How To Get Rid Of Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are a common problem affecting millions of people; knowing how to get rid of kidney stones is vital for quick recovery. Removal methods for kidney stones are varied and often involve surgery.  Prevention of kidney stones is the key to avoiding the pain and discomfort associated with kidney stones.

1. The characteristics of the stone will determine the method used to get rid of the kidney stone. If the stones are small enough, they can be passed out of the body without surgery. Drinking two to three quarts of water per day can get rid of the kidney stone. This method can be painful and a doctor may suggest using an over-the-counter pain medication to help with the pain. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables can also help the removal process.
2. If the kidney stone won’t pass on its own, medicine may be prescribed to speed up the removal process. Alpha blockers widen the passage through the ureter, making it easier for the body to get rid of the kidney stone. The side effects associated with alpha blockers are minimal. However, alpha blockers will not remove a calcium stone; they will only prevent the stone from growing. Calcium stones develop due to high levels of calcium in the body and are the most common type of kidney stone. Surgery is required if calcium stones are too big to pass on their own.
3. Shock wave procedures are a surgical method to get rid of kidney stones. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy uses shock waves to break the stone into pieces that can then be passed naturally through the system. The shock waves pass through the body until they find the stone and break it into pieces. This procedure can take from 45 minutes to an hour, is noisy and can cause mild pain. Usually, a local or general anesthesia is provided to ease the process. This procedure can cause bruising on the back, blood in the urine and discomfort.
4. If the stone is too large for the shock waves, another option is percutaneous nephrolithotomy. This procedure removes the stone by making a small incision in the back. A tube is then inserted into the kidney and the stone is removed through the tube. General anesthesia is required for this procedure. This procedure is used to get rid of kidney stones that are larger than two centimeters in diameter or are blocking the flow of urine. This is a difficult procedure and the patient will remain in the hospital for two to three days. The procedure can cause bleeding or injury to the bladder.
5. Ureteroscopy is used to get rid of kidney stones close to the bladder. This procedure involves a small telescope inserted through the urethra, and the bladder, into the ureter to remove the stone. If the stone is small enough, it can be removed using forceps. Larger stones are broken into smaller pieces, using lasers, and then removed. Ureteroscopy is an outpatient procedure. The procedure can cause bleeding or urinal tract infection.
6. The best method to get rid of kidney stones is prevention. By practicing a few preventative measures, the risk of getting one of these painful stones is reduced. Drinking water throughout the day is the best prevention against kidney stones. Doctors recommend drinking eight to ten glasses of water per day to avoid kidney stones. Choose a diet low in sodium and high in fiber. Opt for non-animal proteins such as nuts and legumes to reduce the risk of kidney stones.

Resources:

Health Guide

Mayo Clinic