So here we go, let’s talk about kidney stones-and treat it–but without the scalpels! Got an ill-timed, impulsive shot of pain on the side or lower back? And you said, “No way this could be normal,” or in other words, “This is not a normal pain”. There is a possibility that you currently have a small intruder in your body, a kidney stone. Although stone is a rather heavy and gloomy term, not all cases are to be treated by surgery. In reality, small-sized kidney stones (usually those measuring less than 4mm) may have a good prospect of passing on their own without requiring surgery or may be treated without surgery as well.
The great news? There are some effective, safe, and non-invasive alternatives that science and medicine can propose to you and can guide you to knock out those stones, without any operation.
Here, in this blog, we will explore non-surgical instructions for handling small kidney stones, including the stage at which they become effective, and what you can do to prevent recurrence.
Kidney Stones: The Quick Refresher
Kidney stones are hard mineral and salt lumps which develop within your kidneys. Their causes can be different such as dehydration, a diet rich in sodium, obesity, or genes. Their size may be different, and this is applicable to the treatment style also. Less than 4mm stones have a high likelihood of being passed down the urinary tract, particularly by the aids of therapy.
Non-Surgical Solutions In Treating Small Kidney Stones
The following are the important non-surgical treatment solutions in treatment of small kidney stones :-
1. Hydration: Your First Line of Defense
Most likely the most common and the easiest treatment of small kidney stones is good old-fashioned water. Keeping well hydrated is also a good way of keeping the urinary system clear and prompt the stone to pass out. It is probably a good idea to consume more fluids 2.5- 3 liters or so a day.
Tips:
- Try clear or pale yellow colored urine- this means you are well hydrated.
- Put lemon juice (which is rich in citrate) in your water. Stones can be prevented with help of citrate.
- Avoid the use of sugary soda and cola drinks that can enhance the growth of the stone.
2. Medical Expulsive Therapy (MET)
Medical expulsive therapy is an intervention that involves the use of medications to ease the muscles of the ureter to allow the easier flowing of the stone.
Typical prescriptions drugs are:
- Alpha-blockers such as tamsulosin: These make the ureter less tight and hasten the process of the stone being passed on.
- NSAIDs: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication assists with pain control and inflammation.
- Antiemetics: In case you face any nauseas during this period, you doctor may prescribe you something to relieve them.
How effective is MET?
- On stones smaller than 10mm, in particular stones smaller than 5mm.
- It is most effective when the stone occupies the distal of the ureter.
3. Eating Right: Food Counts
Eating habits are also important. This is because what enters the body can easily trigger the formation of stones. A change in diet may help flush out existing stones as well as block the occurrence of new ones.
Diet changes (Recommended):
- Cut down on sodium consumption: Sodium enhances calcium excretion in the urine thus facilitating stone formation.
- Restrict protein source: Animal protein cold increase uric acid levels, meaning meat, eggs and seafood.
- Add calcium rich foods: Dietary calcium will bind with oxalate and minimize stone formation much to the contrary of the common assumption.
- Reduce the foods that contain a lot of oxalates: Spinach, beets, nuts, and chocolate.
4. Herbal and Natural Remedies (With Medical Supervision)
There are herbal preparations and natural substances some of which can help the kidneys and get rid of the stone:
- Kidney bean decoction: Was traditionally believed to move stones.
- Basil juice: Acetic acid can be found in basil juice and can dissolve stones.
- Dandelion root tea: It is a diuretic, friendly to the kidney.
Note: before attempting any kind of herbal therapy it is important to consult a urologist. Not every cure is safe and effective, and there are also insidious and contraindicated to some drugs.
Self-Help Lifestyle Changes that help in Recovery
At times the best medication is prevention of the medication. Small changes in everyday routine may get far:
Do exercises regularly: they enhance digestion, circulation, and the proper functioning of the kidneys.
Don’t save urine: Holding your urine brooks minerals in the urinary tract.
Control weight: Obesity has been established as a risk factor towards the formation of kidney stones.
Time to Consider Non-Surgical Procedures
As much as non-surgical procedures are very helpful when it comes to small stones, there are instances where one may still have to undergo surgical procedure:
- The inability to heal pain by medication
- After 4-6 weeks, Stone is yet to pass
- Indications of infections (fever, chills, cloudy urine)
- Urinary tract blockage or swelling of the kidneys (hydronephrosis)
When this happens, such minimally invasive surgery procedures as ureteroscopy or shock lithotripsy can be prescribed.
Summary: Don’t take medical advice lightly and be smart
It may take a surgical intervention or nothing at all, but always hear what your body is saying. It is truly a matter of early identification, regular follow-ups and professional guidance. Self medication and neglection of symptoms will transform a lesser problem into a huge one.
In case you have chronic cases of kidney stone or ambition a safest and efficient non-surgical method of treatment a specialist in the field is the best thing you can do.
Meet Dr. Deepanshu Gupta- Your Reliable Doctor in Urology
Dr. Deepanshu Gupta , at CureStone , is a well-known urologist who carries one of the highest motives to look after the patients of the kidney stones and has experience in their non surgical treatment. Having rich experience and patch knowledge of the modern urological treatment, he offers an individual treatment program, adjusted to your disease. Be it medications or diet changes or stone-avoiding measures- Dr. Gupta makes the path of a stone-free life safe and easy.
Make an appointment online and get on your way to living without pain!