How to treat kidney stones?

In general, kidney stones can be treated under a doctor's guidance through methods such as increased fluid intake, regular physical activity, dietary adjustments, medication, and extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy. If discomfort occurs, prompt medical consultation is recommended. Specific details are as follows:

1. Increased Fluid Intake

Drinking more water increases urine volume, dilutes solutes in the urine, reduces crystal formation and deposition, and enhances urinary flow rate, which helps expel small stones.

2. Regular Physical Activity

Exercise promotes metabolism and muscle contraction and relaxation, facilitating the movement and expulsion of stones within the urinary tract. Activities such as jumping and running can utilize gravity to aid in stone passage.

3. Dietary Adjustments

Dietary modifications, such as reducing intake of high-calcium, high-oxalate, and high-purine foods, can lower the concentration of these substances in urine, thereby reducing stone formation. Additionally, increasing dietary fiber intake can improve intestinal function and help prevent stone development.

4. Medication

Patients may follow medical advice to use medications such as Shitai Keli (Stone-Expelling Granules), Shenshi Tong Capsules, or Bazheng Keli (Bazheng Granules). These drugs can alter urine pH, dissolve stones, and inhibit the formation of stone components.

5. Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL)

ESWL uses high-energy shock waves focused on the stone to break it into smaller fragments, which can then be more easily passed in the urine. This non-invasive method causes minimal trauma and allows for rapid recovery, making it suitable for most patients with upper urinary tract stones.

After diagnosis of kidney stones, patients should select appropriate treatments according to their doctor’s recommendations, actively cooperate with therapy, and pay attention to dietary changes and lifestyle improvements to ensure optimal treatment outcomes.