Stone in the left kidney 5 mm. Urolithiasis: treatment depending on the size of the stones

The formation of kidney stones is one of the manifestations of urolithiasis. In their structure, chemical composition, shape and size, kidney stones, or calculi as they are also called, can differ strikingly from each other. The intensity of the clinical picture and the choice of treatment method depend on the totality of these data.

The first thing to do in case of kidney stones is to consult a urologist. The fact is that the lack of medical care in an acute condition can result in serious kidney damage or even death. A consultation with a specialist without the presence of acute pain (if stones are accidentally discovered during a routine ultrasound or x-ray examination) is necessary to adjust lifestyle or prescribe conservative treatment methods. This approach will allow you to choose the most gentle method of getting rid of kidney stones.

general information

Kidney stones can have different structures, chemical compositions, sizes and shapes. In this case, both kidneys or only one of them can be affected at once (according to statistics, most often it is the right kidney).

The size of stones can vary from a few millimeters to 5 cm or more

The chemical composition of stones depends on the salt compound that caused their appearance:

• urates (salts of uric acid);
• phosphate (calcium compounds of phosphoric acid);
• oxalate (calcium compounds of oxalic acid);
• carbonate (calcium salts in carbonate acid).

In addition to the listed types, there are also cholesterol, protein or cystine stones. But this happens very rarely.

Coral-shaped stones are identified as a separate group. According to their chemical composition, they belong to carbonate compounds. But unlike ordinary stones, they occupy the entire space of the renal pelvis, later moving to the area of ​​the renal calyx.

The shape of a coral stone, especially when it is large, often completely follows the outline of the renal pelvis

Coral stones are often found in both kidneys at once. Their structure and position lead to the occurrence and development of renal failure, which is a life-threatening condition.

Diagnostics

The most informative and accurate methods for diagnosing kidney stones are instrumental research methods, since it is almost impossible to determine kidney stones by other methods.

These visualization methods include:

• Ultrasound of the kidneys, ureters and bladder;
• X-ray examination methods;

An ultrasound examination allows you to determine the physiological structure of the kidney, the position and size of stones, and also exclude diseases with similar symptoms, especially if the pain is localized on the right side (for example, appendicitis or cholecystitis). But this diagnostic method is not very informative when moving a stone into the ureter, since this area is poorly visible using an ultrasound machine.

The use of examinations using x-rays is more informative.

First of all, an overview photograph is taken, in which the number, size and location of stones can be determined.

If the results are controversial, a computed tomography (CT) scan with contrast may be required. In this case, the contrast agent is administered through a vein or directly through a urogenital catheter. After which a series of photographs is taken. This approach not only helps to identify all stones and more clearly examine their shape and determine the boundaries, but also assess the function of the kidneys and ureters.

MRI is mainly used to assess damage to the kidney and adjacent tissues, as well as to determine the chemical composition of the stone based on its density values.

Differences in the resulting images when using different methods for detecting kidney stones make it possible to determine the composition and nature of their origin.

For example, protein, cystine and urate stones are not visible on radiography, but are determined by ultrasound.

Laboratory methods of urine testing can only provide additional information when a diagnosis has already been made

In this case, determining the level of acidity and detecting additional inclusions in the urine plays an important role. A shift in the acid balance to the alkaline side indicates that the kidney stone most likely has a phosphate composition, and to the acidic side, that the stone is urate. The presence of bacteria or leukocytes indicates an inflammatory process in the urinary system.

At the initial examination, before starting all studies, the doctor must collect a complete medical history (the nature and location of the pain, how abruptly it begins and subsides, the presence of problems with urination, etc.).

All this information is necessary to choose the most effective and complete treatment.

Treatment

Therapy for kidney stones is aimed at removing stones from the kidney by any available means.

Conventionally, treatment methods can be divided into:

• conservative (use of medications to help the stones pass naturally);
• non-invasive (grinding stones into small particles and then releasing them);
• minimally invasive (use of endoscopic, laparoscopic manipulations);
• open surgery.

This or that method is selected individually and depends on the position, size and other parameters of the stone.

The use of a conservative treatment method is possible if the kidney stone is 5 mm or less. The general principle of this type of therapy is to prescribe an increased amount of fluid intake and adjust the diet. For greater effectiveness, it is recommended to take drugs with diuretic, antispasmodic, and, if necessary, analgesic, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. At the same time, the prescription of specific drugs that dissolve stones depends on the identified chemical composition of the stone, since some salt compounds are difficult to dissolve.

A non-invasive technique () is used if the stone is small and provided that this type of stone can be crushed without contact. To do this, a special device, under the control of an X-ray machine, influences the stones (most often with ultrasound) in order to reduce their diameter for safe exit through the ureters.

External lithotripsy is considered the most preferable among the others, since there are no risks of complications inherent in any surgical intervention

If this method is ineffective, it may be recommended to crush stones using the contact method through a skin puncture (nephrolithotripsy). To do this, an incision with a diameter of no more than 1 cm is made on the skin in the kidney area, through which a nephroscope is inserted. Next, the stone is crushed and all fragments are removed, after which the entire intrarenal space is examined and drainage is installed. Usually the drainage system is removed on the second day after surgery.

Endoscopy and laparoscopy are a few more methods that have found their place in the treatment of kidney stones. They allow you to perform all the actions available during a conventional operation, but at the same time avoid the associated complications and consequences. Instruments are inserted through small incisions and all manipulations are performed with additional instruments brought through an endoscope or laparoscope.

During the operation, the surgeon removes stones and, if necessary, can install a stent or ureteral catheter

Abdominal surgery is indicated if doctors have detected staghorn formations, kidney blockage, a large stone, or significant bleeding. Currently, this method is used less and less due to the development of minimally invasive surgery.

Diet and drinking regimen for kidney stones

For small sizes (sand and stones less than 3 millimeters) and without signs of stone movement, dynamic observation may be prescribed.
Then doctors recommend following a certain drinking and eating regimen, which will stop the growth of the stone and also help remove it physiologically.

The water consumed must undergo several stages of purification, which significantly reduces the risk of accelerated growth of stones

Basic principles of lifestyle when detecting kidney stones:

• the daily volume of liquid should not be less than 2 liters;
• if you have oxalate stones, you should exclude greens (especially sorrel and spinach), chocolate, dairy products, strawberries, figs, tea from your menu and limit the consumption of vegetables and broths;
• if urate stones are found in the kidneys, then foods containing protein (legumes, meat), as well as grapes, coffee and cocoa are excluded. The lack of protein can be filled with seafood;
• in case of phosphate stones, the consumption of fish and seafood, as well as dairy and fermented milk products is prohibited;
• the daily amount of food should be divided into 5-6 meals;
• the use of certain herbal infusions is allowed, but their composition must be discussed with a doctor;
• A prerequisite for the drinking regime is to drink 200-300 ml of water before bed and every time after urinating at night to reduce the concentration of salts in the urine.

The use of traditional methods of dissolving or removing stones (including uncontrolled use of diuretics) without proper diagnosis and contrary to prescribed treatment can result in acute renal failure, blockage or rupture of the ureter, internal bleeding or deep injuries to the mucous membrane of the ureter and urethra.

Kidney stones are a serious pathology that requires treatment and constant monitoring. Failure to pay attention to this problem can result in disability or even death.

The Internet is replete with a huge variety of recipes: they say you can dissolve the stone with fir oil, mineral water, sour juices, and even just plain water. Which of this is true and which is not, says Evgeny Shpot, urologist, candidate of medical sciences, associate professor of the department of urology of the medical faculty of the First Moscow State Medical University. I. M. Sechenova

Litholytic therapy - that is, the ureter with the help of medications - is most effective in patients with urate stones. The basis of such stones is uric acid salts.

How to distinguish?

When diagnosing, urate stones are clearly visible on ultrasound, but, unlike other types of stones, they are not visible on X-ray, which is due to their low density. You can accurately determine the composition of the stone by examining a stone that has previously passed or was removed during surgery. An analysis that confirms the presence of urate stones is pH testing, in which the acidity of the urine is below normal. Sometimes, to clarify the diagnosis, the patient is prescribed a computed tomogram - with the help of this study, you can find out the exact density of the stone. But this study is not necessary: ​​if there is a stone on an ultrasound, but not on an x-ray, and a shift in urine pH toward acidic is repeatedly detected, then you can try to dissolve it.

Often, urate stones occur in patients with impaired purine metabolism, for example, with gout, so all patients with suspected urate nephrolithiasis must determine the level of uric acid in the blood.

Dreams of balance

To dissolve urate stone, you need to lower the level of uric acid - that is, you need to increase the acid-base balance (pH): so that the urine changes from acidic to slightly acidic or alkaline. For this purpose, citrate preparations are prescribed - alkaline drinking. It takes at least 2 months to dissolve urate stones, and depending on the size of the stone, treatment can take up to six months. Therefore, for large urate stones (2 cm or more), it is preferable to first perform a session of remote or contact endoscopic crushing, followed by dissolution of the remaining small fragments. It is important to combine such treatment with a properly selected diet and plenty of fluids.

Unfortunately, we most often come to people whose stone has “gone”, that is, it has traveled from the kidney through the ureter. In this case, there is no longer time for dissolution. After all, the movement of a stone can be accompanied by renal colic and complicated by obstructive pyelonephritis. We have to take emergency measures - remove the stone in one way or another, and dissolve, if possible, the remaining ones.

Myths and facts about dissolving stones

Urate stones can be dissolved with plain water.

This is partly true. With an increase in the volume of fluid consumed, the acidity of the urine decreases and the concentration of salts and small amounts decreases. However, not all urate stones dissolve even with the help of drugs. The stone may be mixed in composition, or medications may not be able to ensure a constant healing pH level in the urine. Therefore, it is recommended to continue treatment with citrate drugs only if there is significant progress. The citrate mixture has a number of side effects, so the prescription of such drugs and evaluation of effectiveness should occur under the supervision of a physician.

Oxalate stones, like urate stones, can be dissolved by drinking alkaline water.

It is important to note that only uric acid stones are reliably soluble during litholytic therapy. The use of citrate preparations for calcium oxalate stones reduces the risk of stone formation after crushing.

To dissolve stones, you need to drink an acidic drink - lemon or cranberry juice.

I had a patient who followed this recommendation. I drank lemon juice every day for a month - and ended up in the hospital with a perforated stomach ulcer and bleeding. Citric acid is one of several components of citrate preparations, which reduces the absorption of calcium in the gastrointestinal tract, but does not lead to the dissolution of stones.

Fir oil in combination with diuretic herbs allows you to dissolve stones.

Diuretic herbs. While the stone is in the kidney, no treatment is required, only regular observation and a certain diet are required. If you regularly drink diuretic herbs, the stone may move - and this can lead to renal colic and acute inflammation.

There can be many reasons for the occurrence of kidney stones. There are external and internal reasons.
External reasons include:

• food containing a lot of fats and proteins;
• a lot of spicy food;
• soda;
• alcohol abuse;
• hard water;
• certain medications;
• excess vitamins B12, C and D;
• caffeine;
• excess calcium;
• lack of vitamins A and B.

Internal reasons:

• narrowing of the ureter;
• infections of the genitourinary system (cystitis, pyelonephritis, prostatitis);
• presence of fractures;
• gout.

All this creates good conditions for the formation of kidney stones.

Whatever the causes of nephrolithiasis, the main questions remain: what to do when it occurs? How to treat kidney stones? What kind of prevention is needed so that once you get rid of nephrolithiasis, you don’t get it again?

What to do first?

As soon as kidney stones make themselves felt, causing very severe pain and exhibiting other symptoms, you need to take a painkiller (for example, no-spa) and as soon as it becomes easier, go to the doctor. He will prescribe a full examination, including a urine test and ultrasound. After receiving the results about the stones and their composition, he will prescribe the correct treatment.

Possible options for stone removal

When treating nephrolithiasis, there are three goals:

1. release of the kidney;
2. recovery period after their removal;
3. preventive measures to prevent the reappearance of stones.

When kidney stones are present, the patient needs to resort to one of the following methods of treating them:

• Open surgery. Today, a rarely used method for combating stones. Surgery has many risks and complications.
• Endoscopy and laparoscopy. This type of treatment for nephrolithiasis is similar to the traditional surgical one, but is less complex and has a better postoperative recovery period.
• Percutaneous nephrolithotomy. To treat nephrolithiasis using percutaneous nephrolithotomy, a device called a nephroscope, a tube with an LED, is inserted into a small incision in the lower back. With its help, the necessary instruments are brought in to destroy and remove the calculus in the kidney. Laser and pneumatic energy is used to crush stone.
• Urethroscopy. How to get rid of kidney stones thanks to urethroscopy? When a kidney stone gets stuck in the ureter, ureteroscopy is used. The procedure involves inserting a thin telescope into the urethra to locate the stone and then crush it. If the calculus is up to 15 mm in diameter, the effectiveness of the method is at least 50%, maximum – 80%.
• External shock wave lithotripsy. This is the most gentle way to remove stones. There is no need to do any operations, no incision or piercing. With the help of a lithotripter, a remote wave effect is applied to the stones. Because of this, they are crushed and excreted naturally, with urine.
• Medicinal treatment methods. The use of herbal preparations is a safe way to get rid of stones that do not exceed 4 mm in diameter. They use the herb pol-pal, phytolysin (check contraindications), herbal preparations urolesan, canephron.

To avoid asking the question: “I have kidney stones, what should I do?” - You need to lead an active lifestyle and maintain proper nutrition. Move more, play sports: running, walking, drink plenty of clean water, take herbal preparations.

Every third person on the planet suffers from kidney stones. Kidney disease can cause urinary problems, kidney failure, and even organ failure. The formation of kidney stones, so-called calculi, is a consequence of urolithiasis. The biochemical composition, size and shape of stones differ significantly from person to person. It is these factors that influence the course of the disease, as well as the choice of treatment options and features. A large kidney stone is a very serious condition that requires the attention of a doctor and can pose a threat not only to health, but also to life. Is it possible to live a full life with kidney stones or are there a number of restrictions?

Kidney stone: what to do?

Stone formations have different structures and differ in shape or size. Damage to an organ can be paired, when two kidneys are affected at once, and single, when one kidney is affected. According to statistics, the right kidney is most often affected by pathological formations. Small stones also pose a health risk.

According to their chemical composition, stones can be:

• urate – salts of uric acid;
• phosphate – compounds of calcium and phosphoric acid;
• oxalate – a compound of calcium and oxalic acid;
• carbonate - a compound of calcium and carbonate acid.

Very rarely, stones have a cholesterol, protein or cystine base. Calcium stones are formed when there is excessive amounts of calcium in the urine and blood, urate stones are formed as a result of increased acidity of the urine. If small kidney stones (up to 12 mm) are found, the doctor will give recommendations that will allow you to live a full life.

Separate from those listed, there is a group of coral-shaped stones. According to their chemical content, they are related to the carbonate group, but they grow so that they occupy the area of ​​the renal pelvis with subsequent germination into the renal calyx.

Damage to one or two kidneys by such formations is life-threatening. With kidney stones, an attack is possible at any time.

Symptoms of urolithiasis

Very often, the formation of deposits in the kidneys is asymptomatic, or all the signs given by the body are similar to other health problems. In most cases, an attack of renal colic and a doctor’s diagnosis is a complete surprise for a person. The disease does not appear completely out of the blue; you need to be attentive to yourself and the incomprehensible symptoms:

• urination becomes frequent, but the amount of urine decreases;
• during the process of urine discharge, an interruption of the stream is noted;
• very often it is painful for a person to urinate, and after urination a burning sensation is felt for some time;
• back pain appears, in women it radiates to the lower abdomen, in men - to the genitals;
• the color of urine can be alarming: it is cloudy, contains blood;
• the person experiences nausea and sometimes vomiting.

What methods are there to dissolve kidney stones?

Lower back pain can result from physical activity, prolonged walking, or an uncomfortable position when traveling long distances.

If the stone begins to move, the patient notes the appearance of the following symptoms:

• blood pressure surges;
• increased body temperature;
• gas formation;
• bloating;
• dizziness;
• weakness.

Even if it seems that the condition has improved, and unpleasant symptoms do not bother you, you need to visit a doctor in any case. Postponing the visit until later leads to a worsening of the condition and aggravates the prognosis. When a person is living with an illness, a turning point can occur at any time. If an operation was performed to remove a stone, the person will have to continue to monitor his condition. In order for a damaged kidney to live, careful care is required from outside.

Causes of kidney stones

It is worth noting that urolithiasis is more likely to affect those who have relatives with kidney stones. The main reason for the appearance of stones is a violation of metabolic processes in the body. There are a number of factors leading to the formation of stones:

• drinking water with a high salt content;
• excessive presence of fried, spicy salty foods in the diet;
• systematically insufficient water consumption;
• unfavorable climatic conditions;
• physical inactivity;
• passion for coffee, soda;
• lack or excess of vitamins in the body;
• excessive passion for strong drinks;
• frequent use of diuretics;
• uncontrolled use of medications;
• injuries.

Internal causes include narrowing of the ureter, infections of the kidneys and genitourinary system, a history of fractures and gout. All of the above reasons provoke kidney stone formation. Kidney stones are found more often in men, this is due to anatomical features.

How to treat stone formation?

In each specific case, the doctor develops an individual treatment regimen. The age of the patient, the characteristics of the course of the disease, the general condition and characteristics of the stone are taken into account. A person with a kidney stone can independently maintain his condition. The listed measures can only bring a positive effect and will not be contraindicated for stones of any type:

1. Purify water from foreign impurities and salts.
2. Do not overuse mineral water.
3. Avoid carbonated water and drinks.
4. Diversify the table by introducing more plant foods.
5. Refuse or significantly reduce the consumption of fried, spicy and salty foods.
6. Drink the required amount of water per day, from one and a half to two and a half liters.
7. Before traveling, you should consult a doctor; climate change can negatively affect kidney health.
8. Try to move a lot and play sports.
9. Do not cause infections, treat all acute conditions in a timely manner.
10. Do not take vitamin complexes unless prescribed by a doctor.
11. Try to reduce your consumption of alcoholic beverages or completely eliminate the consumption of even low-alcohol drinks.
12. Do not indulge in self-medication, do not use dietary supplements or diuretics without prescription.

Anyone who leads a healthy lifestyle reduces the risk of urolithiasis significantly.

About ways to remove kidney stones

What is better not to do if you have urolithiasis

If there is a calculus in the kidney, the main rule is not to self-medicate. The use of traditional methods of therapy is not acceptable for every stone. Some formations cannot be forced to move, but must be crushed in a hospital setting. It must be remembered that urolithiasis is a serious condition associated with a threat to life. Periods of relative remission may alternate with exacerbation of the condition. When stone formation occurs, it is necessary to remove the following foods from the diet:

• fatty soups and broths;
• leafy vegetables, greens;
• legumes;
• confectionery, chocolate;
• sweet soda;
• milk and dairy products;
• strong tonic drinks;
• spicy seasonings and plants;
• fruits and berries with a pronounced sour taste.

Rational diet for urolithiasis

It is nutrition that is considered one of the fundamental factors leading to the formation of stones. Anyone who suffers from urolithiasis needs to follow the rules of a balanced diet aimed at eliminating foods that provoke the formation of stones from the diet. To ensure positive urodynamics, it is necessary to soften the stones, lower the level of acids in the body, and stabilize the pH of the urine.

• you need to drink at least ten glasses of clean water a day, it is recommended to drink one glass immediately before bed;
• refuse heavy fatty foods;
• try to reduce salt intake, but do not give it up completely;
• exclude alcoholic drinks;
• drink decoctions of diuretic herbs;
• move more and engage in simple physical activity.

Each stone option has its own list of restrictions and contraindications.

Preventive measures against the appearance of kidney stones

To avoid becoming a victim of such a serious disease as urolithiasis, you need to follow simple recommendations:

• eat according to dietary recommendations;
• drink the required amount of water;
• lead an active lifestyle;
• undergo preventive examinations;
• control the course of chronic diseases;
• to refuse from bad habits;
• Visit a doctor in a timely manner if negative manifestations occur.

Specifics of medications for kidney stones

Urolithiasis is a condition that cannot be ignored or neglected. Failure to promptly consult a doctor or self-medicate can cause dangerous conditions and lead to death.

Kidney stone 5 mm, what to do? Many people ask this question, which usually arises after visiting a urologist. In fact, urolithiasis in our time is quite common: both adults and children suffer from it. A kidney stone can reach not only a size of five millimeters - there are kidney stones of 6 mm, 7 mm and even 10 mm. The formation of kidney stones may depend not only on some factors, but also on congenital ones, which are transmitted hereditarily.

1. Water scarcity. If you drink insufficient amounts of water or other liquids per day, dehydration may occur, which makes it more likely to form. We should not exclude climatic conditions - in particularly hot countries, the amount of fluid consumed per day should increase.
2. Kidney diseases. Often, kidney disease becomes chronic over time. Such diseases may include cystitis and pyelonephritis. Congenital kidney diseases can also play a significant role in the formation of stones. These types of diseases include: Over time, salts turn into stones - this mainly concerns urate salts. Too much calcium in the human body can also lead to the formation of kidney stones. Often, a disease such as gout leads to the formation of stones.
3. Very often, poor nutrition becomes one of the... Excessive consumption of foods containing calcium can lead to the disease. Fatty foods, large amounts of salt and animal protein can also affect the formation of kidney stones.
4. Sedentary work also leads to kidney stones. This is due to the fact that a sedentary lifestyle and a person staying in one position for a long time can lead to congestion in the pelvis, and this, in turn, leads to the formation of urolithiasis.

Symptoms of kidney stones

The main symptoms of kidney stones include the following: dirty colored urine,. With kidney stones, the patient, as a rule, often goes to the toilet, and urination is accompanied by very strong and cutting pain. Often patients experience acute pain in the abdomen and lower back, along with this there is an increase in temperature, nausea and vomiting, the patient feels either hot or cold.

Treatment methods

With plenty of fluid intake, many stones can pass out on their own through the urinary tract. These stones include stones ranging in size from 4 mm to 6 mm. If the kidney stone is 7 mm or more, then medical intervention is required to remove it. Doctors often prescribe the drug Biliurin. With the help of this remedy, the stone decreases in size and is gradually removed from the body. Often surgery may be required to remove a kidney stone.

Surgery is required if the stone is too large - 10 mm or more, and its growth does not stop, but continues to increase. If the patient experiences very severe pain during the removal of stones and this pain cannot be relieved, a decision is made to remove the stone surgically. The operation is also prescribed in case of obstruction of urine from the urinary tract, when the passage is blocked by a stone.

There are several types of crushing operations:

1. Treatment . This type of operation is designed to crush small stones, for example, with a diameter of 6 mm. The stone is crushed using a laser or ultrasound and then in the form of sand is independently excreted from the body along with urine.
2. Percutaneous nephrolithotomy. This type of surgery is performed for large stones. The patient makes a small incision through which an endoscope is inserted, and with its help the stone is removed from the kidney.
3. Urethroscopy. This operation is prescribed if a stone has passed out of the kidney and is stuck in the urinary tract. The intervention is performed using a urethroscope. Using this device, you can not only conduct a thorough examination, but also perform the necessary operations.

Folk remedies

Treatment with folk remedies. Such remedies will be effective if kidney stones do not exceed 6 mm:

1. Geranium infusion. Dried and crushed leaves and flowers of geranium should be infused for 9-10 hours in 2 glasses of boiled and cooled water. Then the finished infusion should be strained and drunk in small sips throughout the day. This remedy is not only possible - it is also very effective for other kidney diseases, diarrhea, gout and rheumatism.
2. Treatment with syrup from rowan juice. To prepare this juice, you need to take one kilogram of fresh rowan, rinse and dry it thoroughly and squeeze out the juice. Then you need to cook all the resulting juice with 500 grams of sugar until it is completely dissolved.
3. Herbal infusion. Take dill, burdock and blueberry leaves, chicory herb in equal quantities, dry, chop and mix well. Take 1.5-2 tablespoons of the resulting mixture and pour 0.5 liters of boiling water. Infuse for 8-9 hours and drink one quarter glass several times a day. The course of treatment with this infusion is at least 2-3 months.
4. Herbal infusion. Take the same amount of lingonberry leaves, St. John's wort, sweet clover, motherwort and madder root - wash it all, dry it, chop it and mix it. Place two tablespoons of the mixture in half a liter of boiling water and leave overnight, wrapping it in something warm. Take 0.5 cups 2-3 times a day.
5. Collection of herbs. Take equal parts of meadowsweet, knotweed, immortelle leaves and bearberry. Dry all this, chop finely and mix. Then put 3-4 teaspoons of the prepared collection in half a liter of boiling water and leave for 8-10 hours. Drink half a glass several times a day.
6. Treatment with a decoction of medicinal herbs and wine. Grate 150 grams of horseradish root, add 3 tablespoons of dried and finely chopped knotweed, add 6-7 tablespoons of honey, pour red wine over the resulting mixture and leave in a cool, dark place for 3-4 days. After this, cook over low heat until it boils, cool, strain and consume 50-100 ml. before eating.

Special diet

If a patient has calcium and phosphorus stones in his kidneys, he should take at least 2.5-3 liters of fluid per day. At the same time, do not forget that you should not consume milk, dairy products and fish dishes. In the case of oxalates, the amount of fluid you drink should be two or three liters per day. The following products should be excluded from the diet: dairy products, chocolate, berries, strong tea.

With urate stones, the amount of fluid consumed per day is 2-3 liters per day. As for food, you should not consume all types of fried and smoked meat, fatty meat broths, seafood, seasonings and any alcoholic products.

It is not necessary to drink only mineral or filtered water - it can be replaced with cranberry or lingonberry fruit drinks.

Preventive actions

It is known that urolithiasis is mainly chronic, and there is a high probability of recurrence of kidney stones. In order to avoid this, you need to follow all the instructions of your doctor: follow a diet, take all prescribed medications on time, observing the exact dosage. In addition, in no case should you forget to drink plenty of fluids - a person should drink at least 17 glasses of water per day. It is important to remember that the water should be either filtered or mineral without gas, since ordinary water can contain a large accumulation of salts and sand: if the water is not purified, all this can settle in the kidneys.

A good preventative measure can be regular intake of decoctions of diuretic herbs: corn silk and St. John's wort. Rose hips have a very good diuretic effect, which should be infused in boiled water for several hours. This infusion can be used instead of tea.