Kidney stones (medical term nephrolithiasis for kidney stone is derived from Greek nephros meaning kidney and lithos meaning stone) occur from dissolved urinary minerals such as calcium, magnesium, ammonium etc. and other chemicals (such as uric acid). The size of kidney stones vary from a few millimeter to several millimeters and treatment of kidney stones depends (at least to some extent) on the size of the stone, numbers of stones and symptoms it may cause. Kidney stones if small (generally up to 6 mm) can be managed appropriately by conservative methods. But bigger stones may require some intervention, such as surgery or lithotripsy.

Conservative management of kidney stones:

Most (approximately 85%) of the kidney stones can be treated by conservative methods, which involve passing of small kidney stones in urine. Kidney stones smaller than 5-6 mm are treated by conservative methods, as bigger stones may be difficult to pass in urine. Conservative treatment is generally done within three days of starting of symptoms.

Stones bigger than 5-6 mm need some intervention for removal. There are several methods of removal of kidney stones such as drinking lots of water after taking a diuretic (e.g. furosemide), straining while urinating. If the stones can not be removed conservatively, some intervention such as lithotripsy or surgery may be required. Surgery is also must be done promptly if the individual have urinary tract infection, stones obstructing both kidneys or if an individual have only one functioning kidney.

Use of alpha-adrenergic blockers:

Alpha adrenergic blocking drugs such as tamsulosin (brand name Flomax) can be used for helping removal of kidney stones conservatively. Some studies claim tamsulosin can increase spontaneous removal of kidney stones by up to 30%, but other studies question the claim.

Analgesics in treatment of kidney stone:

NSAIDs (non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs) or opioid analgesics are required for management of pain due to kidney stones. Oral analgesics may be sufficient for mild pain but intravenous analgesics are required for more severe pain. Analgesics which are used include ibuprofen, acetamenophene, diclofenac etc. Use of analgesic is only a temporary measure, because unless the stone is removed pain will recur.

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