KIDNEY STONES

Kidney stones, also called renal calculi or nephrolithiasis, are solid masses or crystals formed from minerals and salts in the kidneys. They can vary in size, ranging from as small as a grain to, in rare cases, as large as a golf ball.

Small stones may pass through the ureter with or without pain, but larger stones can become trapped during passage, causing discomfort.

Approximately 1 out of 10 people experience kidney stones.

Causes of Kidney Stones

The urine contains minerals, salts, calcium, sodium, phosphates, oxalates, and other substances. When the concentration of these substances increases and the liquid content in the urine is too low, they begin to stick together and form stones. It can take months or even years for kidney stones to form.

Risk Factors for Kidney Stones

• Decreased intake of fluids
• Eating foods with high sodium levels
• Certain medications, such as diuretics, antacids, and antiseizure medications
• Family history of renal calculi
• Consuming foods rich in meat and proteins

Medical Conditions that Increase the Risk of Kidney Stones

• Gout
• Diabetes
• Kidney cysts
• Obesity

Symptoms of Kidney Stones

• Pain in the lower back, belly, or sides of the abdomen (flank pain), which can be dull or sharp
• Nausea and vomiting
• Blood in the urine, which may occur when the stones cause injury while passing
• Inability to pass urine
• Fever and chills
• Frequent urge to pass urine
• Decreased urination

Diagnosis of Kidney Stones

• X-ray
• CT scan
• Ultrasound (USG) of the abdomen

These diagnostic tools help in locating the size, shape, and number of stones. Blood tests may also be conducted to check for infections or high levels of calcium or minerals in the blood.

Homoeopathic Remedies for Kidney Stones

Homoeopathic medicines can help dissolve kidney stones and facilitate their passage out of the kidneys through urine, while also helping to prevent their recurrence. These remedies have minimal side effects and address both the symptoms and underlying causes.

Common Homoeopathic Remedies for Kidney Stones:

• BERBERIS VULGARIS – Typically used for left-sided kidney stones. The pain may radiate from the kidneys to the ureter, bladder, urethra, and thighs. There may be blood in the urine, burning during urination, and tenesmus (sensation that some urine remains in the bladder).
• LYCOPODIUM – Often used for right-sided kidney stones. Helps dissolve the stones. Pain may be felt in the back before urination and may improve after urination. The presence of red sand in the urine may also be noted.
• CANTHARIS – Indicated for severe pain in the loin and abdomen, sharp tearing pain, blood in the urine, and burning during urination.
• HYDRANGEA ARBORESCENS – Used for renal calculi with severe burning during urination and the presence of white sediments in the urine.

These are some common homoeopathic remedies that can be administered for kidney stones.