Question

For urinary stones that are able to pass, what 5 things are included in medical expulsion therapy?

Answer 1

Medical expulsion therapy for urinary stones typically includes adequate hydration, dietary modifications, specific medications based on stone formation causes, pain management, and urine culture to exclude infection.

Step-by-step explanation:

For urinary stones that are capable of passing, medical expulsion therapy includes several approaches to facilitate the passage of stones and manage symptoms. The following five strategies are commonly included in medical expulsion therapy:

1. Hydration: Drinking enough water to produce 2 to 2.5 liters of urine per day can help facilitate the passage of stones.
2. Dietary modifications: A diet low in protein, nitrogen, and sodium intake, together with the restriction of oxalate-rich foods and sufficient dietary calcium can help prevent stone formation.
3. Medications: Drugs such as thiazides, potassium citrate, magnesium citrate, and allopurinol may be prescribed, depending on the cause of stone formation.
4. Analgesics: Pain management with medication is important to relieve the discomfort caused by kidney stones passing through the urinary tract.
5. Urine culture: Conducting a culture to exclude infection is also a part of the therapy, as infection can be either a contributing factor or a consequence of stone presence.

Additionally, capturing passed stones at home for examination by a doctor may be recommended for long-term management and to understand the cause of stone formation.