The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located in the lower back region. Their main function in the body is to purify the blood of toxins and waste products. Over the course of time, small, hard deposits of calcium can clump and form kidney stones. Although they aren't life-threatening and they can't cause permanent damage, kidney stones can be quite painful. Treatments for them involve conservative and invasive measures.
Home Remedies
Water is a beneficial nutrient to the body. When you have a stone, you can drink two to three quarts of water a day to help pass the stone from your kidneys. Staying physically active by partaking in exercise can also be beneficial. Reducing intake of acidic foods such as meats, poultry and fish can reduce the acidity in your urine. Acidity can exacerbate symptoms.
ESWL
Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy is a procedure in which shock waves are used to break up the stones into little pieces. They're then excreted through the urine. When you get this done, you are often partially submerged in water or you are placed on a soft cushion to make you more comfortable. Loud noises are produced when the shock waves are let off, which can damage your hearing. You are given earphones as a precaution.
Nephroscope
A nephroscope is an instrument used in a procedure called percutaneous nephrolithotomy. A small incision is made in the lower back, the nephroscope is inserted and the kidney stone is removed. This procedure is generally done when the ESWL treatment doesn't work or the kidney stone is large.
Parathyroid
The parathyroid glands are located below the Adam's apple on the corners of the thyroid. Overactive parathyroid glands can cause calcium stones to develop in the kidneys, due to the fact that increased levels of parathyroid hormone lead to increased levels of calcium. This usually results from a tumor that forms on the parathyroid gland, which can be surgically removed.
Uteroscopic Removal
The ureters are a part of the urinary tract that run from the bladder to the kidneys. When stones appear in the ureters, a procedure called uteroscopic stone removal can be done. A small instrument called a uteroscope is inserted through the bladder and into the ureter, where it's used to remove the stone. The stone can also be shattered by way of laser or ultrasound energy that's directed through the scope.
