Kidney stones are becoming an increasingly common problem nowadays. Some people discover the presence of stones during an abdominal ultrasound and start to panic. However, doctors note that further treatment depends on the size and location of the stone.
A uric acid stone forms when calcium, oxalate, and uric acid present in the urine clump together, forming hard crystals or stones. The risk of formation increases in people who drink little, as dehydration leads to thickened urine. Stones can also appear if a person consumes a lot of salt, processed foods, and meat or fish in their diet.
Dr. Vaibhav Tiwari from the nephrology department of Sanggaram Hospital spoke to Aajtak.in about this issue. He explained that if the stone size is less than 5 mm, it may pass on its own. In such cases, it is recommended to drink 3 to 4 liters of water per day. There are also medications capable of expelling stones, such as tamsulosin, but it is emphasized that these drugs should only be taken under a doctor's prescription, as continuous use without consultation can harm the kidneys.
If the stone size is between 5 and 10 mm, attempts are also made to pass it using medication. Sometimes this succeeds, and sometimes it does not. If the stone exceeds 10 mm or blocks the urinary tract, the doctor recommends surgical intervention. Lithotripsy is used, which allows the large stone to be broken into small particles for subsequent removal.
Dr. Vaibhav advises that to prevent kidney stone formation, one should consume at least 3–4 liters of water daily. It is also important to limit salt intake, as excess salt increases the amount of calcium in the urine, raising the risk of stone formation. Furthermore, one should avoid packaged and processed foods, as well as reduce the amount of red meat, chicken, fish, and eggs.