Kidney stones are very common and serious urinary tract diseases that affect lots of people around the world. The pain caused by kidney stones is some of the worst pain ever imagined. Fortunately, not every kidney stone case requires surgery. Most kidney stone cases can be resolved without surgery or treated thoroughly without complicated procedures, where the patient is under close medical supervision.
Knowing your options is important especially when you want a kidney stone treatment that is not surgery. This blog discusses why kidney stones develop, how they are diagnosed and what you can do to treat and prevent kidney stones safely, naturally and effectively. We gave you a robust short and long-term treatment plan to support your kidney health.
What Are Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones are mineral and salt buildups formed inside the kidneys. They are formed when urine has high levels of certain minerals like calcium, oxalate and uric acid. They can stick together creating stones that can block the urine and cause pain.
Causes of Kidney Stones
Preventing future kidney stone occurrences requires understanding their various causes:
Dehydration: When fluids aren’t consumed in sufficient amounts, it causes urine to concentrate which leads to crystallization of minerals.
Poor Nutrition: An increase in the likelihood of stone formation is seen in diets that are excessively salty, sugary or rich in protein.
Family History: Acquiring the tendency to form kidney stones genetically increases your likelihood of getting stones.
Underlying Medical Conditions: Obesity along with particular digestive diseases increases the chances of stone formation.
Symptoms of Kidney Stones
Kidney stones can cause intense pain and other symptoms such as:
- Severe pain in the back, side or lower abdomen
- Pain or burning while urinating
- Pink, red or brown-colored urine
- Nausea, vomiting or chills
- Frequent urge to urinate
How Are Kidney Stones Diagnosed?
Before beginning treatment, doctors run tests to determine the nature, size and position of kidney stones.
Physical Exam and Medical History
Your doctor will assess your symptoms and discuss the consumption of fluids, diet and the history of kidney disease. Stones within your family.
Imaging Tests
Imaging can make stones in the urinary tract apparent. The CT scan gives a precise image, even for small stones. An ultrasound is typically used as an initial, non-invasive examination.
Urine and Blood Tests
Urinalysis can detect crystals, infections or an increase in minerals which create stones. The blood tests can detect increased calcium and uric acid levels, which could be a sign of an underlying metabolic issue.
Types of Kidney Stones
There’s a variety of stones, Understanding what they are can help you get a better insight into your concern.
- Calcium stone: Probably the most common stone, it is made of either calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate.
- Calcium Oxalate: It is a complication that usually develops if you are on a diet high in oxalate or if excessive Uric acid is present.
- Calcium Phosphate: Could be an unwanted consequence of some drugs or issues with your kidneys.
- Struvite stones: These are commonly known as stone-related infections. They usually result from an infection of the urinary tract, caused by a particular bacterium.
- Uric acid stone: formation occurs when the amount of uric acid in your body increases. It is possible to develop when you consume a large amount of meat or you suffer from ailments such as Gout.
- Cystine stones: are one type of stone caused by the genetic disorder known as cystinuria. The condition causes an increase in amino acids, also known as cystine, in the urine.
How to Treat Kidney Stones Without Surgery
There aren’t any kidney stones that require to be treated surgically. Many can be eliminated naturally or treated by non-surgical methods and medication under the supervision of a physician.
Non-Surgical Alternatives
If the stone is tiny, it is normally less than 5mm in width. Your doctor may suggest that you let it go naturally. It is crucial to stay hydrated by drinking 2 to 3 liters of water. This helps in flushing the body of stones. The use of pain relief medication and regular lookout will ensure your security during the entire process.
Medical Therapy
Pain Management
Less painful pain can be managed with over-the-counter medicines such as naproxen and ibuprofen. For extreme pain, your physician will prescribe medications.
Alpha-blockers
Drugs like Tamsulosin (Flomax) may help the ureter muscle. This allows the stone to be removed faster and without a lot of effort and pain.
Stone-dissolving Medications
In the case of uric acid stones, potassium citrate causes urine to become less acidic. This causes stones to disintegrate slowly over time.
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL)
ESWL is a method that does not require surgery. It is performed using shock waves to break up larger stones into tiny fragments. Smaller fragments of stone are naturally carried through the urine. The procedure is painless, there are no cuts and recovery is swift.
Ureteroscopy using Laser Fragmentation
The procedure is non-surgical and involves putting tiny tubes through the urinary tract to identify and break the stone using laser energy. It’s a simple procedure and requires nothing more than a tiny pinch.
Natural Remedies and Home Care
In addition to medical therapy, certain home remedies may help with kidney stone management:
- To reduce crystal formation drink citrus fruits or lemon juice in your daily diet
- Consume water throughout the day.
- To flush the urinary tract, coconut juice or teas made from herbs help
- Reduce your intake of sugary drinks and coffee.
Consult your physician first before you try any home treatments with herbs or home remedies.
Diet Plan for Kidney Stone Patients
Food to eat
| Foods Name | Why | Examples |
| Fluids | Maintains kidneys’ flushing, helps prevent the formation of stones. | Water (aim to drink 8-12 glasses a day) |
| Citrus Fruits | Citrate is rich in vitamin C, which can help in preventing stones. | Oranges, lemons, grapefruit |
| Calcium-rich Foods | Oxalates are bound in the gut, which reduces the risk of stone | Cheese, milk, yogurt |
| Fruits and Vegetables | High in nutrients, low in oxalates in nutrients | Apples, berries, kale, broccoli |
| Whole Grains | A good Source of Fiber and vitamins. | Oats brown rice, oats, whole wheat bread |
| Plant-based Proteins | More beneficial for kidneys, lower in animal protein. | Tofu, beans, lentils and soy products |
Food to avoid
| Foods to Limit or Avoid | Why | Examples |
| Animal Protein | It increases the amount of calcium and uric acid in urine | Red meat, poultry, fish |
| Sodium (Salt) | Causes calcium buildup in urine. This can cause calcium buildup in | Foods processed, canned soups |
| Added Sugars | Increases risk of stones via sugar metabolism | Candies, sodas, sweetened juices |
| High-Oxalate Foods | Helps in the formation of the formation of calcium oxalate stones | Spinach, rhubarb, beets, nuts |
How to Prevent Kidney Stones Naturally
Prevention is better than a cure. Here are some points to reduce the risk
- During the entire day, consume plenty of water.
- Limit salt and protein from animals. consumption.
- Maintain an appropriate weight.
- Consume a kidney stone-friendly diet and a nutritious diet
If there is a history of kidney stones with you, regular medical checkups are helpful
When to See a Doctor
Get medical assistance right away if you have:
- Intense and severe discomfort in your abdomen or your back
- Urine is stained with blood
- Fever, chills or vomiting
- Urinary problems or inability
These signs could indicate the presence of a blockage or an infection that requires urgent treatment.
Possible Complications of Untreated Kidney Stones
Urinary Tract Infections or UTI
Stones that are not treated properly can have bacteria that could cause inflammation and result in burning pain or even a fever.
Kidney Damage or Failure
Large stones could cause urine to become blocked, which can cause irreparable damage to the kidneys and even failure in the event untreated.
Severe Pain and Blockage
If not treated, the stones may expand, which can cause extreme pain and blockage of the urinary tract.
Dr. Deepanshu Gupta’s Final Word: Freedom from Kidney Stones Without Surgery
Having kidney stones does not necessarily equate to undergoing surgery. Today, medical advancements offer various effective and safe methods of treating stones without surgery or minimally invasive methods. A proper hydration regimen, an appropriate diet, and regular checks can be a enormous help both in the treatment as well as prevention.
If you notice indications of kidney stones don’t delay to visit your doctor. Deepanshu Gupta, the best Urologist in Gurgaon. More than 12 years in expertise. An immediate diagnosis and advice by a qualified professional can assist you in avoiding problems and discomfort. If you follow the right approach, you won’t only be able for treating kidney stones using surgery, but also to safeguard your kidneys to come back.