Kidney stones can be incredibly painful, and the experience can be quite distressing. Fortunately, in most cases, small kidney stones will pass out of the body on their own without the need for medical intervention. However, if the stones are larger or cause complications, it may be necessary to consider treatment options. In this article, we will discuss various treatment options for kidney stones, including medication and surgery.

Small Stones: Waiting and Pain Relief

For most kidney stones with a diameter of less than 5 millimeters, doctors generally recommend waiting since they will probably pass out without any treatment. However, if the stone causes pain as it moves through the ureter, painkillers like ibuprofen or diclofenac can provide relief.

Larger Stones: Surgical Removal

If the stone is not passed within four weeks, causes complications such as recurrent fever or blood in the urine, or causes severe colic, surgical removal may be necessary. Additionally, stones larger than 10 millimeters in diameter may require surgery. High-risk professionals like airline pilots, merchant navy personnel, and young children may also require surgical intervention.

Medical Expulsive Therapy

Medical expulsive therapy is a treatment option that makes it easier to pass kidney stones. Alpha blockers, which are medications used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia, relax the muscles in the lower part of the bladder, making it easier for stones to pass. While alpha blockers are not approved for the treatment of kidney stones, they have been shown to be effective in some cases. Tamsulosin is a commonly used alpha blocker, although it is used off-label.

Side Effects of Medical Expulsive Therapy

Temporary side effects of alpha blockers include low blood pressure, dizziness, and tiredness. In some cases, men may experience retrograde ejaculation (“dry orgasm”), where little or no semen flows out of the penis during ejaculation.

Dissolving Uric Acid Stones

Uric acid stones are the only type of kidney stones that can be dissolved with the help of medication. Alkaline citrate salts or sodium bicarbonate are used to increase the pH level of the urine, and allopurinol lowers the level of uric acid. Drinking plenty of water can increase the effectiveness of the medication. However, if you have a urinary tract infection, it isn’t possible to treat uric acid stones with medication.

Effectiveness of Medication for Dissolving Uric Acid Stones

While medication can be effective in dissolving uric acid stones, there hasn’t been any high-quality research on this topic. If the treatment is successful, surgery isn’t necessary to remove the stones.

Home based or preventive Methods for Kidney Stone Treatment

1. Apple cider vinegar: Mix 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water and drink it before meals until the symptoms of kidney stones go away. The acids in apple cider vinegar soften the kidney stones and prevent their formation.
2. Baking soda: Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda in 10 ounces of lukewarm water and drink it thrice a day. Baking soda’s alkalinity can lower the acidity of urine that causes kidney stones, allowing them to pass more easily.
3. Lemon juice and olive oil: Mix 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and 2-3 ounces of water, and drink it thrice a day. The citric acid in the lemon juice dissolves the kidney stones, while the greasiness of the olive oil helps them pass more easily.
4. Hydrangea: Make herbal hydrangea tea by adding 1 teaspoon of hydrangea leaves to a cup of hot water and letting it steep for a few minutes. Drink up to three cups of hydrangea tea every day to increase urine output and help flush out kidney stones.
5. Coconut water: Drink fresh coconut water several times a day for a week to flush out kidney stones. The potassium in coconut water will alkalinize the acidic urine and dissolve the stones.
6. Barley water: Soak ¼ cup of barley in 3 cups of water for at least four hours. After soaking, cook the barley in the same water on low flame until the water reduces to half of its original quantity. Strain the barley water and let it cool down. Drink a few glasses of this in a day to increase bladder pressure and eliminate kidney stones.
7. Basil: Steep 5-6 basil leaves in a cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Strain and add honey as per your taste. Drink 2-3 cups of basil tea in a day to dissolve kidney stones naturally.
8. Watermelon seed: Grind 4 tablespoons of fresh watermelon seeds and add them to 8 cups of boiling water. Let the mixture steep for 10-15 minutes, then strain and drink the tea throughout the day to flush out waste from the body along with kidney stones.
9. Dandelion root: Add 1 teaspoon of dandelion root to a cup of boiling water and let it sit for around 10 minutes. Strain and drink 2-3 cups of herbal tea in a day to dissolve kidney stones.
10. Horsetail: Mix 2-3 teaspoons of horsetail herb in a cup of hot water and drink 2-3 cups a day to increase urine output by 30% and get relief from kidney stones.

It is important to note that while these home-based methods can be effective, severe cases of kidney stones may require medical attention. It is always best to consult with a specialist doctor for the appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan.