General Information About Passing Sand
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
It is the condition where minerals and salts precipitate in the urine-filtering channels in the kidneys and are excreted in the urine as microscopic crystals (grains of sand) that have not yet reached the size of a stone.
If the sand (crystals) fuse together and harden, they turn into a kidney stone. During the passing sand stage, the structures are still very small and can pass through the urinary tracts, so they do not require surgery or lithotripsy.
Inadequate water consumption (dark urine) is the biggest cause. Furthermore, excessive salt and protein consumption, genetic predisposition, and urinary tract infections set the stage for minerals to crystallize in the urine.
It causes an aching and burning sensation while urinating, a frequent need to go to the toilet, mild cramp-like pains radiating to the groin, cloudiness in the urine, and sometimes microscopic bleeding (darkening of the urine color).
Following a physician's examination, it is diagnosed by seeing calcium oxalate, uric acid, or urate crystals in the urine sediment in a Complete Urinalysis (CUA). A kidney ultrasound is performed to check whether there are stones or not.
The most effective treatment without medication is to drink at least 2.5 - 3 liters of water a day so that the crystals are washed out and excreted with urine. Also, antispasmodics are given to relieve pain, and a diet that regulates the acid/base balance of the urine (heavy on lemon/citrate) is recommended.
Our health library contents are prepared for informational purposes only and with scientific data available at the time of recording. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis, or treatment regarding your health, please consult your doctor or a healthcare institution.
