The best medicine for kidney stones varies widely. In severe cases, over-the-counter pain relievers may be sufficient. Other treatments include shock-wave lithotripsy, diet changes, and surgery. For most people, however, over-the-counter pain relievers are insufficient. Fortunately, there are alternatives. In this article, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of the three most common forms of treatment.
Pain relievers
Taking pain relievers for kidney stones is a good idea for people with kidney stones. However, if the pain is severe, it’s also a good idea to see a doctor who can determine if the stones are serious enough to need surgery. Depending on the size and location of the stone, a surgeon might recommend other treatment options. The doctor will also recommend alternative pain relievers, depending on the patient’s condition and whether or not the stones are small or large.
Over-the-counter pain relievers are a great idea for treating kidney stone pain, as they are commonly used in a pharmacy. Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, and ibuprofen are all common and effective pain relievers for kidney stones. Low-dose opioids may be prescribed in an emergency room setting. For severe pain, a doctor may also prescribe a stronger pain reliever to reduce the pain.
Dietary changes
Although pharmacological interventions have shown promise in some patients, dietary changes are still the best medicine for kidney stones. The following suggestions can be useful in preventing kidney stones. The first step is to determine the risk factors for nephrolithiasis. For example, if a person is hypercalcemic, it may indicate high blood pressure, which may also increase the risk of stone formation. A person with diabetes may be at higher risk for nephrolithiasis, which is often a risk factor for hypercalcemia.
A person suffering from kidney stones should limit foods with high oxalate content or combine them with calcium to decrease the risk. Protein intake from animal sources is fine in small amounts, but too much may increase the risk of kidney stones. Plant-based proteins, such as peas, beans, lentils, and tofu, are safe and high-quality protein sources. Individual protein requirements should be discussed with a doctor or dietitian so that the correct amounts can be consumed.
Shock-wave lithotripsy
Shock-wave lithotripsy helps to dissolve kidney stones in two ways. It works best on small stones within five millimeters in diameter, but it may not be effective on larger stones. To determine if shock-wave lithotripsy is right for you, your doctor will use ultrasound and x-ray images to pinpoint the exact location of your kidney stone. You will need 1-2 thousand shock waves for the treatment to be successful. The procedure lasts 45-60 minutes and is performed on an outpatient basis.
You can return to your normal activities immediately after the procedure, though you may experience bruising around the area where the stone was removed. You should be sure to drink plenty of water following the procedure. After shock-wave lithotripsy, you may experience skin bruising and pain in your flank. You can take alpha-blockers to reduce the pain you feel after the procedure.
Potassium citrate
The best medicine for kidney stones is potassium citrate, which prevents them before they form. This medicine is typically prescribed to patients with calcium or low urinary citrate levels. Potassium citrate increases the pH of urine and prevents uric acid from crystallizing, thereby preventing new stones from forming. The tablet should be taken whole and not crushed or chewed. Potassium citrate is a safe medication with no known side effects.
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