KIDNEY STONES AND ITS TREATMENT

Kidney stones are also called as Renal Calculi. These stones are hard deposites of minerals in the kidneys. Usually the kidney stones consists of calcium oxalate. Kidney stones are more common in males than females.

Why do we get kidney stones?
The main cause of kidney stones formation is deficient amount of intake of water. Stones are formed in people who drink less than 8 to 10 glasses of water everyday. The urine gets concentrated when the body contains less quantity of water which causes acidic urine. When the urine gets concentrated the minerals in the body start crystallizing and adhere to each other which finally leads to formation of hard deposit in the form of stones.
The other cause can be the family history of kidney stones increases the chance.
Diet - Diet is one more leading cause of kidney stone. If the person is susceptible towards the stone formation and if the diet contains more of calcium and purine products then the risk increases.

What are the common symptoms of Kidney stones?
The symptoms get noticable as the stone passes down from kidney to the ureter. As far as the stone is in the kidneys the symptoms are not seen.

• The severe and sudden pain starts in the mid of back , sides and radiate to the groin.
• Frequent urge to pass urine and burning sensation while passing urine.
• Sometimes blood or pus is seen in the urine.
• Fever with vomiting present.

What is the treatment of Kidney stones?

• If the stone is too small like 1mm to 3mm and patient is not having any major symptoms then no need of any specific treatment. Only drink plenty of water so that the stones can get flushed through the urine.
• If the stone is too big, more that 3 to 4 mm and making patient uncomfortable then the surgery is the option. Lithotripsy is the shock wave therapy which helps to break the stone in the kidney and it passes through the urine.
• If fever is present along with kidney stone then it is the sign of kidney infection and it becomes necessary to start the treatment without any delay. Sometimes in such cases, patient may require to hospitalise.
• Homeopathy - If the stone is smaller in size, homeopathy is good option to start and prevent the future occurences.Homeopathic treatment is based on the individual symptoms and hence different people will require different homeopathic remedies. But there are some common homeopathic remedies for kidney stones.
  Berberis Vulgaris - Indicated in people who has radiating pains which are worse by standing and active exercise. Pain in kidney region radiating to thighs and loin while urinating.

          Cantharis - It is indicated in people who has constant desire to pass urine and urine passes drop by               drop. Violent cutting and burning pain while urinating. Bloody urine.

How to prevent Kidney stone?

• The kidney stones can be prevent by drinking plenty of water or fluids so that the urine remains dilutes and the minerals will not crystallize to form deposites.
• Research study shows that citrus fruits like orange juice or lemon juice helps to prevent the stone formation as they contain citrate which prevents crystal formation.
• Reduce intake of calcium products but do not stop it completely as calcium is important in diet. But always consult your doctor prior to start any diet.
• Healthy food and exercise helps to maintain the weight which inturn reduces the risk of stone formation.