Did you know that around 12% of Americans suffer from kidney/ureteral stones? And once you develop a kidney stone, you’re 50% more at risk of developing another one within the next 10 years. These stones are made of mineral deposits inside your kidneys/ureter. It can cause a significant amount of pain, especially when passing through your urinary tract. However, a combination of diet and lifestyle changes along with some medications can help you manage the pain and even reduce the risk of future stone recurrence. Learn the tips to prevent and pain relief from ureteral stones in this article. You can contact us by visiting our clinic or visiting our website at https://www.urologistbrooklyn.com.
Tips for pain relief and prevention from Ureteral stone
Here are certain tips that you can use to reduce the pain and prevent ureteral stones from recurring. It includes:
- Stay hydrated:
Staying hydrated is the best way to relieve kidney pain because water can flush bacteria out of the body, and it also helps prevent the development of kidney stones. Additionally, staying hydrated also clears out the urinary tract as a whole and works to eliminate any possible infections.
To stay hydrated in the right way, many specialists recommend following the 8X8 rule, meaning you should drink 8 oz (about 236.59 ml). of water glasses 8 times a day. However, water intake also depends on your health and the weather. You can also try adding some lemon juice to your water. Not only does lemon juice make your water tastier to drink, but it also contains citrate, a natural compound that breaks down calcium deposits and slows their growth. You can also add citrus fruits and herbal teas which can dissolve the stones and alleviate discomfort.
- Take some pain medications:
To lower your pain, you can take medications such as paracetamol, ibuprofen, or another medication that your doctor has prescribed to relieve ureter stone pain relief. In case you have a fever along with kidney discomfort, take acetaminophen to relieve pain and lower your fever. Your doctor may also prescribe medications such as alpha-blockers to relax your ureter, making it easier for any stones to pass from your kidneys to your bladder so that you can urinate easily and less painfully. Make sure you take medications in the correct dosage as the doctor has prescribed or as directed on the product label.
- Apply some warmth:
You should apply heat to the area of pain to relieve pain. You also take a hot bath or shower or apply a heat pack for 20 to 30 minutes at a time throughout the day because heat can relax muscles and soothe tension indirectly easing kidney stone pain. Additionally, it also encourages better blood circulation to the kidney and urinary tract, helping in stone pain relief. During heat therapy, make sure you drink enough fluids to remain hydrated which assists your kidneys in flushing.
- Mindful dietary choices:
Your diet plays a crucial role in managing kidney stone pain. Certain foods that are high in oxalates and calcium can help in stone formation. That’s why you should choose a diet that contains fruits and vegetables that are high in water to keep you hydrated and prevent further stone growth.
You can also add probiotics to your diet to promote good gut health which also affects kidney function positively. Studies have found that probiotics may enhance kidney function by assisting the process of waste products in the body. So, add probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, and fermented vegetables to your diet.
- Stay physically active:
For most people, staying physically active even by walking around or doing some basic, gentle stretches can relieve their kidney stone pain and ease the discomfort.
- Check the current medicines you’re taking with the doctor:
Certain prescriptions or over-the-counter medications can cause kidney stones. Some of these medications are:
- Decongestants
- Diuretics
- Protease inhibitors
- Anticonvulsants
- Steroids
- Chemotherapy drugs
- Uricosuric drugs
These drugs can increase the risk of kidney stones. So, if you’re taking any of these medications, you should talk with your doctor to check other medication options. You must not stop taking any prescribed medication without your doctor’s approval.
- Eat less animal protein:
Foods that are high in animal protein are mostly acidic and may increase urine acid content. High urine acid over time may cause uric acid and calcium oxalate kidney stones. That’s why you should either try to limit or avoid foods like beef, poultry, fish, eggs, and pork instead, add non-animal protein like beans and legumes.
- Control your weight:
If you’re overweight, you are at elevated risk of developing stone disease, however, managing your weight at an optimal level can decrease the risk as well. If you’re overweight, talk with your doctor about how to lose weight with a proper weight-loss program.
In case your pain becomes unbearable, which makes it difficult to even sit still, you should seek immediate medical attention. If you notice blood in the urine, or difficulty or severe pain during urination, then you should seek immediate medical attention. Fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, and pain also need medical attention.
Ureteral stones are quite common in many people, and they can cause pain and discomfort during urination. However, these are easily preventable and manageable if you make certain lifestyle changes. Follow the above-mentioned tips for pain relief and prevention of ureteral stones to improve your overall life.
If you need help with Ureteral stone, visit our urology clinic in Brooklyn to get proper medical attention. You can schedule an appointment with Doral Health and Wellness Urology Center’s best urologist in Brooklyn and inquire about your concerns. Our specialists will work with you in managing your condition. To schedule an appointment, please visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11212 or call 1-347-384-5690. You can also visit our website at https://www.urologistbrooklyn.com/.
