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• Jonathan
• 15 May, 2022
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8 Effective Treatments for Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are small, hard deposits that form in your kidneys. They can cause sharp, intense pain, especially when moving through the urinary tract. Common symptoms include pain in the lower abdomen or back, blood in urine, and frequent urination. Treating kidney stones early is crucial to avoid serious problems. There are many ways to manage kidney stones, from drinking more water to medical procedures. This blog will explain 8 effective treatments for kidney stones that can help you manage and pass them safely.

1. Drink Plenty of Water to Flush Out Stones

Drinking more water is the easiest way to help pass kidney stones. It helps flush out small stones and prevents new ones from forming. When your body stays hydrated, your urine stays clear, making it easier to pass stones.

Why is water important?

• Helps move kidney stones out of the body.
• Stops new stones from forming.
• Keeps urine clear and healthy.

How much should you drink?

• At least 8 to 12 glasses of water daily.
• More if you sweat a lot or live in a hot area.
• If your urine is dark yellow, drink more water!

2. Pain Relief Medication for Comfort

Kidney stones can cause severe pain, especially when passing through the urinary tract. Taking pain relief medication can help you feel more comfortable until the stone passes.

Common pain relief options:

• Ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or naproxen – Help reduce pain and swelling.
• Prescription painkillers – Used for stronger pain if needed.

Things to remember:

• Do not take too much pain medicine.
• Drink plenty of water while taking medication.
• If the pain gets worse, see a doctor immediately.

Pain relief is helpful, but it does not remove kidney stones. If the pain is unbearable, medical treatment may be needed.

3. Alpha-Blockers to Help Pass Stones

Alpha-blockers are medications that relax the muscles in the urinary tract. This helps kidney stones pass more easily and with less pain. Doctors usually recommend these for medium-sized stones that are stuck in the ureter.

How do alpha-blockers help?

• Relax the muscles in the urinary tract.
• Make it easier for stones to move.
• Reduce pain while passing a stone.

Common alpha-blockers:

• Tamsulosin (Flomax)
• Doxazosin
• Terazosin

These medicines work best for stones smaller than 10 mm. If a stone is too large, other treatments may be needed. Always take medication as prescribed by a doctor.

4. Medical Therapy to Break Down Stones

Sometimes, medications can help dissolve kidney stones instead of passing them naturally. These treatments are useful for certain types of stones, like uric acid stones.

Common medications used:

• Potassium citrate – Helps make urine less acidic, preventing stone growth.
• Allopurinol – Used for uric acid stones to lower uric acid levels.
• Thiazide diuretics – Reduce calcium in urine to prevent stone formation.

When is medical therapy helpful?

• If the stone is too large to pass easily.
• If the stone is causing severe pain.
• If the stone keeps getting bigger over time.

This treatment does not work for all types of stones, so proper testing is needed.

5. Shock Wave Therapy (ESWL) to Break Stones

If a kidney stone is too big to pass naturally, doctors may use Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) to break it into smaller pieces.

How does ESWL work?

• High-energy shock waves are used to break the stone.
• The smaller pieces pass out through urine.
• It is a non-surgical and quick procedure.

When is ESWL needed?

• If the stone is larger than 10 mm.
• If the stone is blocking urine flow.
• If natural methods are not working.

ESWL is safe but may cause minor pain or blood in urine for a few days.

6. Ureteroscopy for Medium-Sized Stones

If a kidney stone is stuck in the ureter and too big to pass, ureteroscopy can help remove it. This is a minimally invasive procedure using a thin tube with a camera.

How does ureteroscopy work?

• A small tube is inserted into the urinary tract.
• The doctor locates the stone with a camera.
• A laser or tiny tool is used to break or remove the stone.

When is ureteroscopy needed?

• If the stone is blocking urine flow.
• If shock wave therapy (ESWL) doesn’t work.
• If the stone is too large to pass on its own.

This procedure is usually done under general anesthesia and has a fast recovery time.

7. Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) for Large Stones

For very large kidney stones, doctors may use Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL). This is a surgical procedure that removes stones directly from the kidney.

How does PCNL work?

• A small cut is made in the back.
• A thin tube is inserted into the kidney.
• The doctor removes or breaks the stone using special tools.

When is PCNL needed?

• If the stone is larger than 20 mm.
• If other treatments have failed.
• If the stone is causing severe pain or infection.

PCNL requires a short hospital stay, but it is the best option for very large stones.

8. Surgery for Severe Cases

In rare cases, open surgery may be needed to remove kidney stones. This is only done when other treatments do not work or when the stone is too large and causing serious problems.

How does surgery work?

• The doctor makes a larger incision in the back or abdomen.
• The kidney stone is removed directly.
• The incision is closed with stitches, and recovery takes a few weeks.

When is surgery needed?

• If the stone is too large for other treatments.
• If the stone is blocking the kidney completely.
• If there is severe infection or kidney damage.

Surgery is the last option, but it can fully remove the stone when nothing else works.

Conclusion

Kidney stones can be painful, but many effective treatments are available. Drinking more water, taking medication, and using medical procedures can help remove stones and prevent new ones from forming. If your pain is severe or the stone is too large, medical help is necessary.

For expert care, visit Dr. Sudish Kumar, one of the best urologists in Patna. He provides advanced kidney stone treatments with safe and effective methods. Don’t wait for the pain to get worse—get professional care today and keep your kidneys healthy!