Bladder stones, or urolithiasis, form in the bladder due to concentrated urine and can cause pain, frequent urination, and blood in the urine. Diagnosis includes urinalysis and medical imaging tests, and treatment may include increasing water intake or breaking up the stones via laser or ultrasound. Risk factors include older age, being male, and having a history of frequent bladder infections.
Urolithiasis is another term for bladder stones. These tiny masses form in the bladder and are made up of minerals. Typically, urolithiasis is formed due to concentrated urine. When urine is concentrated, minerals commonly crystallize. Urinary tract infections, inadequate fluid intake, or an enlarged prostate can all contribute to urine concentration and bladder stone formation. Sometimes, urolithiasis causes no symptoms and is only discovered accidentally or during medical procedures for other conditions.
Often, bladder stones pass through the urinary tract without treatment. Sometimes, however, they may need to be removed through medical intervention. If bladder stones are left untreated and don’t spread on their own, they can contribute to complications such as kidney infection. Although some patients with large bladder stones may not have any symptoms, other patients with tiny stones may experience excruciating pain.
Typically, symptoms of urolithiasis include pain in the lower abdomen, pain or burning when urinating, and frequent urination. Also, there may be hematuria or blood in the urine and dark colored urine. Sometimes urinary leakage or incontinence and difficulty with urination can also be a symptom. Frequently, if the infection is present due to the stones, fever, chills, and nausea may accompany urolithiasis.
Risk factors for urolithiasis may include older age, although pediatric urolithiasis is not uncommon. Other factors include being male and having a history of frequent bladder infections. Additionally, patients who require the use of an indwelling catheter may also be at risk for bladder stones. Occasionally, foreign objects that have made their way to the bladder, such as contraceptives or certain stents, can contribute to bladder stones. Sometimes, crystals, which can turn into stones, can form on the outside of these objects or devices.
Generally, diagnosis for urolithiasis includes the use of urinalysis and medical imaging tests. Frequently, cystoscopy, which uses the use of a tiny camera to examine the bladder, is recommended so that the doctor can examine the urinary tract and determine whether bladder stones are present. Another medical test frequently used to determine the presence of bladder stones is ultrasound. Ultrasounds use sound waves to create images of body organs and structures on a monitor. This procedure is safe, as no ionizing radiation is emitted.
Frequently, treatment of urolithiasis includes recommendations to increase water intake. Drinking more fluids can help the stone pass through the urinary system. If an increase in fluid intake is unsuccessful, your doctor may use as a cystoscope to view your urinary tract. While viewing the urinary system with the cystoscope, the doctor can then break up the stones via laser or ultrasound.
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