What Are Kidney Stones and Why Do They Hurt?
Kidney stones are small, hard deposits that form in your kidneys when waste products in your urine stick together. They can be as tiny as a grain of sand or as big as a pebble. When these stones move through your urinary tract, they can cause a lot of pain. This happens because they can block the flow of urine or scrape against the walls of your tubes. The pain often feels sharp and can be in your back, side, or lower belly. Some people also feel sick to their stomach or see blood in their urine.
How to Ease Kidney Stone Pain at Home
If you’re in Hong Kong and dealing with kidney stone pain, there are some simple things you can try at home to feel better while waiting to see a doctor. Always check with a healthcare provider if the pain is severe or doesn’t go away.
- Drink Lots of Water: Water helps flush out the stone from your system. Aim to drink 2 to 3 liters of water a day unless your doctor says otherwise. Staying hydrated can also prevent new stones from forming.
- Use Heat Therapy: Put a heating pad or a warm towel on the area where it hurts, like your back or side. The warmth can relax your muscles and reduce the pain. Make sure it’s not too hot to avoid burns.
- Take Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: Medicines like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help with the pain. Follow the instructions on the bottle and don’t take more than recommended. If you’re not sure, ask a pharmacist or doctor.
- Move Around if You Can: Light walking might help the stone move through your system faster. Don’t push yourself if it hurts too much, though.
When to See a Doctor in Hong Kong
Sometimes, kidney stone pain is too strong, or the stone won’t pass on its own. If you have any of these signs, get medical help right away:
- Pain that doesn’t get better with medicine
- Fever or chills (this could mean an infection)
- Throwing up or feeling very sick
- Blood in your urine
- Trouble peeing
In Hong Kong, you can visit public hospitals like Queen Mary Hospital or private clinics for care. The Hospital Authority website (www.ha.org.hk) has a list of emergency rooms and clinics near you. For emergencies, call 999. If it’s not urgent, you can book an appointment with a general doctor or a urologist, who specializes in kidney problems.
Medical Treatments for Kidney Stones in Hong Kong
If home remedies don’t work, doctors in Hong Kong can offer different treatments based on the size and location of the stone. Here are some common options:
- Prescription Pain Medicine: Doctors might give you stronger painkillers if over-the-counter ones aren’t enough.
- Medicines to Help Pass the Stone: Some drugs relax the tubes in your urinary tract, making it easier for the stone to move out.
- Breaking Up the Stone: For bigger stones, doctors may use a machine that sends shock waves to break the stone into smaller pieces. This is called extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) and is available in many Hong Kong hospitals.
- Surgery: If the stone is too large or stuck, you might need a small surgery to remove it. Doctors in Hong Kong use modern tools to do this with tiny cuts, so recovery is often quick.
How to Prevent Kidney Stones
Once you’ve had a kidney stone, you don’t want another one. Here are some tips to lower your chances of getting them again:
- Drink plenty of water every day.
- Eat less salt and avoid very salty foods.
- Cut back on sugary drinks and eat more fruits and vegetables.
- Talk to your doctor about foods or medicines that might help, especially if you’ve had stones before.
Finding Support in Hong Kong
Dealing with kidney stones can be stressful. In Hong Kong, you can find support through local health hotlines or community centers. The Department of Health (www.dh.gov.hk) offers resources and advice on kidney health. You can also ask your doctor about support groups where people share tips on managing pain and preventing stones.
Final Tips
Kidney stone pain can be tough, but there are ways to manage it. Start with simple steps like drinking water and using heat at home. If the pain gets worse or you have other symptoms, don’t wait—seek help from a doctor or hospital in Hong Kong. With the right care, you can get relief and learn how to stop stones from coming back. Always follow your doctor’s advice for the best results.
