Kidney stones are a big problem in India, affecting about 12% of people at some point. Bangalore, a busy city, has seen more cases of kidney stones due to changes in how people live. But there’s good news! Bangalore has many treatments that don’t involve surgery to help kidney stones. These treatments are easy to understand and can help.
For example, a particular machine called ESWL uses sound waves to break up the stones. Doctors also give medicine and suggest changes to your diet to stop more stones from forming. They might even give you fluids through a drip to keep you hydrated. And if needed, they can do minor procedures that don’t require extensive surgeries. So, if you’re in Bangalore and dealing with kidney stones, don’t worry. There are plenty of options to help you feel better without having to go through surgery.
Understanding Kidney Stones:
Before exploring treatment options, it’s crucial to understand kidney stones and how they form. These solid masses develop when certain substances in your urine—such as calcium, oxalate, and uric acid—crystallize and stick together. Factors like dehydration, diet, and genetics can increase your risk of developing kidney stones. When these stones become too large to pass naturally, they can block the urinary tract, leading to severe pain, nausea, and other complications.
Causes and Symptoms of Kidney Stones
Kidney stones occurs due to certain substances in urine, like calcium, uric acid, and oxalates, these become too concentrated and crystallize. Several factors contribute to their formation:
- Dehydration: Inadequate fluid consumption can lead to concentrated urine, increasing the likelihood of crystal formation.
- Diet: Eating foods high in oxalate, such as spinach, nuts, and chocolate, or excessive salt and animal proteins can contribute to stone formation.
- Genetics: Any family history of kidney stones can elevate your risk of developing them.
- Medical Conditions: Some medical conditions, like urinary tract infections, obesity, and digestive disorders, can predispose individuals to kidney stone formation.
- Medications: Certain medications can increase the risk of kidney stones, such as diuretics, antacids containing calcium, and certain antibiotics.
Symptoms of kidney stones may vary based on the size and location of the stone, but common signs include:
- Severe Pain: The most notable symptom is intense pain, usually felt in the back, side, lower abdomen, or groin area. This pain can come in waves and may fluctuate in intensity.
- Blood in Urine: Hematuria (blood in the urine), may occur due to the stone irritating the urinary tract.
- Urinary Changes: Changes in urination patterns, such as increased frequency, urgency, or pain during urination, can indicate the presence of kidney stones.
- Nausea and Vomiting: Some individuals may experience nausea and vomiting, often because of the severe pain associated with kidney stones.
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Kidney stones can increase the risk of UTIs, which can lead to symptoms such as fever, chills, and urinary urgency.
It’s important to seek medical attention if you manifest any of these symptoms, as prompt diagnosis and treatment can help reduce the discomfort and prevent complications associated with kidney stones.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options:
- Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL):
ESWL is a commonly used non-invasive procedure for treating kidney stones. This technique uses shock waves to break down the rocks into smaller fragments, making them easier to pass through urine. You’ll lie on a table while a machine delivers shock waves to the targeted area during the procedure. ESWL is generally suitable for smaller kidney or upper urinary tract stones.
- Medications:
In some cases, medications are prescribed to dissolve certain types of kidney stones or to manage associated symptoms like pain and inflammation. Your doctor may recommend medications to relax the muscles in the urinary tract, making it easier for the crystals or stones to pass. Additionally, medications can help prevent the formation of new stones by modifying urine composition.
- Dietary and Lifestyle Changes:
Modifying your diet and lifestyle can play a significant role in preventing and managing kidney stones. Increasing fluid intake can help dilute urine and lower the risk of stone formation. Avoiding foods high in oxalate, sodium, and animal proteins may also be beneficial. Your dietitian can provide personalized recommendations based on your situation.
- Fluid Therapy:
Hydration is vital to kidney stone prevention and treatment. Drinking plenty of fluids or water can help flush out toxins and prevent the buildup of minerals contributing to stone formation. In some cases, intravenous (IV) fluid therapy may be necessary to ensure adequate hydration, especially if you’re experiencing severe symptoms like dehydration or kidney function impairment.
- Endoscopic Procedures:
While technically considered minimally invasive rather than non-surgical, endoscopic procedures offer alternatives to traditional surgery for larger or more stubborn kidney stones. Techniques such as ureteroscopy involve passing a thin, flexible scope through the urinary tract to locate, remove, or break down the rocks. These procedures typically require only local or general anaesthesia and involve shorter recovery than open surgery.
Seeking Treatment in Bangalore:
If you’re in Bangalore and struggling with kidney stones, you’re fortunate to have access to a range of non-surgical treatment options right in your city. Hospitals and medical centres across Bangalore offer state-of-the-art facilities and experienced healthcare professionals specialising in urology and nephrology. You can effectively manage kidney stones and prevent future episodes by seeking prompt medical attention and exploring non-surgical treatments.
Experiencing kidney stones can be agonizing and disrupt your daily routine, but you’re not alone in this struggle. At Zymus Hospital in Bangalore, we offer many non-surgical treatment options, providing relief and optimism to individuals grappling with this common condition. From shock wave lithotripsy to simple dietary adjustments, our comprehensive approach ensures effective management of kidney stones without the need for invasive procedures. If you’re experiencing symptoms or have been diagnosed with kidney stones, don’t hesitate to contact our healthcare experts at Zymus Hospital for personalized care and support. Remember, relief is within your grasp, and you deserve to live your life free from the discomfort caused by kidney stones.
