Common Treatments To Dissolve Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are not only a problem, but they also cause other problems. Even the presence of a tiny stone can damage vital kidney tissue, setting off a medical chain of events that could seriously impact your health. If kidney stones are present, the primary treatment is to dissolve them. There are various ways to dissolve kidney stones, and they range from home remedies to hospitalization. Understanding the various procedures will help you make the best choice for your own treatment.
The Basics Of Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are a solid accumulation of minerals from the urine. They form inside the kidneys and are usually made of calcium oxalate crystals. Pain is one of the primary symptoms of kidney stones, and it’s easy to understand why. The stone itself is hard, and has small jagged edges that rub along the cells inside the kidneys. When kidney stones are diagnosed, the course of treatment involves dissolving them or having them surgically removed. There are several ways in which kidney stones can be dissolved, from traditional treatment methods to homeopathic ones.
Treatments To Dissolve Kidney Stones
The most common type of procedure to dissolve kidney stones is called Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy. The principle for this treatment is relatively simple; shock waves are sent into the body where they safely pass through soft tissues until they hit the denser mass of the kidney stone. These waves break down the stones into tiny fragments that can then be normally excreted in the urine.
This procedure is usually done on an outpatient basis, but anesthesia is needed. The success of this treatment lies in the fact that the stones are indeed broken down into tiny pieces and the patient has a short recovery time, usually a matter of days. But as with any medical procedure, there can be complications. Sometimes the pieces of the kidney stone are not dissolved enough with only one treatment. Secondly, the particles may be painful to pass or can obstruct the urinary tract.
There are also home remedies that have been used to dissolve kidney stones. The first course of action is usually to increase the fluid intake. Water or juice is best for this type of treatment. A mixture of freshly squeezed lemon juice, water and hydrangea has been reported to be successful in dissolving kidney stones. Other helpful herbs may include marshmallow root, fresh parsley, goldenrod and ginger.
Over one million people suffer from kidney stones each year in the United States. Since this problem is so widespread, medical research has been at the front line in developing effective treatments to dissolve kidney stones.
By Health Editor
