How to deal with kidney stones?

Written by Wang Shuai
Urology
Updated on September 03, 2024
00:00
00:00

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.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Wang Shuai
Urology
46sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zeng Zhong
Urology
41sec home-news-image

Where is the best place to massage for kidney stones?

Patients with kidney stones will find that massage is ineffective. For those with stones smaller than 0.5 cm, engaging in more physical activity such as playing basketball, jumping rope, or running, along with increasing fluid intake and urination, can help facilitate the expulsion of the stones. If the stones are larger, over 0.5 cm, treatment with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy is necessary. For stones larger than 1.5 cm, surgical intervention is required. Beyond these methods, there are no other treatments, and massage does not have a therapeutic effect.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Wang Shuai
Urology
57sec home-news-image

Are urinary stones the same as kidney stones?

Urinary stones and kidney stones are not exactly the same. Urinary stones refer to stones in the urinary system, including kidney stones, ureter stones, bladder stones, and urethral stones. Therefore, kidney stones are just one type of stones in the urinary system, and urinary stones include kidney stones. If kidney stones occur, one should promptly visit the hospital's urology department for examinations such as ultrasound or CT scans. This facilitates understanding the specific size, location, number of stones, and whether there is accompanying hydronephrosis or infection, allowing for targeted treatment. If the stones are small, drinking plenty of water, urinating frequently, and exercising can help expel the stones from the body. If the stones are large, or there is hydronephrosis, it is advisable to consider surgery as soon as possible.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Wang Shuai
Urology
49sec home-news-image

Does kidney stones cause hematuria?

Kidney stones can cause hematuria. The main reason that kidney stones cause hematuria is due to the damage to the mucous membrane of the renal pelvis caused by the stones, and even the rupture of blood vessels, leading to hematuria. In this case, it is necessary to use imaging methods such as color Doppler ultrasound and CT to determine the exact location and size of the stones. If the stone is small, such as about five or six millimeters, symptomatic hemostasis treatment can be conducted, and if necessary, drinking more water, urinating frequently, exercising more, and taking oral stone-discharging granules or effervescents can help expel the stones from the body. If the stone is large, it is advisable to opt for surgical treatment as soon as possible.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Wang Jian
Urology
1min home-news-image

Which department should I go to for kidney stones?

Kidney stones should be treated by a urologist. For kidney stones, a urology department will perform an ultrasound of the urinary system to examine them. The symptoms of kidney stones mainly depend on the size, shape, and location of the stones, as well as the presence of any obstructions or complications such as infections. Smaller kidney stones often do not cause any symptoms in patients unless the stone falls into the ureter, which can cause acute renal colic, severe lumbar and abdominal pain, and sometimes nausea, vomiting, frequent urination, urgency, and hematuria. If kidney stones are accompanied by a urinary obstruction or infection, patients may experience persistent high fever. If the kidneys have multiple columnar stones, it can lead to impaired renal function and cause renal insufficiency. Therefore, kidney stones should be taken seriously. If the stones are relatively large, consider surgical treatment or lithotripsy.