You may be wondering: “Can You Pass An 8mm Kidney Stone?” You are not alone. This common condition is not as painful as it sounds, and it can be treated in the same way that smaller stones do. The likelihood of passing a stone depends on many factors, including size, composition, and location. The odds of passing a stone are slightly higher for smaller stones. Larger stones will typically need medical attention, so you should consult your doctor right away if you notice symptoms.
Some types of kidney stones can be treated with medicine or dietary changes. Urine tests can identify infection and the type of crystals that form different kinds of stones. A 24-hour urine collection can show the amount of stone-forming substances in your urine, which may help prevent future stones. While waiting for your stone to pass, your doctor may recommend certain medications or dietary changes. If your stone is small and is causing you discomfort, you can try waiting four to six weeks before deciding whether you want to have it removed.
Another way to increase your urine production is to drink more water. While drinking more water is important, the amount of uric acid that your body produces depends on what you’re currently eating. Avoiding foods high in animal protein may help prevent the formation of new stones. However, you should avoid alcohol or consuming too much sugary food. Alcoholic drinks can increase your uric acid level and increase the chances of passing your stone.
If your stone is less than 8mm, it may pass spontaneously. However, for patients with a stone larger than 10mm, medical expulsive therapy, including the use of alpha blockers, may be necessary. This medical option can be controversial. Another option is shock wave lithotripsy. This treatment involves delivering shock waves through your skin directly to the kidney stone, though not all of the energy is directed to it.
Treatment for an 8mm stone depends on your medical condition and the size of your stone. Some doctors recommend minimally invasive procedures such as endoscopic retrograde lithotripsy. Other methods include using dietary changes and additional regimens. Another popular treatment for an 8mm stone is shock wave lithotripsy. This technique involves thousands of shockwaves to break the stone. This procedure is highly effective in breaking the stone in its location.
If a small piece of the stone passes on its own, this treatment is not an option. For bigger stones, you should consider a surgical procedure called percutaneous nephrolithotomy. This procedure involves inserting a thin telescope into the urethra (the tube that drains urine from your body), which allows a physician to see and examine the stone. The physician will then use a special probe called a lithotripter to break it up into smaller pieces. You will need to stay in the hospital for several days following the procedure to ensure that it is effective.
Although it is not a common type of kidney stone, a person’s lifestyle may have a strong impact on their risk of developing a kidney stone. Not drinking enough fluids or eating too few foods increases the risk of developing a stone. Also, people with a history of chronic urinary tract infections may be more susceptible to cystine stones. Your health care provider can assess your risk for a stone by reviewing your medical history.
