How Long to Dissolve a Kidney Stone with Diet and Medication?

OmarTK38 Asked :

I have a few stones in my kidney and have only passed one stone so far. My doctor tells me that they are oxalates stones and has put me on medication and given me a diet. He has asked me to return in 3 weeks for more tests or I must come in immediately if I experience any kidney pain. How long will it take to dissolve these stones with the diet and medication? If I experience any pain, does this mean that stones are getting bigger?


This question was posted under the Kidney Stone Prevention Through Diet, Foods to Avoid article.

Any response by the Health Hype team does not constitute a medical consultation and the advice should be viewed purely as a guide. Always consult with your doctor before making any changes to your current treatment program. The information provided in this article is not an authoritative resource on the subject matter and solely intends to guide the reader based on the questions asked and information provided.


Dr. Chris Answered :

There is no way of estimating how long these measures will take to dissolve the stones. There are multiple variables that have to be taken into consideration here and your doctor will be best suited to advise you further. The stones could even aggregate to form bigger stones or may move into the ureter and start its passage down the urinary tract. The list of foods to avoid for kidney stones (oxalate or any other type) should be seen as a preventative measure so that new stones do not develop – dietary control is not a guarantee that your existing stones will dissolve.

Depending on the blood and urine test results, you may have to continue with your diet and medication for a prolonged period. There are various causes of kidney stones and your doctor will need to conduct other tests to identify the cause and monitor any improvement in your condition, not just in terms of the kidney stone itself but also with regards to the cause. Kidney stone pain does not mean that you stones are growing within the kidney – it is more likely due to the passage of the stone down the ureter. The concern at this point is if the stones are going to cause any obstruction. Even if you are not experiencing any pain, the sight of blood in the urine or sudden change in urine color and/or reduced urine output should prompt you to seek immediate medical attention.

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