How to treat mild urinary stones

Mild urinary stones can be effectively relieved through a combination of methods such as increasing water intake, adjusting diet structure, and drug treatment. The most appropriate plan should also be selected based on the size, composition, and symptoms of the stones.

1). Increase water intake to promote stone excretion

Patients with mild urinary stones can usually promote the natural excretion of stones by increasing their water intake. It is recommended to maintain a daily water intake of more than 2-3 liters, preferably evenly distributed throughout the day, and avoid drinking a large amount of water at one time. Adequate water can dilute urine and reduce the precipitation of minerals, thereby helping to prevent further enlargement of stones. Maintaining weak alkaline urine can be achieved by drinking lemon water or drinks with potassium citrate added, which helps dissolve some uric acid stones.

2) Adjust your diet to prevent stones from forming again

Dietary adjustment is an important measure for patients with mild urinary stones and should be adjusted according to different stone types. For example, patients with calcium oxalate stones should reduce the intake of high-oxalate foods such as spinach, beets, and coffee, while increasing calcium-rich foods such as milk and yogurt to reduce intestinal oxalate absorption. Patients with uric acid stones need to limit foods high in purine, such as animal offal and seafood, and consume vegetables, fruits, and whole grains in moderation. A light diet can also help reduce sodium ion intake, thereby reducing the risk of stone formation.

3). Drug treatment helps to remove stones

If the stones cannot be expelled by lifestyle adjustments alone or the symptoms are more obvious, drug treatment can be tried. For example, oral alpha blockers such as tamsulosin can help dilate the ureters and promote the excretion of small stones; potassium citrate drugs are suitable for calcium oxalate and uric acid stones and can alkalize urine; if necessary, antispasmodics and analgesics can be combined to control symptoms. All drugs must be used under the advice of a doctor and avoid self-medication.

4) Exercise moderately and use body position to guide stone removal

Regular exercise, such as jumping and jogging, can help mild stones pass through the urinary tract. In addition to drinking more water, it is recommended to try "posture therapy": using specific postures (such as lying prone with the knees raised or lying on the side) to guide the stones to a location where they are easier to pass. Some patients can shorten the time it takes for stones to pass and improve the treatment effect.

In most cases, mild urinary stones can be relieved through non-invasive methods such as drinking water, diet, medication and exercise. However, if symptoms persist or stones cannot be expelled, you need to seek medical attention for further examination and treatment, such as extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy or endoscopic surgery. It is also important to actively prevent the recurrence of stones.