A 7mm Kidney stone can be painful, disruptive and unfortunately, very common. They can affect people worldwide and in severe cases, one's quality of life can be diminished. Upon diagnosis, one of the first questions asked is the possibility of the stone passing naturally or dissolving with medication. If one has been diagnosed with a 7mm kidney stone, one probable question is whether it can dissolve on its own or does it require medical intervention.
This is what you need to know about a 7mm stone in kidney, its chances of passing naturally, its treatment options and the importance of consulting the best urologist in Noida and Greater Noida for your health.
How Big is a 7mm Kidney Stone?
How big a kidney stone is affects if it can pass on its own or not:
- Small stones (5mm): No major issues usually pass on their own.
- Medium stones (5 to 9mm): Hard to pass naturally and may need medical help.
- Large stones (10mm+): Will almost always need surgery.
7mm stones in the kidney is moderately sized. It's not the biggest but it is big enough to cause major problems and a lot of pain.
Can a 7mm Kidney Stone Pass on Its Own?
Passing a 7mm kidney stone is a difficult process but not impossible. Several factors come into play.
Location of the stone- A stone located within the ureter (the tube draining the kidney to the bladder) is more likely to pass than one that is stuck in the kidney.
Hydration- the chances of the stone moving would increase with a consumption of about 3-4 liters of water a day.
Medications- Using alpha blockers like Tamsulosin helps relax the urinary tract which in turn helps pass the stone.
Can Medicines Dissolve a 7mm Kidney Stone?
Some stones type strictly require surgery.
Uric acid stones: In some cases, medications such as potassium citrate or sodium bicarbonate can be used to help dissolve these stones as they help to make urine less acidic.
Calcium oxalate & calcium phosphate stones (most common): Medications will not dissolve these stones and surgical intervention is then often necessary.
Dietary tips for maintaining:
- Eat more citrus fruits like lemons and oranges to increase urinary citrate.
- Avoid foods high in oxalate such as spinach, nuts and chocolate.
- Eat less sodium and animal protein.
Though some medications and diet can help shrink some stones, a 7mm kidney stone will always need some form of active medical intervention.
Symptoms of Concern with a 7mm Kidney Stone
Having a 7mm stone size in the kidney may give you:
- You May Feel a Sharp Pain in Your Back, Side or Lower Stomach.
- Blood May be Present in Your Urine which May Appear Pink, Red or Brown.
- You May Have an Urgency to urinate or a Constant uncomfortable feeling like the need to urinate.
- You May Experience Fever, Nausea or Vomiting.
When Is Surgery Needed for a 7mm Kidney Stone?
When a 7mm kidney stone issue does not resolve or it does not pass and is causing severe pain, infections or obstructions, it is time to evaluate the need for a surgical procedure.
1. Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery (RIRS)
- A flexible endoscope is put in through the urinary tract.
- A high-powered laser breaks the stone into tiny fragments.
- Minimally invasive with fast recovery and minimal pain.
2. Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL)
- Uses sound waves to break stones into small pieces.
- Passes small pieces of stones through the urine.
- Works best for small to medium stones.
- Non-invasive and no cuts required as it may need multiple sessions.
3. Ureteroscopy (URS)
- A thin scope is inserted through the urinary tract to locate and remove the stone and fragments of the stone can be broken using a laser.
- This method is highly effective for stones stuck in the ureter.
Why Choose Dr. Anuj Arora for Kidney Stone Treatment?
If you have a 7mm kidney stone and you are in Noida or Greater Noida, we empathize and are here for you and will help you to get the treatment you require.
- Dr. Anuj Arora is the best and most reliable urologist in Greater Noida and Noida.
- Proficient with the most advanced procedures like RIRS, URS and ESWL.
- Adopts a minimally invasive procedure with a patient-friendly attitude.
- Recognized for long-term relief with fast recovery and great results.
Patients struggling with kidney stone can expect the most advanced treatment and care to be adapted for their needs and comfort.
Conclusion
A 7mm kidney stone probably won’t dissolve with just medicine especially if it’s a calcium stone. Some uric acid stones will likely shrink with just medical assistance but most will still need active treatment. If treatment is delayed too long, severe pain, infection or kidney damage will likely occur.
If you have a 7mm kidney stone and you are in Noida or Greater Noida, we empathize and are here for you and will help you to get the treatment you require.
If you have kidney stone pain, get a consultation with Dr. Anuj Arora, best Urologist in Noida for advanced and safe treatment for diagnosis and best urologist for a fast recovery and pain-free life as well no more pain.
