Kidney Stone 6mm Size – A 6mm kidney stone is generally regarded as moderate size, and this size will not pass without some sort of intervention. Small stones (less than 5mm) usually pass without complication when appropriately hydrated, but a 6mm can warrant intervention or treatment depending on its location, shape, and any potential symptoms (type and severity). Example: A stone this size can cause urinary blockage, intolerable pain, possible infection, and need for surgery if left untreated. That said, with proper planning and timely decisions, do not lose hope for any 6mmstone: its possible to monitor its progress comfortably.
Kidney Stone 6mm Size – What It Means
Kidney stones are solid mineral deposits that develop inside the kidneys. A 6mm stone is about the size of a small pea. The likelihood that it will pass naturally depends on:
- Location (kidney, upper ureter, lower ureter)
- Shape and texture of the stone
- Urinary infection or swelling
- Water intake and overall general health
- History of previous stones
Based on the above factors, in many instances, the doctor will watch the stone for a few days before making treatment recommendations. However, if the stone causes pain, and/or blockage, it would be necessary to decide upon prompt treatment.
Kidney Stone Removal with Stent
Kidney Stone 6mm Size Symptoms of a 6mm Kidney Stone
A kidney stone of this size may cause the following symptoms:
- Severe pain in the side, back, or lower abdomen
- Blood in urine (pink, red, or brown)
- Nausea or vomiting
- Burning sensation when urinating
- Frequent, urgent urination
- Inability to pass urine, or a reduction in urine output
The intensity of these symptoms depend on whether the stone is moving in the urinary tract or is lodged somewhere.
Kidney Stone 6mm Size – Possible Treatment Options
Kidney Stone 6mm Size Based upon your medical condition doctors traditionally recommended the following treatments:
- Wait and Watch – If the stone is in the lower ureter and symptoms are not overly distressing you can drink lots of water to increase urinary volume and take medications to attempt it’s natural passage.
- Medications – Alpha-blockers like tamsulosin can be used to relax the ureter to facilitate passage.
- Hydration Therapy – Drinking 3–4 litres of water a day can also aid in clearing the stone from your urinary tract.
- Pain Management – Painkillers and antispasmodics increased ease / decreased discomfort and can be prescribed.
- Laser Treatment (RIRS) – Used if the stone is stationary or if the pain does not allow for comfort.
- Shock Wave Therapy (ESWL) – A non-invasive treatment where the stone can be broken into smaller easily passable pieces.
- Surgery (URS or PCNL)- used if the stone is causing obstruction, infection, pain.
Your urologist will consider your condition and choose the safest and most effective option.
Kidney Stone 6mm Size – Natural Supportive Remedies
In addition to any medical treatment for stones, there are some natural treatments which may help in the passing of stones and recovery from same:
- Drink barley water or coconut water daily.
- In the morning, mix lemon juice with warm water.
- In the morning & on an empty stomach, drink coriander seed water.
- Avoid high oxalate foods such as tea (dark or herbal), chocolate, spinach, beetroots.
- Eat fruits high in potassium, such as watermelon and bananas.
- Be active, gentle walking can help pass the stones.
These are not a replacement for any medical treatment but can help to support urinary function and overall hydration.
Kidney Stone 6mm Size Dietary Tips to Prevent Future Stones
Kidney Stone 6mm Size Once the 6mm stone has treated or passed, the goal is to prevent it from recurring. Here are the tips you can implement to help with prevention:
- Keep hydrated at all times
- Cut back on salt and processed foods
- Avoid taking high doses of vitamin C supplements
- Limit your intake of red meat (especially if you produce uric acid stones)
- Continue to eat a healthy diet that includes fruits and vegetables
- Consume more fluids (try buttermilk, cucumber juice, and diluted lemon water)
Your doctor can perform an analysis of the stone to determine what kind it is, and based on that will likely suggest a diet.
When to Seek Urgent Medical Attention
Kidney Stone 6mm Size A 6mm stone can cause complications if untreated. Seek urgent medical attention if you experience:
- Severe and persistent pain
- High fever and chills
- Vomiting and unable to keep anything down
- Burning urine with a strong odour
- Not able to pass urine for several hours
The longer you wait for treatment, the greater risk of infection or damage to kidney.
Conclusion
Whether or not someone will pass a 6mm kidney stone naturally is going to vary depending on a number of factors. Some people will be managed medically along with having support at home while sometimes we may need procedures as their not a suitable candidate for medical management. The most critical elements to consider are diagnosis, hydration, pain management and follow up with your doctor regularly. In addition to your treatment we provide, a healthy diet and hydration could possibly help even further to prevent future stones, as well as over time to maintain healthy kidneys.
