Bladder stones are mineralized lumps in the bladder. They occur when minerals in concentrated urine crystallize and harden into stones. This is common in people who have difficulty completely emptying their bladder.
Small bladder stones may dissolve on their own. However, larger bladder stones may necessitate medicine or surgery. If left untreated, bladder stones can lead to infections and other health problems.
Kidney stones and bladder stones are two types of urinary tract stones, but differ in where they are formed in the urinary system, their causes, symptoms, and treatment options. Getting to know the differences between these two conditions can help in identifying the symptoms early and getting appropriate treatment. Here’s an ultimate guide to bladder stones vs. kidney stones.
What Are Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones are solid masses made of crystals that originate in the kidneys. These stones form when the urine has an imbalance that causes minerals such as calcium, oxalate and uric acid to crystallize and create stones. They can be as small as a grain, and large enough to cause severe pain.
What Are Bladder Stones?
Bladder stones develop in the bladder, which is the organ that holds urine. These stones usually happen when the bladder doesn’t fully empty, leaving urine concentrated. Over time, those minerals in the urine can crystallize into stones. Bladder stones are often seen in older men, particularly those with an enlarged prostate, or in people with urinary tract infections (UTIs) or other conditions that affect bladder function.
Bladder Stones vs. Kidney Stones: Key Differences
| Feature | Kidney Stones | Bladder Stones |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Form in the kidneys | Form in the bladder |
| Causes | Dehydration, poor diet, medical conditions | Chronic urinary retention, UTIs, prostate issues |
| Symptoms | Severe pain in back/side, blood in urine, nausea | Painful urination, pelvic pain, difficulty urinating |
| Treatment | Hydration, medications, lithotripsy, surgery | Hydration, medications, cystolitholapaxy, surgery |
| Prevalence | More common in adults, particularly with dehydration | More common in older men with prostate issues or those with chronic UTIs |
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Get A Second OpinionEven though large bladder stones do not always create health issues. However, if a stone irritates the bladder wall or blocks urine transit, the following signs and symptoms may appear:
When the bladder doesn't empty, bladder stones might form. Urine becomes concentrated as a result of this. Stones can form when concentrated urine crystallizes.
Bladder stones may result from some infections. An underlying disorder that inhibits the bladder's ability to hold, store, or remove urine can often induce bladder stone formation. Bladder stones are usually triggered by any unwanted material in the bladder. Bladder stones are most commonly caused by the following conditions:
The following are additional bladder stone causes:
Bladder stones are more common in men, especially those over 50. The following conditions can increase the incidence of bladder stones:
It is possible to have a nerve injury and a disease that causes bladder outlet obstruction. The combination of these increases the risk of stones.
Bladder stones that do not pass, even if they do not produce symptoms, might develop issues such as:
Bladder stone diagnosis may include:
Lots of water consumption may help in the natural passage of tiny stones. However, because bladder stones are sometimes brought on by a problem completely emptying the bladder, drinking more water might not be sufficient to dissolve the stone. You'll almost always need to get the stones removed. There are various methods for doing this.
Making these healthy lifestyle choices may help ease certain Bladder Stones symptoms. Follow its do's and don'ts to control or lessen its effects.
| Do’s | Don’ts |
| Cut down on high-purine foods such as organ and meat | Consume alcohol |
| Avoid foods and drink high in oxalates and phosphates | Smoke |
| Drink plenty of fluids | Have fatty and oily foods |
| Follow a healthy diet plan | Have extra calcium supplements |
| Perform exercise | Have high salt intake |
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Book an AppointmentMedicover Hospitals is India's leading hospital, providing all urological treatments, including bladder stone removal, are carried out by Urologists at Medicover Hospital. Our urologists also assist with uro-oncology, pediatric urology, male infertility, genitourinary reconstruction,minimally invasive surgery such as robotic,laparoscopic, and endoscopic surgery, and kidney transplantation by working collaboratively with gynecologists,oncologists, and pediatricians to provide the best possible care and treatment to every patient.
Bladder stones are hard mineral deposits that form in the bladder when urine becomes concentrated and minerals crystallize.
Symptoms include lower abdominal pain, frequent urination, difficulty urinating, blood in urine, and pain during urination.
Diagnosis typically involves a physical exam, urinalysis, imaging tests such as X-rays or ultrasounds, and sometimes cystoscopy.
Treatment options include medications to dissolve stones, minimally invasive procedures to break up stones, or surgery to remove them.
Drinking plenty of water, maintaining a healthy diet low in oxalates and salts, and urinating regularly can help prevent bladder stones. Removing waste matter regularly through proper hydration and urination is crucial for preventing stone formation.
Although bladder stones don't lead to cancer directly, chronic irritation and inflammation from the frequent formation of bladder stones can increase the risk over the years. Individuals with a history of stones (particularly those with a longstanding condition) are at increased risk for the development of bladder cancer, but this is still uncommon.
Bladder stones are formed when there is a disproportion of substances that make the bile, which is the digestive fluid produced by the liver. They are classified into two major types:
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