A surgeon removes the stones through a small incision in your back. A person may need this procedure when:. When a stone is stuck in the ureter or bladder, your doctor may use an instrument called a ureteroscope to remove it. A small wire with a camera attached is inserted into the urethra and passed into the bladder.
The doctor then uses a small cage to snag the stone and remove it. The stone is then sent to the laboratory for analysis. Your doctor may recommend taking an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to help reduce symptoms.
For severe pain, your doctor may also prescribe a narcotic or inject an anti-inflammatory medication, such as ketorolac Toradol. Other natural remedies may also provide short-term relief from symptoms, including taking a hot bath or shower or applying a heating pad to the affected area. Diagnosis of kidney stones requires a complete health history assessment and a physical exam. Other tests include :. There are some medications that can increase the potential for kidney damage in conjunction with the dye.
Passing a kidney stone is a process that typically occurs in stages over a period of several weeks. Here are the stages that occur when passing a kidney stone:. The amount of time that it takes to pass a kidney stone can vary depending on the size of the stone. Generally, small stones are able to pass through the urine within weeks , often without any treatment.
On the other hand, larger stones may take weeks to move through the kidneys and into the bladder. Proper hydration is a key preventive measure. Increasing the amount of urine you pass helps flush the kidneys. You can substitute ginger ale, lemon-lime soda, and fruit juice for water to help you increase your fluid intake. If the stones are related to low citrate levels, citrate juices could help prevent the formation of stones.
Eating oxalate-rich foods in moderation and reducing your intake of salt and animal proteins can also lower your risk of kidney stones. Your doctor may prescribe medications to help prevent the formation of calcium and uric acid stones. In addition to drinking more water, making modifications to your diet could also help prevent kidney stones.
Here are some foods that you may need to limit or avoid:. Animal proteins like meat, poultry, seafood, and dairy products can increase levels of uric acid in your urine and increase the risk of developing kidney stones.
However, if you experience any of the following symptoms, you should seek immediate medical attention:. If you have recurrent kidney stones, you should talk to your doctor, even if your symptoms resolve without treatment. Your doctor can help develop a plan to prevent kidney stones from forming and protect against long-term complications. Although kidney stones can be a painful and frustrating issue to deal with, there are several different treatment options available. In fact, there are many medications and procedures that can help manage symptoms and promote the passage of kidney stones.
Additionally, staying well-hydrated and making changes to your diet can prevent kidney stones from forming in the long run. The most common home remedies for kidney stones involve drinking different fluids, including just water, to help flush your stones out and prevent new…. Crystallized minerals left in your bladder after urination can develop into bladder stones. Most typical in men, bladder stones can be a secondary…. There's no one sure way to prevent kidney stones, especially if you have a family history of the condition.
Here's how diet and medications may help. Kidney stones are usually formed following a build-up of certain chemicals in the body. You're also more likely to develop kidney stones if you do not drink enough water and other fluids.
Kidney stones come in a variety of sizes, shapes and colours. Who is likely to develop a first or second or third kidney stone, and how can it be prevented? What to Do About Kidney Stones will answer all of these questions. Thanks for visiting. Don't miss your FREE gift. Sign up to get tips for living a healthy lifestyle, with ways to fight inflammation and improve cognitive health , plus the latest advances in preventative medicine, diet and exercise , pain relief, blood pressure and cholesterol management, and more.
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