What do Kidney doctors to help people with stones?
Kidney doctors, also known as nephrologists, play a crucial role in helping people with kidney stones. Here are some ways they assist patients with stone management:
1. Diagnosis and Evaluation:
- Kidney doctors perform thorough evaluations to diagnose kidney stones and determine their location, size, and number.
- They order imaging tests such as ultrasound, X-rays, or CT scans to visualize the stones and assess the urinary tract.
2. Medical Management:
- Nephrologists prescribe medications to help manage kidney stones. These may include:
- Pain relievers: Over-the-counter or prescription pain medication to alleviate pain caused by the stones.
- Antispasmodics: Drugs that relax the muscles of the urinary tract, reducing discomfort during stone passage.
- Antibiotics: If an infection is present, antibiotics are prescribed to treat the infection.
3. Dietary and Lifestyle Recommendations:
- Kidney doctors provide dietary and lifestyle advice to help prevent future stone formation. This may include:
- Increasing water intake to flush out stones and prevent crystallization.
- Modifying diet to reduce the intake of stone-forming substances such as oxalate, calcium, or phosphate.
- Maintaining a healthy weight and getting regular exercise to support kidney health.
4. Surgical Intervention:
- In cases where medical management fails or stones are too large to pass naturally, kidney doctors may recommend surgical procedures. These may include:
- Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL): A minimally invasive surgery where a small incision is made in the back to access the kidney, and the stones are removed using instruments.
- Ureteroscopy: A procedure where a small camera is inserted into the ureter to visualize and remove stones.
- Shock wave lithotripsy (SWL): A non-invasive procedure that uses sound waves to break down stones into smaller fragments that can be passed naturally.
5. Follow-up Care and Monitoring:
- After stone removal, kidney doctors monitor patients closely to assess stone clearance, check for any complications, and provide ongoing guidance to prevent future stone formation.
- They may recommend regular imaging studies and urine analysis to monitor stone recurrence.
6. Education and Prevention:
- Nephrologists educate patients about kidney stones, their causes, and preventive measures. They provide guidance on diet, hydration, and lifestyle habits that can help reduce the risk of stone formation.