Kidney stones: Prevention strategies and treatment options


 

Kidney stones are one of the most common medical conditions that people of any age suffer from. As solid masses formed due to salts or acids present in the kidney, these stones can be of any size ranging from a small grain to that of a ball. Also termed nephrolithiasis, these kidney stones are not easy to detect as the smaller ones may pass out from the urinary tract. However, the larger ones cannot pass out of the urinary tract and may impact kidney function. While you might be wondering about a reliable treatment, laser treatment for kidney stones could be a possible answer.

 

Risk factors for kidney stones

 There are umpteen factors that may put people at an elevated risk of developing kidney stones and these factors are:


●     Sugar or sodium-rich foods

●     Family history

●     People on diuretics or anti-seizure medications

●     Inadequate fluid intake

●     Urinary tract blockage

●     Presence of cystic fibrosis or gout

●     People with high BP or bowel diseases

 

Diagnosis of kidney stones

A common symptom that indicates kidney stones formation in the body is lower back pain or flank pain. While the pain might be dull or severe, the other symptoms for the same may be the inability to urinate, nausea, vomiting, the urge to urinate repetitively, or fever. One may look for a kidney stone dr near me to get checked for kidney stones in his or her body.


Blood examinations, urine tests and imaging scans are common modes to diagnose the kidney stone presence. If symptoms indicate kidney stones, the doctors suggest these tests for confirmation of the same. The signs of infection in urine, kidney function tests, x-rays, CT scans, and ultrasound may reveal the presence, size & location of kidney stones in the body.

 

Treatment options for kidney stones

 Many doctors suggest a few medications that can help smaller stones pass down from the urinary tract and alleviate the symptoms. However, larger stones may cause infection or blockage in the urinary tract highlighting the need for an alternative treatment option instead of medications. The doctor may suggest laser surgery for kidney stones if the stones are very large and no other reliable treatment option can help.

 

Procedures for kidney stones

For the removal of kidney stones, doctors and surgeons may collectively come upon a decision to perform one of the treatment procedures.

 

Ureteroscopy

The doctor will pass the instruments through a scope inserted in the ureter to break the stones before removing them. Smaller kidney stone pieces may also move out easily from the urinary tract.

 

Laparoscopic surgery

The surgeon will make a small incision for the removal of kidney stones or might also perform open surgery, if needed.

 

Shockwave lithotripsy

 Shockwaves help to break the stones apart thereby allowing them to easily pass out of the body through the urinary tract.

 

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy

 When no other procedures can help treat kidney stones, percutaneous nephrolithotomy is an option to treat stones. The surgeon will make a small incision to insert a tube into the kidney and use an ultrasound probe to remove the stones.

 

Laser surgery

Laser surgery is a surgical procedure for kidney stone removal that is more reliable and precise. The surgeon will insert a scope and use laser pulses to break the kidney stones into smaller parts. Laser surgery is getting much more popular these days as it is effective with minimal damage to the tissues in the surrounding area.

 

Prevention strategies

One can prevent the development of kidney stones in their body if he or she follows a few tips in their daily routine. Another easy way of preventing kidney stones from developing is by drinking adequate amounts of water or fluids. People who drink 3 to 4 litres of water every day are at no to minimal risk of suffering from this condition.

 

Limiting sodium intake

A sodium-rich diet can increase urinary calcium which may trigger the development of kidney stones in the body. However, reducing the intake of these kinds of foods may help keep BP levels in control while benefiting the kidneys. Many people who visit a kidney stone dr nearme are usually suggested to limit sodium intake.

 

Eat fresh fruits and vegetables

The intake of fresh fruits and vegetables helps keep blood pressure and sugar levels low while reducing the risk of heart ailments. These also help form urinary citrate that prevents the formation of kidney stones that might other stick together and block the urinary tract.

Sohana Hospital has an experienced team of doctors and dieticians who work together to suggest the best treatment and diet for patients with kidney stones. Further, the hospital is well-equipped with advanced equipment and the latest technology. This helps in not only the correct diagnosis of kidney stones but also in treating the patients precisely and according to the treatment plan they choose.

Location: Super Specialty Hospital, SH12A, Akal Ashram Colony, Sector 77, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, Punjab 140308, India

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Is a Hysterectomy a Major Surgery?

Image
  To most people, a  hysterectomy surgery ​  might sound like a term straight out of a medical drama show, which might be intense and intimidating, and why not? After all, it is a major surgery that involves the removal of the uterus, which is one of the most important organs of the female reproductive system. A hysterectomy can be a life-changing procedure for some patients, depending on why it is being done and how prepared the patient is. A hysterectomy is recommended for patients in cases of fibroids, endometriosis, abnormal bleeding, or even cancer, when other treatment options don’t seem to work. Traditionally these surgeries were done through abdominal and laparoscopic or vaginal pathways. However, advancements in modern technology and medicine have given rise to robotic techniques that perform this surgery more efficiently. Thus, while it is still considered a major surgery because of the involvement of internal organs and general anesthesia, modern advancements h...
Read more

What Diseases can be Detected Through Genetic Testing?

Image
People might often wonder if their DNA holds the information about their health, ancestry, or even personality traits.  genetic testing  or DNA testing might sound fascinating to people, and it is deservedly so. This is because it combines the worlds of science and self-discovery. While this concept might seem to come straight out of a science-fiction movie, with the advancements in medicine and technology, this practice is getting highly popular across the world and becoming a part of general healthcare rapidly. This powerful test allows a person to have an idea about the very blueprint of their life – their genes. From predicting possible risks of certain diseases to determining specific treatment plans, genetic testing is revolutionizing the manner in which people understand healthcare and the human body. By analyzing the chromosomes, proteins, and specific genes, doctors and healthcare professionals can determine whether a person carries gene mutations that raise their ris...
Read more

Is Robotic Surgery Safe? Debunking Myths & Misconceptions

Image
  With the modern advancement in technology and medical science, Robotic Surgeries have emerged as one of the most effective and popular treatment options for various ailments of patients worldwide. From hernia repairs and gallbladder removals to complex cancer surgeries,   Robotic Surgery   has transformed the realm of healthcare, to say the least. While robotic surgeries are increasingly embraced by surgeons and patients worldwide, there might still be some sections of the population that wonder whether these robotic surgeries are really safe, while struggling with other misconceptions and myths floating around them. However, these concerns that people have are completely understandable. While traditional open and laparoscopic methods of surgery have been around for a long time, robotic-assisted surgeries are comparatively newer to the spectrum, being a few decades old. However, the exponential growth of these systems worldwide is a testament to the fact that this metho...
Read more