Guidelines
Pain that is acutely caused by kidney stones (so-called “colic”) requires direct drug therapy. Depending on the assessment of the pain, which can be done with the so-called pain scale, different medications are used according to the so-called step-by-step scheme. It is also possible to treat with certain medications during pregnancy.
It is also possible to prevent recurrent colic with medication. In the case of newly diagnosed ureteral calculi smaller than 5mm, it is possible to wait and see. It is hoped that this will lead to a spontaneous loss of the stones under regular control.
Otherwise, conservative therapies (change of diet, home remedies, etc.) can be used. However, there are also patients with kidney stones who have no symptoms.
Active monitoring is indicated here. The patient is clinically examined annually and imaging procedures are used, such as ultrasound, a renal voiding scan or CT. In cases of uncontrollable colic with medication, a ureteral stent can be used to drain the urine that was blocked by the stones. However, if the size of the kidney stone is 5mm or larger, surgery should be attempted to remove the stones.
1. conservative therapy
The pain caused by kidney stones can be classified using the Numerical Pain Scale (NRS). The target values should be below 3 at rest and below 5 during colic episodes. Drugs such as metamizole (trade name Novalgin) and indomethacin reduce the pressure in the lumen (cause of colic pain).
They also have an antispasmodic and pain-relieving effect. NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or diclofenac should not be used in people with a history of chronic kidney disease, for example. Otherwise, they, especially diclofenac, are well suited for acute renal colic.
It is usually administered anally in the form of suppositories. Paracetamol and morphine can be used as an alternative to metamizole and also in pregnant women. Opioids (like morphine) have many side effects and are only given in addition to the so-called non-opioids like Metamizole or the NSAIDs.
Anticonvulsant drugs do not affect the ureters, so they cannot be administered. Morphines are also not recommended for the treatment of kidney stones, as they increase the tendency to vomit and impair the already disturbed intestinal movements even more. For mild pain, a hot bath or moist – warm compresses (warmth relaxes and relaxes cramps) often help.
The following homeopathic remedies can be used for kidney stones: Adlumia Berberis aquifolium Berberis Coccus cacti Equisetum hiemale Lycopodium clavatum Solidago A suitable remedy is best found by reading the respective descriptions and comparing them with the individual situation. It is best to take only one remedy. The potencies D6 to D12 (low potencies) are usually the best choice.
- Adlumia
- Berberis aquifolium
- Berberis
- Coccus cacti
- Equisetum hiemale
- Lycopodium clavatum
- Solidago
Kidney stones that are smaller than 5 mm can still come loose and come off by themselves. It is recommended to move around a lot and drink a lot of fluids to flush out the kidney stones. About 80% of the urinary stones disappear on their own.
If a new colic or even fever occurs, a doctor should be consulted urgently, as urosepsis (blood poisoning with urinary components) is imminent. In general, it should be noted that one should eat a low-salt diet, since kidney stones are rich in calcium. It is best to avoid ready meals and coffee, as the latter can also increase the calcium content in the urine, and drink plenty of water.
Good home remedies against kidney stones are also cranberry juice, dandelion tea and book herb tea. Furthermore, a magnesium-rich diet can be beneficial and can be used prophylactically. Much magnesium is found in seafood, cashew nuts, almonds, peanuts and soy products.
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