Kidney stones are the hard mass of crystals made of salts and minerals in the kidneys. It is the most common urological disorders that have many causes and can distress any part of the urinary system – from the kidneys to the bladder. Most of the time kidney stones are formed when the urine becomes concentrated allowing the salts and minerals to crystallize and form a hard mass.
Treating Kidney Stones
The best urologists say whether you need a Kidney stone operation will depend on the size of the stones and the symptoms. If they are smaller than 5 mm, then you can easily pass them without any surgical interventions using certain medications and home remedies.
However, if they are bigger (kidney stone can get as big as a golf ball) then you will probably require medical intervention that includes surgery and other procedures. Passing kidney stones can be very painful but if they are recognized timely, they can be easily treated without causing any permanent damage. The doctors say depending on your condition, you may need nothing more than a few home remedies followed by pain medications.
On the other hand, the doctors also recommend preventative treatment options for reducing the risk of recurrent kidney stones if the patient is at the increased risk of developing kidney stones again. Doctors at RG Stone discusses the natural remedies and medical treatment options like Kidney stone operation, etc available for kidney stone treatment.
Home Remedies for Kidney Stones: Things That Will Work:
The main reason for the formation of kidney stones is the lack of water in the body. Dehydration causes the urine to become more acidic allowing salts and minerals to stick and grow while maintaining its crystalline structure. However, it is a slow process but if diagnosed at an early stage can help you avoid certain medical interventions.
Kidney stones of the size of the grain or bigger (less than 3 mm) can be easily dissolved and flushed out from your body through urination. Staying hydrated is the key. If you want to dissolve kidney stones as quickly as possible, drink plenty of fluids including water (8-ounce daily). It helps move the stones and grit through your urinary system.
However, adding certain ingredients to water can prove to be more effective in dissolving the stones. But it is advised to talk to your concerned doctor before getting started. And if you are breastfeeding or pregnant, avoid using any of these remedies.
Lemon or Orange Juice:
Lemons and oranges contain high amounts of citrate, a natural chemical that prevents the formation of calcium stones. Citric acid also helps in breaking down small calcium stones, making it comfortable for the affected to pass it with ease. On the other hand, lemons and oranges have numerous other health benefits. It keeps the urinary tract healthy by inhibiting bacterial growth.
Basil Juice:
Basil is another natural herb that can help you break down small kidney stones and pass them with ease. Basil is rich in acetic acid that helps break down kidney stones and ease down the pain. Moreover, it is rich in nutrients and is filled with anti-inflammatory agents and antioxidants that keep the digestive system intact and free from any inflammatory diseases. Thus, it plays a crucial role in maintaining the overall health of the kidneys.
However, the doctor advised the kidney stone patients not to consume basil juice for more than five weeks as it may lead to;
- Increased bleeding
- Low blood pressure
- Low blood sugar
Apple Cider Vinegar:
Apple cider vinegar works as both stone dissolver and painkiller. The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar dissolves the small stones and breaks down to larger ones. Moreover, it also flushes out the kidneys reducing the pain caused due to the stones. It is an effective solution if you are experiencing blood in the urine. Consume apple cider vinegar mixed with a glass of distilled water 2-3 times a day at regular intervals.
You should consume this mixture if you are taking;
- Diuretics
- Digoxin
- Insulin
As it can cause a chemical imbalance in your body leading to further complexities
Pomegranate Juice:
Pomegranate juice has been recommended by doctors over the centuries for maintaining the overall health of the kidney. Pomegranate is packed with antioxidants that help the kidneys prevent the formation of stones.
Celery Juice:
Celery juice acts as a natural detoxifying agent that clears away the toxins and other components contributing to kidney stones. It breaks down the stones into small grain-like particles thereby helping the body to pass the stone easily.
Do not drink celery juice if you have;
- A scheduled surgery
- Low blood pressure
- Any bleeding disorder
Medical Interventions for Kidney Stone Treatment:
Kidney stone treatment is tailored depending on the patient and the type of the stone. Before prescribing the treatment, urine can be strained and stones can be collected for evaluation.
Medications: The presence of infection requires treatment with antibiotics and narcotic medications for pain relief. Other medications include;
- naproxen sodium
- acetaminophen
- ibuprofen
- phosphorus solutions
- sodium citrate
- diuretics
- allopurinol
Ureteroscopy:
Ureteroscopy is the Laser operation for a stone that involves inserting a thin, long telescope (ureteroscope) through the urethra and into the bladder. Once the stones are located, the surgeon uses laser energy for breaking the stones into smaller particles so that it can be easily passed naturally.
Lithotripsy:
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy uses shock waves (sound waves) for breaking up the large kidney stones. It is a minimally invasive surgical procedure carried out under general anesthesia but the patient gets to go home on the same day of the surgery.
Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (Tunnel Surgery):
This is a surgical procedure where kidney stones are removed by making a small incision in the back. This treatment option is only prescribed when the pain can’t be controlled or the stone has grown too large that it is impossible to pass.
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