Bladder Stones

What are Bladder Stones?

Bladder stones are tiny crystalline masses that form from the minerals and proteins, which naturally occur in urine. These types of stones are much less common than kidney stones. It is not unusual for tiny crystals to form in the urine of healthy people, as many of the substances eliminated by the kidneys are simply only just soluble in water.

Bladder stones can form anywhere in the urinary tract before depositing in the bladder. They begin as tiny granules about the size of a grain of sand, but they can grow to more than an inch in diameter. These stones can block the flow of urine causing pain and difficulty with urination. They can also scratch the bladder wall, which may lead to bleeding or infection.  

What Causes Bladder Stones?

The exact causes of how bladder stones are formed are not completely understood.There are theories that suggest that bladder stones may occur because of urinary tract infection (UTI), obstruction of the urinary tract, enlargement of the prostate gland in men, or the presence of foreign bodies in the urinary tract. Diet and the amount of fluid intake may also appear to be important factors in the development of bladder stones. Another theory is that a change in the acidity of urine, for example, can change the chemical environment of the urine enough to cause crystals to form. If these crystals remain small enough, they are flushed out without ever causing any symptoms or trouble.

Symptoms of Bladder Stones

Symptoms of bladder stones may become evident when the wall of the bladder is scratched or when the urinary tract becomes obstructed by the stone and can include abnormally dark colored urine, difficulty urinating, blood in the urine, frequent urge to urinate, lower abdominal pain and pain or discomfort in the penis

Ninety-five percent of all bladder stones occur in men, most of who have an enlarged prostate gland or a UTI. Some people do however have an increased tendency to form urine stones, either starting within the kidney and ending up in the bladder, or forming within the bladder itself. Bladder stones are rarely seen in children or in African Americans. People with gout may develop bladder stones composed almost entirely of uric acid crystals.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Approach to Health*

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners believe that the primary goal for those suffering from bladder stones and urinary dysfunctions is the restoration of balance and equilibrium within the body and key organs.* TCM practitioners work to support a person's body with diet, herbal supplementation & stress reduction. This philosophy of balancing and supporting the body was used in the development of natural formulations that were designed to promote a healthy bladder and urinary system.*

 

Read More About Bladder Health Support...*

 

 

1. Ambulatory Care Visits to Physician Offices, Hospital Outpatient Departments, and Emergency Departments: United States, 99-00. Vital and Health Statistics. Series 13, No. 157. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services; September 04.

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