How to deal with kidney stones?

Written by Wang Shuai
Urology
Updated on September 03, 2024
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For the treatment of kidney stones, it is first necessary to determine the specific size and location of the stones, and whether there are conditions such as hydronephrosis or infection to guide the treatment approach. If the stones inside the kidney are relatively small, such as about five millimeters, conservative treatment is primarily used. This can involve drinking more water, urinating frequently, and exercising more. When necessary, oral medications like stone expulsion granules or solutions can be taken to help expel the stones from the body. If the stones are larger and accompanied by hydronephrosis or even infection, it is necessary to control the infection first and then proceed with surgical treatment. Common surgical methods include percutaneous nephrolithotomy, ureteroscopic lithotripsy, or open surgery for stone removal.

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Written by Wang Shuai
Urology
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What should you not eat if you have kidney stones?

Since the main component found in kidney stones is calcium oxalate stones, it is necessary to eat less food high in calcium and oxalates in our diet. Common foods that are high in calcium include soy products such as tofu, soy milk, and dairy products like cow's milk and cheese, which should be consumed in moderation. Additionally, it is advisable to eat fewer foods high in oxalates, such as celery, spinach, strawberries, and chocolate. Moreover, if the stones are uric acid stones, it is important to consume less seafood, animal organs, beer, and other foods high in purines. It is best to drink more water every day and urinate frequently to dilute the urine, which can reduce the formation of stones.

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Written by Zhou Qi
Nephrology
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Are kidney stones severe?

The severity of kidney stones depends on the size of the stones and their location. For example, stones within the kidney parenchyma, if not large and not moving, generally do not cause much trouble. However, if the stones block the area of the renal pelvis and calyces, or even move downward to block the ureter, causing the urine produced by the kidneys to not be excreted smoothly, it will cause the patient to experience renal colic. This type of pain is very intense, radiating to the back and causing abdominal pain, as well as pain in the perineal area. Patients often may also experience fever and other clinical symptoms. Prolonged obstruction of the urinary system can lead to renal failure, which is quite dangerous.

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Written by Zeng Zhong
Urology
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How to relieve the pain of kidney stones

Kidney stones, if mobile within the kidney, can cause intense pain in the patient's lumbar and abdominal area, clinically referred to as renal colic. Patients often experience unbearable pain, heavy sweating, along with symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. In such cases, it is crucial to seek timely treatment at the hospital's urology department. Doctors will use medications to alleviate pain and spasm. If there is nausea and vomiting, antiemetic drugs will also be used to relieve symptoms. Once diagnosed with kidney stones, patients are advised to seek treatment at a hospital as soon as possible.

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Written by Wang Shuai
Urology
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What should not be eaten with kidney stones

Patients with kidney stones do not have absolute dietary prohibitions. However, it is advisable to consume less food high in calcium, oxalates, and purines. Foods high in purines are mainly found in seafood, animal offal, beer, and beverages. High-calcium foods are primarily found in soy products and dairy products, such as soy milk, tofu, and cow's milk. Foods high in oxalates include celery, spinach, etc. These foods can be consumed in moderation in daily life, but should not be used in large amounts over a long period to avoid further growth and increase of stones. It is also important to drink plenty of water, urinate frequently, and engage in appropriate physical exercise to effectively prevent the occurrence of kidney stones. Additionally, for patients who have already developed kidney stones, it is necessary to timely decide on conservative stone expulsion or surgical treatment based on the size of the stones.

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Written by Wang Shuai
Urology
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How to relieve pain during a kidney stone attack?

When kidney stones occur, there are often significant pain symptoms. This is mainly due to the smaller stones in the kidney moving within the kidney or falling into the ureter, stimulating the ureter wall, causing ureteral spasms and subsequent pain. The pain usually appears suddenly and can be very intense. In such cases, it is necessary to go to the hospital promptly for spasm relief and pain treatment. Medications such as scopolamine, atropine, or tramadol can be used for pain relief. If necessary, scopolamine may need to be administered intravenously. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a physician.)