While kidney stones are known to be intense and painful, most urology experts, including Dr. Pedram Ilbeigi, do not have to treat the stones themselves. Most kidney stones will pass through the patient’s urinary tract, allowing the patient to pass the stone while they go to the bathroom.
Rather than treat the stone itself, Dr. Ilbeigi provides his Rancho Mirage and Inland Empire patients with treatment options that are designed to control the painful symptoms that are associated with kidney stones.
Increasing Fluid Intake
This is often the first step that is taken to help treat kidney stones. Patients are asked to increase their fluid intake with good fluids such as water. When a person drinks enough water, the stone will more than likely work its way through the urinary tract within 48 hours time. It is essential to keep up fluid intake throughout the process to keep everything moving.
Doctor Prescribed Pain Medications
Some patients are able to control their pain using over-the-counter pain medications while others will require prescription narcotic pain relievers depending on the severity of their particular case. Some patients experience nausea and vomiting due to the pain of their kidney stones, so in these cases the doctor will often prescribe pain medications in order to get them into the person’s system.
Medications Designed to Move Kidney Stone more Quickly
Patients who have a history of kidney stones that move slowly through the urinary tract may be prescribed drugs to help the stones move through quickly. There are several medications available, and if they are required, the doctor will choose the prescription medication that will work best for the patient, taking into account other prescriptions the patient is on as well as their medical history.
Lithotripsy
For stones that won’t pass on their own, a procedure can be performed to break up the stones. The procedure that is performed most often is called a lithotripsy. This procedure, which should be performed by a urology expert, will break up the stone into tiny pieces making it easier for it to pass through the urinary tract.
For extreme situations and stones that simply will not move through, surgical procedures can be performed in order to remove the stone completely from the person’s body. This is often used as a last resort, and in only the most extreme situations.
Every situation is unique as is every patient’s medical background, so if you are suffering from kidney stones it is important to discuss the best treatment options with your physician.
Dr. Ilbeigi recognizes and understands the pain and discomfort associated with these stones, and he wants to make sure the process of passing the stone is as easy as possible for his patients. He considers each patient’s treatment plan on an individual basis, ensuring that every patient gets a comprehensive pain management program that works best for them.
