Kidney Stone Management
Kidney stones are hard mineral deposits that form in the kidneys and can cause severe pain, discomfort, and other complications. There are several ways to manage kidney stones, including:
- Drinking plenty of water: Drinking water and other fluids can help flush out small stones from the body and prevent the formation of new stones.
- Pain management: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage pain caused by kidney stones. In severe cases, stronger prescription pain medication may be necessary.
- Medications: Certain medications may be prescribed to help break down the stones, prevent the formation of new stones, or manage pain and discomfort.
- Shock wave lithotripsy: This non-invasive procedure uses shock waves to break up large stones into smaller pieces that can be passed more easily through the urinary tract.
- Ureteroscopy: This minimally invasive procedure involves inserting a thin tube with a camera through the urethra and into the urinary tract to locate and remove the stone.
- Percutaneous nephrolithotomy: This invasive procedure involves making a small incision in the back and using a tube to remove the stone from the kidney.
- Prevention: Making dietary changes and lifestyle modifications, such as reducing sodium and animal protein intake, can help prevent the formation of new kidney stones.