Overview
Kidney stones are small, hard deposits that form in the kidneys and can cause extreme pain when they pass through the urinary tract. The most common type of kidney stone is made up of calcium oxalate. Treatment for kidney stones depends on the type and size of the stones, but may include medications, diet changes, and surgical procedures.
Medical Treatments
There are several medical treatments available for kidney stones. Depending on the size and type of stones, they may be treated with medications, shock wave lithotripsy, ureteroscopy, or percutaneous nephrolithotomy.
Medications: Medications may be prescribed to help break down and dissolve the stones. These medications work best when used in combination with other treatments.
Shock Wave Lithotripsy: This procedure uses sound waves to break up stones so that they can pass more easily through the urinary tract.
Ureteroscopy: This procedure involves the use of a thin tube with a camera at the end that is inserted into the ureter to locate and remove the stones.
Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: This procedure involves the use of a small incision in the back to remove the stones.
Dietary Changes
Certain dietary changes can help reduce the risk of developing kidney stones. These include limiting intake of calcium oxalate-containing foods, increasing fluids, reducing animal proteins, and avoiding or limiting intake of sugar-sweetened beverages.
Preventative Measures
In addition to the treatments mentioned above, there are also a number of preventative measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of developing kidney stones. These include drinking plenty of fluids, increasing the amount of fruits and vegetables in the diet, reducing sodium intake, and avoiding or limiting intake of sugar-sweetened beverages.
By making lifestyle changes and following the treatments and preventative measures mentioned above, it is possible to reduce the risk of developing kidney stones and keep them from recurring.