How to treat kidney stones and what to eat to eliminate them

Kidney stones can be treated with medication, surgical removal, and dietary adjustments, combined with a healthy diet such as drinking plenty of water and eating citrus fruits to help expel the stones. The specific method depends on the size and type of the stones.

1. Drug treatment

For kidney stones smaller than 5 mm, some can be removed with medication. Doctors usually prescribe the following medications based on the patient's specific circumstances:

Anti-inflammatory analgesics: such as ibuprofen, used to relieve pain and discomfort caused by stones.

Alpha-blockers: Such as tamsulosin, which help relax the muscles of the ureters and speed up the passage of small stones.

Uric acid stone dissolving drugs: such as sodium bicarbonate or potassium citrate. If the stones are of uric acid nature, these drugs can dissolve the stones by adjusting the pH of urine.

This type of treatment requires close follow-up, with regular ultrasound or CT scans to monitor the movement of the stones. If medication is ineffective, further interventional treatment is usually necessary.

2Surgery

For stones larger than 10 mm, medications are of limited effectiveness and often require intervention. Common surgical options include:

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL): uses shock waves to break up small stones. It is suitable for stones with small diameter and moderate hardness.

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL): A small incision is made to directly enter the kidney to remove the stones. It is suitable for larger stones with a diameter of more than 2 cm.

Ureteroscopic lithotripsy: It is often used for patients with narrow urinary tract or sensitive stone sites. It is minimally invasive and has a quick recovery.

3Dietary adjustment and daily care

The daily diet of patients with kidney stones has a positive effect on the prevention and treatment of the disease:

Increase water intake: Drink 2-3 liters of water every day to dilute urine and reduce crystal precipitation to form stones.

Eat citrus fruits: Oranges and lemons are rich in citric acid, which helps inhibit stone formation.

Limit high-calcium foods and foods high in oxalate content, such as spinach and beets; this is especially important for people with calcium oxalate stones.

Maintaining regular exercise, promoting metabolism, and avoiding sitting for long periods of time are also important steps to healthy stone excretion.

The treatment of kidney stones should be selected according to the condition. If the symptoms persist or are accompanied by severe pain, you should seek medical attention immediately to avoid stones blocking the urinary tract and causing kidney damage. Through scientific treatment and a proper diet, most patients can effectively remove stones and reduce the risk of recurrence.