate an acute inflammatory process due to bacterial infection, as well as Candida fungi.

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Symptoms kidney sand

Symptoms of sand in the kidneys do not always have a clearly expressed clinical picture. At the beginning of the disease, the patient feels symptoms of general malaise, slight weakness, swelling of the face in the morning, and the formation of dark circles under the eyes is possible.

As the disease progresses, the first signs appear that clearly indicate kidney disease. These include:

1. Aching pain in the lumbar region, which is localized on both sides or only on one side.
2. Increased or, conversely, decreased urination.
3. The appearance of characteristic sediment in the urine.
4. Change in urine color not related to nutrition.

Sand in the kidneys and blood in the urine indicate damage to the walls of the urinary system. This is due to the fact that some types of salts have sharp edges. This condition is fraught with negative complications up to the development of anemia.

Usually, fine sand, unlike stones and large crystals, does not cause discomfort to a person.

Kidney stones can provoke renal colic. Renal colic is accompanied by severe pain and discomfort. The mechanism of renal colic development is associated with the disruption of urine outflow from the kidney due to blockage by a stone. This leads to stretching of the renal pelvis (its function is to collect urine for further transportation through the ureter) and disruption of renal blood circulation.

Sand in the kidneys of a child is characterized by more pronounced symptoms. Most often, the passage of sand through the ureters and urethra is accompanied by fever and pain. The child loses appetite, symptoms of intoxication appear. Urination is difficult, the child complains of incomplete emptying of the bladder.

Complications and consequences

In the absence of adequate treatment of sand in the kidneys, urolithiasis develops. Anemia may develop against the background of blood loss with urine. Impaired renal circulation leads to increased blood pressure. Damage to nephrons occurs directly in the kidney, its filtration capacity is impaired, which can cause one of the most severe diseases - CRF (chronic renal failure).

If you do not follow the diet and do not take control tests, a relapse will occur, which will be more severe each time.

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Diagnostics kidney sand

Diagnosis of sand in the kidneys is carried out by instrumental and laboratory research methods. The final diagnosis is made after examination, collection of anamnesis and diagnostics.

Instrumental diagnostics is carried out to assess the anatomical and functional-morphological state of the kidneys.

In this pathology, the most common diagnostic method is ultrasound. Ultrasound examination from different positions allows to determine the shape, position, outline of the kidneys as accurately as possible, to assess the condition of the cups and pelvis, the thickness of the parenchyma. It is with the help of ultrasound that nephrolithiasis and salt formation are diagnosed.

For differential diagnostics in case of suspected cyst formation or oncology, more precise examination methods can be used, for example, magnetic resonance or computed tomography. X-ray is practically not used for kidney examination, since intestinal loops can distort the contours on the image.

A small amount of sand cannot always be seen on ultrasound. Therefore, the next stage of diagnostics is a laboratory urine test.

For a general analysis, you need to collect morning urine immediately after waking up in a special jar. It is advisable to deliver the analysis to the laboratory within the first two hours.

To diagnose salts, the laboratory technician evaluates the color of urine, conducts microscopy of the sediment to determine the type of salts, cellular elements and epithelium. Using a special test strip, the pH of urine is determined.

Another important analysis is a blood test for general analysis and biochemistry. General blood analysis helps to identify concomitant pathological conditions - inflammation and anemia. Among the biochemical indicators, creatinine and urea (diagnostics of the excretory function of the kidneys) and uric acid (an indicator of the exchange of purine bases) occupy a special place.

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Treatment kidney sand

Complex treatment of kidney sand includes drug therapy, diet therapy and drinking regime. Physiotherapy is indicated in the presence of stones.

Medicines for removing sand from the kidneys are prescribed in the absence of large stones, otherwise the stone will block the lumen of the ureter and urgent surgical intervention will be required.

1. Cystone for kidney sand relieves inflammation and has a diuretic effect. The drug improves renal blood circulation, relieves vascular spasms, promotes the excretion of calcium salts, oxalic acid and hydroxyproline. Cystone softens kidney stones by acting on the substance that holds the crystals together. Other active components act against pathogenic gram-negative microorganisms. It is available in tablet form, adults and children over 14 are prescribed 2 tablets 3 times a day after meals. Children under 14 years old are prescribed 1 or 0.5 tablets, depending on the child's condition and doctor's recommendations. The course of treatment is 1-2 months. The drug is well tolerated and does not cause side effects. In case of individual intolerance, an allergic reaction may occur.
2. Canephron is used for kidney sand as an antispasmodic, analgesic, antioxidant and diuretic. The therapeutic effect on the tubular and glomerular system of the kidneys reduces protein excretion in the urine and improves reabsorption. Herbal components have a bactericidal effect. It is produced in the form of drops and tablets for oral administration. Adults and children over 12 years old are prescribed 50 drops (2 tablets) 3 times a day for 4-6 weeks. Canephron is well tolerated by patients, but individual intolerance to some components is possible.
3. The use of Urolesan for kidney sand is indicated mainly for pyelonephritis and cystitis. This is also a herbal preparation, however, it acidifies urine, which is contraindicated in the formation of acidic urine salts. It has antiseptic properties and increases diuresis. Prescribe 8-10 drops on a piece of sugar, which is placed under the tongue. The course of treatment is from 5 to 30 days. Taking Urolesan should be combined with plenty of fluids to prevent nausea.
4. Phytolysin is used as a diuretic, bacteriostatic and analgesic. Phytolysin helps soften stones and remove them with urine. It is prescribed for cystitis, inflammation of the urinary tract and renal pelvis. Contraindication is the presence of phosphate stones. The drug is available in the form of a paste. A teaspoon of paste is dissolved in 100 ml of warm water and drunk after meals. The course of treatment is 1-2 months.
5. Furamag is an antimicrobial agent, a derivative of nitrofurans. The drug does not affect urine pH and has a broad spectrum of antibacterial action.

Indications for use are purulent-inflammatory diseases of the urinary system. The drug is available in capsule form. Adults are prescribed 50-100 mg 3 times a day for 10 days. With longer use, nausea, vomiting, and pain in the epigastric region may occur. In this case, you must stop taking the drug and consult a doctor.

6. Antibiotics for kidney sand are prescribed in case of secondary bacterial infection. In this case, Ceftriaxone 1.0 is administered for intramuscular injections. The drug is available in the form of a powder that must be dissolved in injection water and lidocaine (if there is no allergy).

Diet therapy

The diet for kidney sand depends on the type of salts formed.

It is important to remember that alcohol is contraindicated in any case if you have kidney sand.

The appearance of alkaline urine salts (phosphates) indicates that the diet needs to be slightly acidified. The basis of such a diet is protein foods, namely lean chicken and veal, boiled or baked, lean fish, steamed omelets, eggs, fermented milk products (cottage cheese, kefir, sour milk), cheese, feta cheese, fruits (except bananas and grapes). Mineral water for kidney sand should be "sour" (Mirgorodskaya, Narzan). Regular drinking water can be slightly acidified with natural apple cider vinegar or lemon (3-4 drops per glass of water). It is very important not to overeat and avoid fried, sweet, rich and very fatty foods.

Salts of acidic urine indicate the need to alkalize the diet. Nutrition for acidic sand in the kidneys (urates and oxalates) is aimed at reducing the synthesis of uric acid. Limit the consumption of meat (boiled 2-3 times a week), cheese, smoked meats, sour fruits and completely exclude strong meat and bone broths, coffee, mushrooms, sorrel, chocolate, baked goods, canned food and pickled vegetables. To create a diet menu for sand in the kidneys, it is necessary to take into account the gender and age of the person. It is recommended to consume dairy products, eggs (no more than 1 per day), porridge from various cereals, salads from boiled and fresh vegetables. Mineral water should be alkaline, for example Truskavets.

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Treatment with folk remedies

• Recipe #1

Rose hips for kidney sand are one of the most popular folk remedies. It is important to remember that it cannot be used in the presence of oxalates and urates. The fact is that rose hips contain a large amount of vitamin C (ascorbic acid), which can increase the formation of salts.

Alkaline urine salts respond well to treatment with rose hips. To prepare a decoction, take 3 heaped tablespoons of rose hips, place in an enamel bowl, fill with water and place in a water bath. Rose hips are infused in a water bath for half an hour, after which it must be cooled, the rose hips squeezed through cheesecloth and all the liquid drained into a separate container. Drink a warm drink 30 minutes before meals 4 times a day. The course of treatment is 20-30 days. Then you need to take a 10-day break and repeat the course of treatment again.

• Recipe #2

Place 100 g of crushed sunflower root in boiling water (2.5 - 3 liters). Boil for five minutes under a closed lid and leave until the decoction cools. Store the decoction in the refrigerator. Every day, for a month, you need to drink a liter (divide into 4 doses) of this liquid 30 minutes before meals or 1 hour after meals.

• Recipe #3

For the third recipe, you need to take parsley leaves and roots. You can use fresh raw materials and dried greens. Mix thoroughly, chop. Pour 1 heaped tablespoon of the mixture with 300 ml of boiling water and leave under the lid for 2-3 hours. Drink a glass in three doses at equal intervals. The course of treatment is 3 weeks.

• Recipe #4

Knotweed for kidney sand is best prepared in the evening and infused in a thermos. Place 5-6 tablespoons of knotweed grass in a liter thermos, pour boiling water over it and leave for 10 hours. Drink the treated liquid 3-4 times half an hour before meals. The course of treatment is 10 days.

• Recipe #5

Baking soda helps well against kidney sand, which forms acid stones. For treatment, dissolve 1 level teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of warm water and drink it in the morning immediately after waking up. The course of treatment is 1 month.

You shouldn't consume more soda than is recommended: too much alkali is just as harmful as too little.

Homeopathy

Homeopathic treatment prevents stone formation, helps slow down the growth of stones, and relieves pain in renal colic.

Calcarea Carbonica (calcium carbonate) has a beneficial effect on all organs and systems of the body. It is a non-toxic substance, unlike other homeopathic preparations. The remedy is used to restore damaged mucous membranes of the walls of the genitourinary organs, as well as to normalize salt metabolism. The dosage is prescribed individually and depends on the patient's condition.

Colocunsis and Dioscorea are prescribed to relieve pain in renal colic. The drugs have an analgesic and antispasmodic effect, improve blood circulation in the kidneys.

Belladonna (Belladonna) is used to treat inflammatory processes in the genitourinary system, with urinary incontinence. The plant is poisonous, so it is important not to overdose the drug. Belladonna relieves spasms and relaxes the muscles of the ureters.

The above-described preparations are produced in the form of granules. The dosage and frequency of administration are prescribed by the attending physician. Colocunsis and Dioscorea are used as symptomatic treatment, Belladonna and Calcarea - in courses.

The above-described drugs, with the exception of Belladonna, are well tolerated by the body and cause virtually no side effects. Belladonna is effective, but is not always well tolerated by patients. If the correct dosage is observed, it does not cause side effects.

Surgical treatment

Sand in the kidneys does not require surgical treatment. The indication for surgery is the presence of large stones larger than 5 mm.

There are two types of surgical treatment: pyelolithotomy and nephrolithotomy.

During pyelolithotomy, an incision is made surgically in the renal pelvis, from which stones are removed.

During nephrolithotomy, an incision is made along the entire kidney. This operation is more complicated due to damage to the organ parenchyma.

These methods are becoming less popular due to the high level of trauma and long recovery times.

The most common methods of treating kidney stones are: extracorporeal shock lithotripsy (crushing stones without incisions), transcutaneous lithotripsy (performed through a small incision in the lumbar region) and laser crushing.

Non-invasive therapy has a number of advantages: no long recovery period, quick return to normal life rhythm, virtually no contraindications, relatively painless and does not damage the renal parenchyma.

Prevention

Prevention of kidney diseases consists of following a diet, drinking regimen and physical activity. The patient should get rid of excess weight and do light physical exercises daily.

Every six months, you need to take a control urine test to assess kidney function. If there was a lot of sand in the kidneys, you need to take a urine test every 2 months during the first year.

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Forecast

This disease cannot be cured completely. Complete absence of symptoms and good health are signs of stable remission. If the above recommendations are followed, the prognosis can be considered favorable.

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