Guide To Understanding Kidney Stones

How Are Kidney Stones Treated?

Nearly all cases of kidney stones require simple medical intervention. Pain medication is administered to relieve the pain of passing a kidney stone, and drinking a lot of water will facilitate and speed up the process. There is usually no additional damage caused by the kidney stone if the condition is identified in a timely fashion. Rarely, infection or other complications may occur as a result of the kidney stone, and such difficulties will require deeper intervention. In very rare cases, surgery or lithotripsy may be required to remove the kidney stone. Lithotripsy is a procedure that uses shock waves to break down the stone, making it easier for it to pass through the system. However, most kidney stones make it through the urinary tract on their own within forty-eight hours.