Non surgical treatment for kidney stones
Kidney stones are increasingly common and unfortunately can be very painful. It is important to confirm the diagnosis as well as a knowledge of the number, size and location of the stone or stones. This can lead to a tailored management approach for each patient.
Sometimes treatment for kidney stones can be managed without the need for surgical intervention by adapting diet and activity which will allow the stone to pass by itself in your urine.
To ease your symptoms, you are advised to:
- drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, by taking in up to 3 litres (5.2 pints) of fluid throughout the day, every day, until the stones have cleared
- take painkillers, like ibuprofen
- anti-sickness medicine
- alpha-blockers (medicines to help stones pass)
To help your stones pass:
- drink water, but drinks like tea and coffee also count
- add fresh lemon juice to your water
- avoid fizzy drinks
- do not eat too much salt
Make sure you're drinking enough fluid. If your pee is dark, it means you're not drinking enough. Your pee should be pale in colour.
You may be advised to continue drinking this much fluid to prevent new stones forming.