Kencing batu atau nefrolitiasis adalah kondisi terbentuknya endapan mineral dan garam dalam saluran kemih. Kondisi ini dapat menyebabkan rasa nyeri yang hebat di sekitar pinggang, perut, dan pangkal paha.
Kencing batu merupakan masalah kesehatan yang umum terjadi, terutama pada orang dewasa. Sekitar 10% dari populasi dunia pernah mengalami kencing batu setidaknya sekali dalam hidupnya. Pria lebih berisiko terkena kencing batu dibandingkan wanita.
Jika Anda mengalami nyeri yang hebat di sekitar pinggang, perut, dan pangkal paha, sebaiknya segera periksakan diri ke dokter. Dokter akan melakukan pemeriksaan fisik dan beberapa tes untuk mendiagnosis kencing batu.
How to Get Rid of Kidney Stones
Passing kidney stones can be painful, but there are steps you can take to help the process along and relieve your pain.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Take pain relievers.
- Use heat therapy.
- Try medical expulsive therapy.
- Consider surgery.
- Change your diet.
- Get regular exercise.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
If you have kidney stones, it is important to see a doctor to discuss the best course of treatment for you.
Drink plenty of water.
One of the best ways to prevent and treat kidney stones is to drink plenty of water. Water helps to flush out the kidneys and keep urine diluted, which makes it less likely that stones will form.
- Aim for 8 glasses of water per day.
This is a good starting point, but you may need to drink more or less depending on your activity level and climate.
- Drink more water when you are exercising or sweating.
Sweat can cause you to lose fluids, which can increase your risk of kidney stones.
- Choose water over sugary drinks.
Sugary drinks can contribute to kidney stones, so it is best to limit your intake.
- Flavor your water with lemon or lime juice.
This can help to improve the taste of water and make it more refreshing.
If you have kidney stones, drinking plenty of water can help to move the stones through your urinary tract and reduce your pain. It is important to drink water throughout the day, even if you do not feel thirsty.
Take pain relievers.
Kidney stones can cause severe pain. To relieve pain, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. If your pain is severe, your doctor may prescribe stronger pain medication.
Here are some tips for taking pain relievers for kidney stones:
- Take pain relievers as soon as you start to feel pain.
Don't wait until the pain is severe. - Follow the directions on the package.
Do not take more pain relievers than the recommended dosage. - Be aware of the side effects of pain relievers.
Some pain relievers can cause stomach upset, nausea, and vomiting. If you experience these side effects, talk to your doctor. - Do not take pain relievers for more than 10 days.
If your pain lasts longer than 10 days, see a doctor.
In some cases, pain relievers may not be enough to relieve pain from kidney stones. If this is the case, your doctor may recommend other treatments, such as medical expulsive therapy or surgery.
Use heat therapy.
Heat therapy can help to relieve pain from kidney stones. Heat can help to relax the muscles in the urinary tract and promote blood flow to the area, which can help to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Apply a heat pack or hot water bottle to your lower back or abdomen.
You can also take a warm bath or shower.
- Use a heating pad on the lowest setting.
Do not apply heat directly to your skin, as this can cause burns.
- Apply heat for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
Do not apply heat for more than 20 minutes at a time, as this can also cause burns.
- Be careful not to fall asleep with a heat pack or heating pad on your skin.
This can also cause burns.
Heat therapy can be a safe and effective way to relieve pain from kidney stones. However, it is important to use heat therapy safely to avoid burns.
Try medical expulsive therapy.
Medical expulsive therapy is a treatment option for kidney stones that uses medication to help pass the stones more easily. This type of therapy is typically used for stones that are small enough to pass through the urinary tract without causing significant pain or damage.
There are two main types of medical expulsive therapy:
- Alpha-blockers: These medications relax the muscles in the urinary tract, making it easier for the stones to pass.
- Calcium channel blockers: These medications also relax the muscles in the urinary tract and can help to reduce pain.
Medical expulsive therapy is typically taken for a period of 2 to 4 weeks. During this time, you will need to drink plenty of water to help flush the stones out of your system. You may also need to take pain relievers to manage pain.
Medical expulsive therapy is generally a safe and effective treatment for kidney stones. However, it is important to note that this type of therapy may not be effective for all stones. If your stones are too large or if they are causing significant pain or damage, your doctor may recommend other treatments, such as surgery.
Consider surgery.
In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove kidney stones. Surgery is typically recommended for stones that are too large to pass through the urinary tract, stones that are causing significant pain or damage, or stones that are blocking the flow of urine.
- Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL): This is a minimally invasive surgical procedure in which a small incision is made in the back and a thin tube is inserted into the kidney. The surgeon then uses a laser or other instrument to break up the stones and remove them.
- Ureteroscopy: This is a minimally invasive surgical procedure in which a small camera is inserted into the ureter. The surgeon then uses a laser or other instrument to break up the stones and remove them.
- Open surgery: This is a more invasive surgical procedure in which a larger incision is made in the abdomen or back. The surgeon then removes the stones directly.
The type of surgery that is recommended will depend on the size and location of the stones, as well as the patient's overall health. Surgery is generally a safe and effective treatment for kidney stones, but it is important to discuss the risks and benefits of surgery with your doctor before making a decision.
Change your diet.
Making changes to your diet can help to prevent and treat kidney stones. Here are some dietary changes that you can make:
- Drink plenty of water.
Water helps to flush out the kidneys and keep urine diluted, which makes it less likely that stones will form.
- Reduce your intake of sodium.
Sodium can increase the amount of calcium in your urine, which can contribute to kidney stone formation.
- Eat a low-oxalate diet.
Oxalate is a compound that can bind with calcium and form kidney stones. Foods that are high in oxalate include spinach, beets, chocolate, and nuts.
- Eat a high-calcium diet.
Calcium is essential for bone health, but it can also help to prevent kidney stones. Good sources of calcium include dairy products, leafy green vegetables, and fortified foods.
Making these dietary changes can help to reduce your risk of developing kidney stones. However, it is important to talk to your doctor before making any major changes to your diet.
Get regular exercise.
Getting regular exercise can help to prevent and treat kidney stones. Exercise helps to keep your weight in check, which can reduce your risk of developing kidney stones. Exercise also helps to flush out the kidneys and keep urine diluted, which makes it less likely that stones will form.
Here are some tips for getting regular exercise:
- Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
Moderate-intensity exercise includes activities such as brisk walking, swimming, and cycling. - If you are new to exercise, start slowly and gradually increase the amount of time you spend exercising.
It is important to listen to your body and stop if you experience pain. - Find activities that you enjoy and that fit into your lifestyle.
This will make it more likely that you will stick with your exercise program. - Drink plenty of water before, during, and after exercise.
This will help to prevent dehydration, which can increase your risk of developing kidney stones.
Getting regular exercise is a great way to improve your overall health and well-being. It can also help to prevent and treat kidney stones.