Testing Ultrasound Beams On Pigs
Bailey and his team tested their new approach on three anesthetized pigs. They placed glass beads inside their bladders to act as the kidney stones. The team successfully steered the glass bead along pre-chosen routes with more than 90% accuracy.
âItâs really quite controllable,â says Bailey, who consults for SonoMotion, a US firm that has licensed the technology and been developing non-invasive solutions for kidney stones.
But Ben Turney from the University of Oxford said that moving these spherical glass beads inside the bladder is easier as it has a large space. Moreover, he said that steering irregular-shaped crystals through a narrow tube would be a lot harder.
Although Turney thinks that the beams form the ultrasound could help push the stones out of their places in the kidney where they tend to get stuck and lodge. âThen you would hope that the system will flush them through,â says Turney.
How Can I Prevent Kidney Stones
There are several ways to decrease your risk of kidney stones, including:
- Drink water. Drink at least six to eight 8-ounce glasses every day . Staying hydrated helps you urinate more often, which helps flush away the buildup of the substances that cause kidney stones. If you sweat a lot, be sure to drink even more.
- Limit salt. Eat less sodium. You may want to connect with a dietician for help with planning what foods you eat.
- Lose weight. If youre overweight, try to lose some pounds. Talk to your healthcare provider about an ideal weight.
- Take prescriptions. Your healthcare provider may prescribe some medications that help prevent kidney stones. The type of medication may depend on the type of stones you get.
Types Of Kidney Stones
Generally, up to 80 percent of kidney stones are calcium stonesusually either calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate. These types of stones occur if you have too much calcium in your urine, though they could also form for other reasons.
Another type of stones, struvite stones, is related to chronic urinary tract infections, makes up 10 percent of all kidney stones and often forms when urine is alkaline. Uric acid stones make up 5-10 percent of kidney stones, and require acidic urine to form while cystine stones that are less than 1 percent of all stones form when you have cysturiatoo much cystine in urine.
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How Are Children Treated For Kidney Stones
Most childrens kidney stones can be treated with the shock wave lithotripsy , a completely non-invasive procedure. Your child is placed under anesthesia and sound waves of specific frequencies are focused on the stones to shatter them into fragments small enough to be easily passed during urination.
Dissolving Uric Acid Stones
Uric acid stones are the only type of kidney stones that can sometimes be dissolved with the help of medication. Alkaline citrate salts or sodium bicarbonate are considered for this purpose, and sometimes allopurinol. Alkaline citrate salts and sodium bicarbonate increase the pH level of the urine, and allopurinol lowers the level of uric acid. Drinking a lot of water helps to increase the effect of the medication: The more urine there is, the better the uric acids can dissolve. If you have a urinary tract infection , it isn’t possible to treat the uric acid stones with medication.
If the treatment is successful, surgery isn’t needed to remove the stones. But its not clear how effectively medication can dissolve uric acid stones. There hasnt been any high-quality research on this.
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Sometimes Surgery Is The Best Option To Get Rid Of A Kidney Stone
Most urologists recommend that stones come out surgically within six weeks because of the risk of the ureter becoming blocked, explains Clayman. This can cause pain, problems with urination, changes in the amount of urine made, and blood in the urine.
If left untreated, a stone that is blocking the flow of urine can lead to complications, such as permanent kidney damage, recurrenturinary tract infections , and bleeding, says Dr. Marchalik.
Notably, patients who have a UTI at the same time as a kidney stone can develop , a life-threatening condition. If this happens, doctors usually place a tube in the ureter or kidney to drain infected urine, says Seth K. Bechis, MD, a urologist at UC San Diego Health in California. In addition, antibiotics are given to treat the infection.
Fortunately, a range of minimally invasive treatments for removing or breaking up kidney stones are available to help prevent such complications from arising.
Take Steps To Bypass Kidney Stones
Even though kidney stones can be common and recur once youve had them, there are simple ways to help prevent them. Here are some strategies that can help:
1. Drink enough water. A 2015 meta-analysis from the National Kidney Foundation found that people who produced 2 to 2.5 liters of urine daily were 50% less likely to develop kidney stones than those who produced less. It takes about 8 to 10 8-ounce glasses of water daily to produce that amount.
2. Eat more calcium-rich plant foods.Good sources include yogurt, soy products, beans, lentils and seeds. Dietary calcium binds oxalate in the intestines, so less gets absorbed and lower concentrations end up in urine.
3. Enjoy some lemons. Citrate, a salt in citric acid, binds to calcium and helps block stone formation. “Studies have shown that drinking ½ cup of lemon juice concentrate diluted in water each day, or the juice of two lemons, can increase urine citrate and likely reduce kidney stone risk,” says Dr. Eisner.
4. Watch the sodium. A high-sodium diet can trigger kidney stones because it increases the amount of calcium in your urine. Federal guidelines suggest limiting total daily sodium intake to 2,300 milligrams .
5. Cut back on animal protein. Eating too much animal protein, such as meat, eggs, and seafood, boosts can increase the risk of forming stones. If youre prone to kidney stones, limit your daily meat intake to a quantity that is no bigger than a pack of playing cards.
Image: bhofack2/Getty Images
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What You Need To Know About Passing Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are more common than you think. About 1 in 10 Americans experience them at some point throughout their life.1 If youve had them before, you understand how painful and debilitating they can be. If youve never had kidney stones, its important to understand what to expect. Not everyone will develop kidney stones and those that do might not experience any pain or discomfort. Regardless, you will need to pass them. To prepare yourself and get a better understanding of the underlying cause, weve put together this article on what you need to know about passing kidney stones.
Treatment Of Kidney Stones
The kidney stones that are small in size can be taken care of with home remedies or as per doctors suggestion. But the other stones, that are large in size and are in a difficult position may be taken out through surgical methods.
- Surgically removing stones with a scope
- Sound waves are used to break apart stones
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Ureteroscopy With Laser Lithotripsy
We will perform ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy while you are under general anesthesia . Over the course of about one hour, we will:
After a brief observation period, you will be able to go home that same day.
*Around five percent of the time, the ureter is too narrow for the ureteroscope. If this happens to you, we will leave a stent in place to dilate your ureter. We will reschedule your procedure for two to three weeks later.
Things That Can Help You Take A Pass On Kidney Stones
- By Matthew Solan, Executive Editor, Harvard Men’s Health Watch
If youve ever passed a kidney stone, you probably would not wish it on your worst enemy, and youll do anything to avoid it again. “Kidney stones are more common in men than in women, and in about half of people who have had one, kidney stones strike again within 10 to 15 years without preventive measures,” says Dr. Brian Eisner, co-director of the Kidney Stone Program at Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital.
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How Are Kidney Stones Formed And Where Do They Come From
Before understanding how these kidney stones are formed it is important to know what kidney stones are. Kidney stones are hard deposits that form in the kidney and are often painful when passed through the ureters. They may be painful but they usually do not leave any permanent damage to the abdomen or the kidneys.
Once the kidney stones are formed, they result in severe pain in the abdomen, it may also affect the flow of urine with blood in urine, feeling nauseated, and vomiting. The stones pass down the urethra and may result in frequent urination, constant pain, and pressure in the bladder.
Limit The Intake Of Sodium
Cut down on the intake of sodium and protein as it may boost uric acid in the body and further increase the chances of formation of kidney stones. Diet high in sodium can increase the risk of calcium in your urine, which can induce kidney stones. For those who are prone to stone formation, a low-sodium diet is recommended.
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Treatment Of Urinary Tract Stones
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Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or opioids as needed to relieve pain
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Sometimes stone removal
Small stones that are not causing symptoms, blockage of the urinary tract, or an infection usually do not need to be treated and often pass on their own. Larger stones and those that are closer to the kidney are less likely to pass on their own. Some drugs may increase the likelihood of spontaneous stone passage.
Letting Kidney Stones Pass
Stones typically take several weeks to a few months to pass, depending on the number and the size of the kidney stones. Over the counter pain suppressors like ibuprofen, Naproxen and many others may help you balance the pain and discomfort till you pass the stones but let us tell you the truth. The process will not be easy and it will hurt.
If your stones take too long and hurt too much while passing then chances are that your doctor will advise you to remove them surgically using ureteroscopy. A tube is with micro-cameras and tools will be passed down your bladder and a laser will break the kidney stones and then the fragments are removed from your urinary tract.
Foods to Intake for Passing Kidney Stones
Kidney stones can happen over and over again even if youve had surgery. There is a simple way you can reduce the chance of kidney stones developing in your body. Intake these substances to save yourself from kidney stones. Also, these foods can help you in passing kidney stones without pain.
1. Drink Water
According to research conducted by the national kidney foundation in 2015. People who produced 2- 2.5 liters of urine in a day are 50% less likely to develop kidney stones. Plus that much urine can help you in passing the stones easily. It takes about 10-15 glasses of water to produce that much urine in a day
2. Avoid High-Oxalate Food
3. Lemons are your Friends
4. Beware of the Sodium Levels
5. Limit your Animal Protein
Ayurvedic Treatment for Kidney Stones
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What Are Kidney Stones
Also known as renal stones or nephrolithiasis, kidney stones are composed of hard, solid waste materials that build up in the kidneys and form crystals.
Four main types exist, but about 80% of all stones are calcium oxalate stones. Less common forms include struvite, uric acid, and cysteine .
While smaller stones are usually not a problem, larger stones may cause a blockage in part of your urinary system as they leave your body.
This can lead to severe pain, vomiting, and bleeding.
Kidney stones are a common health problem. In fact, about 12% of men and 5% of women in the United States will develop a kidney stone during their lifetime .
Whats more, if you get a kidney stone once, studies suggest you are up to 50% more likely to form another stone within 5 to 10 years (
Below are 8 natural ways you can reduce the risk of forming another kidney stone.
Summary Kidney stones are firm lumps formed from crystallized waste products in the kidneys. They are a common health problem and passing large stones can be very painful.
What To Expect At Home
It is normal to have a small amount of blood in your urine for a few days to a few weeks after this procedure.
You may have pain and nausea when the stone pieces pass. This can happen soon after treatment and may last for 4 to 8 weeks.
You may have some bruising on your back or side where the stone was treated if sound waves were used. You may also have some pain over the treatment area.
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How Will I Feel After Surgery
Your doctor will prescribe medications after surgery. Generally, these may include an antibiotic to prevent infection, pain medication, and perhaps something to treat bladder spasms and burning with urination.
Drink plenty of water to lubricate the stent and encourage any small stones to move out of the kidney. You will likely feel a more frequent urge to urinate, so you may want to stay close to a bathroom.
You can resume normal activities the next day, or as soon as you feel comfortable. Skip high-intensity workouts until after your stent is removed. Some pain medications restrict activities like driving, so check the warnings on the label. Your doctor will have additional recommendations for you to follow.
Tell Me What To Eat If I Get Kidney Stones
Some people get kidney stones and some dont. If youve ever seen someone suffer with a kidney stone, you can understand why he or she tends to be HUGELY motivated to prevent another one from forming. If you do tend to get them, are there foods and beverages that you should and shouldnt consume?
Unfortunately if you have had kidney stones in the past you are more likely to have them in the future. But there are a few things you can do to make it a bit less likely.
- Drink 8-10 glasses of fluids a day
- Eat a balanced diet that isnt too high in animal protein
Okayyou are probably thinking, done and done. What else can you do? While some lists include coffee, tea, beer and wine in the limit column, there is some evidence they can decrease risk of kidney stone development. Grapefruit juice seems to consistently make the limit list however. One study found that women drinking eight ounces of grapefruit juice a day increased their risk of developing stones by 44%.
Beyond this, the diet suggestions seem to depend on the specific type of stone that you have formed in the past Definitely consult your doctor for diet recommendations but the following are possible suggestions to consider with him/her:
- If you had a calcium-containing kidney stone, eat less salt and salty food and try not to get more than the recommended daily amount for calcium or excessive amounts of vitamin D.
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Drink Apple Cider Vinegar
The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar helps kidney stones dissolve. Add 2 tablespoons to 6-8 ounces of water and drink it throughout the day to reap the benefits. You can also use it as a salad dressing if youd rather taste it on food.
If youre a diabetic, watch your blood sugar levels when drinking apple cider vinegar.
How Long Does It Take To Pass A Kidney Stone
The amount of time it can take for you to pass a kidney stone is different from anothers. A stone thats smaller than 4 mm may pass within one to two weeks. A stone thats larger than 4 mm could take about two to three weeks to completely pass.
Once the stone reaches the bladder, it typically passes within a few days, but may take longer, especially in an older man with a large prostate. However, pain may subside even if the stone is still in the ureter, so its important to follow up with your healthcare provider if you dont pass the stone within four to six weeks.
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The Causes Of Kidney Stones
Like many other ailments, a poor diet is the leading cause of kidney stone formation. While genetics and environmental factors can play a role, your diet is the easiest thing you can change.
Specifically, sodas and sugary drinks are major culprits behind the causes of kidney stones. This reason being sodas are filled with unhealthy chemicals, including high levels of processed bleached sugar, phosphoric acid, caffeine, and high fructose corn syrup. These ingredients are harmful to your body and especially harsh for your urinary system.
These drinks cause kidney stones thanks to the high fructose corn syrup which metabolizes into oxalate and increases excretion of uric acid and calcium. This combination encourages kidney stone formation at a higher rate than normal. Plus, the phosphoric acid in soda can create an acidic environment in your kidney tract, leading to more kidney stones. Diets high in sodium are also associated with this condition. The amount of calcium in your urine contributes to kidney stones and should therefore be reduced in your diet.
Instead, eat a diet for optimal urological health that is full of fresh vegetables and fruits. Avoid processed foods and sugar to avoid kidney stones and maintain a healthy urinary system. Dont forget to keep hydrated!
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