Kidney stones are monsters. You generally don’t know they are coming, and then – BAM, you have a calcified mass stuck in your kidney or urinary tract.
Kidney stones can be minor and simply cause discomfort, or they can brutal and cause severe pain comparable to that of childbirth. It is important to be watchful of risk factors like excessive sodium consumption, dehydration, lack of exercise, poor diet, etc.
There are several methods that can be utilized to treat kidney stones. Some of them are “home remedy” type fixes.
Time
If the pain is not terrible, and the stone seems small, you may just wait it out. This method is obviously not invasive, as it does not involve operation or interference. It can be the most effective method at times due to it allowing you to go about your daily activities.
Water
Drinking a ton of water not only hydrates your body but allows you to pass urine. In this case, the water helps move the stone through your urine, preventing it from getting stuck. It also prevents the stone from accumulating more mass, so it is a must for any of these treatment options.
Medication
This is two-fold. Medication can be taken to reduce pain. If the pain is minor you can take pain killers to help manage the pain. It will serve to help you find relief until the stone has passed.
The other use of medication would be a doctor recommending certain medications that help you to actually pass the stone. There are different types of stones, so the medication prescribed by your doctor will vary to meet your needs.
If the stone is bad or big enough, options involving operations may be the best way to go.
Surgery
If the stone is stuck tightly or causing a tremendous amount of pain, surgical measures may need to be taken. It may not be the most desirable option, but will definitely bring good results.
Surgery generally involves a small incision on the back. Small instruments are then inserted and used to break the stones. Remove the stone. It is a fairly simple operation with great results. Sedation may be used to help patients feel more comfortable.
Shock Wave
This sounds more intense than it is. It essentially involves the doctor using a machine to generate very strong vibrations. The vibrations, or shock wave, shatters the stone and the tiny pieces can easily and painlessly pass through the urinary tract.
It can take up to an hour to work and can cause pain during the operation. Patients may be administered medication to help reduce the pain felt from the significant vibrations.
Conclusion
Kidney stones are nobody’s friend. Being aware of the needed dietary and lifestyle changes that can help prevent stones are the best way to go. There are plenty of methods, surgical and otherwise, that can be effective in helping the stones to pass, or remove them by force.
Kidney stones are tough to deal with, but there are ways to relieve and remove the pain. Talk with a doctor to find the option that will work best for you, and get your life back.