Why do stones hurt?
Stones are a common disease, especially urinary system stones and gallstones, which often cause severe pain to patients. So why do stones cause so much pain? This article will conduct a detailed analysis of stone formation, pain mechanisms, and related data.
1. The formation of stones
Stones are caused by over-saturation of certain substances in the body (such as calcium, uric acid, cholesterol, etc.), forming crystals and gradually accumulating. According to the location and composition of stones, they can be divided into the following categories:
| Stone type | Main ingredients | Common parts |
|---|---|---|
| Urinary system stones | Calcium oxalate, calcium phosphate, uric acid | Kidneys, ureters, bladder |
| gallstones | Cholesterol, bile pigment | gallbladder, bile duct |
2. Why do stones hurt?
The pain caused by stones is mainly related to the following mechanisms:
1. Blocking effect
When stones move into narrow tubes, such as the ureters or bile ducts, they block the lumen and prevent fluid from passing through normally. This obstruction causes an increase in intraluminal pressure, irritating nerve endings and producing severe pain.
2. Smooth muscle spasm
When the stone irritates the walls of the duct, it triggers strong contractions (spasms) of the smooth muscles in an attempt to expel the stone. This spasm is one of the main causes of pain, especially "renal colic" caused by stones in the urinary system.
3. Inflammatory response
When stones rub or damage the duct mucosa, they will trigger a local inflammatory reaction and release prostaglandins and other inflammatory mediators, further exacerbating pain.
3. Comparison of pain characteristics and data
The pain characteristics of stones in different parts of the body are different. The following is a comparison of the pain of urinary system stones and gallstones:
| pain characteristics | Urinary system stones | gallstones |
|---|---|---|
| Pain area | Waist or lower abdomen, may radiate to the perineum | Right upper abdomen, radiating to right shoulder and back |
| nature of pain | Paroxysmal colic, severe and unbearable | Persistent swelling or cramping |
| accompanying symptoms | Hematuria, frequent urination, and urgency | Nausea, vomiting, jaundice |
4. How to relieve stone pain?
Methods to relieve stone pain include:
1. Medication
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen) can reduce inflammation and pain; antispasmodics (such as phloroglucinol) can relieve smooth muscle spasms.
2. Drink more water
For urinary tract stones, drinking more water can help flush the stones and relieve blockage.
3. Hot compress
Applying heat to the painful area can relax the muscles and relieve spasmodic pain.
4. Surgical treatment
For larger stones or recurring pain, the stones may need to be removed through extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) or endoscopic surgery.
5. Measures to prevent stones
The key to preventing stones is to adjust your living habits and diet:
| Precautions | Specific methods |
|---|---|
| Drink more water | Drink at least 2 liters of water daily to reduce urine concentration |
| low salt diet | Reduce sodium intake and reduce urinary calcium excretion |
| Control high purine foods | Reduce animal offal, seafood, etc. to prevent uric acid stones |
| Appropriate amount of calcium supplement | Avoid excessive restriction of calcium intake to prevent excessive absorption of oxalic acid |
Conclusion
The mechanism of stone pain is complex and is mainly related to obstruction, spasm, and inflammation. Understanding the causes and characteristics of pain helps to take timely and correct relief and preventive measures. If pain persists or worsens, it is recommended to seek medical attention as soon as possible to avoid delays in treatment.
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