Renal calculi, also known as kidney stones, are solid masses of salts and minerals that form inside the kidneys. Even though these stones typically develop in the kidneys, they can also develop in the urethra, ureters, and the bladder.
It is a painful medical problem, but they do not cause permanent damage once they are identified in time. There are some effective kidney stone treatment options that can help you get rid of them.
The Symptoms of Kidney Stones
When dealing with kidney stones, you will experience a lot of pain. But the symptoms/signs of the kidney stones will only show when the stones start moving down the ureter. This pain is known as renal colic. You will feel the pain on one side of the abdomen or the back.
Men who develop kidney stones will experience pain in their groin area. Although the pain will go and come, it is pretty intense, and individuals who experience renal colic will be restless. Here are other symptoms/signs of kidney stones.
- The frequent need to urinate.
- Blood in urine [when the urine is brown, pink, or red].
- Foul-smelling or discolored urine.
- Urinating in small amounts.
- Getting chills.
- Fever.
- Nausea.
- Vomiting.
If the kidney stone is smaller, you might not feel any severe pain or other symptoms when the stones move down the urinary tract.
Kidney Stones: Treatment Options Available
Kidney stones can be painful, and the best way to eliminate them is through proper treatment. The kidney stone treatment will depend on the type of kidney stone you have. If you drink 6 glasses to 8 glasses of water, it will increase the flow of your urine and help remove kidney stones. Individuals who experience nausea or feel dehydrated at times will require intravenous liquids. Other treatments available for kidney stones are:
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Medical Therapy
When you have small kidney stones, the physician will provide you with some medication that can aid in passing the stone through urine. These medications are known as alpha-blockers. They help in relaxing the muscles in the ureter and remove the kidney stones quickly without causing much pain. The mixture of “tamsulosin” and “dutasteride” [Jalyn] and tamsulosin [Flomax] are some examples of alpha-blockers.
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Surgical Procedure
Surgery is the most effective approach when it comes to removing big kidney stones. Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy is a surgical treatment that uses tiny devices and telescopes to remove kidney stones. After creating an incision, the telescope and apparatus are introduced. The operation will be performed under general anesthesia, and you will be required to stay in the hospital for 1 or 2 days following the procedure.
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Using a Scope to Get Rid of the Stones
When you have smaller kidney stones present in the kidney or the ureter, the doctor will use a light and thin tube known as a ureteroscope. The ureteroscope has a camera attached to it that will help locate the kidney stones.
Once the stones are detected, the doctor will use special tools to break or snare them so they can pass through the urine. After that, the doctor will place a stent in your ureter to promote healing and reduce the swelling. During this particular procedure, local or general anesthesia is required.
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Parathyroid Gland Surgery
The overactive parathyroid glands lead to the formation of calcium phosphate stones. These stones are located at the 4 corners of the thyroid gland, underneath Adam’s apple.
When the glands create a lot of hyperparathyroidisms or Parathyroid Hormone, it increases the calcium levels greatly. This leads to the formation of kidney stones. Removing the growth of the glands through “parathyroid gland surgery” will prevent kidney stones from forming.
Can Kidney Stones Be Prevented?
Is it possible to prevent kidney stones from forming? Well, yes, it is. You can stop the stones from developing by following these tips.
- Drink Water: Drink plenty of water. You should drink water to pass 2.1 liters of fluid daily. When your urine is clear and light, it shows that you are drinking adequate water, which can stop the formation of kidney stones.
- Do not Eat Oxalate-Rich Food: Try to lessen the consumption of food items like Swiss chard, nuts, soy products, okra, sweet potato, beets, spinach, chocolate, and tea. These food items contain oxalate, and consuming them too much can form calcium oxalate stones.
The Takeaway
Kidney stones can induce a lot of pain. The best way to eliminate them is by opting for the right treatment option. Otherwise, drinking a lot of fluids and eating less oxalate-rich food and animal protein can prevent the formation of these stones effectively.
