Patient's question:
My husband has been diagnosed with prostate stones and is currently undergoing treatment. He's quite straightforward, so I'd like to know what precautions we should take so that I can help supervise him.Doctor's answer:
1. Urinate promptly and do not hold urine. Holding urine can cause excessive bladder filling, weaken the tension of the bladder detrusor muscle, make urination difficult, and easily lead to acute urinary retention. Therefore, it is essential to urinate whenever there is a need.2. In terms of diet, consume less foods that increase uric acid, such as meat and high-protein foods. Elderly patients should follow a light diet, eating more vegetables and fruits. They should consume more sugarcane, apples, oranges, grapes, grapefruits, and pineapples, while avoiding excessive consumption of chocolate and spinach. The daily salt intake should be less than 10g.
3. Regular exercise can also reduce the risk of urinary stones. Participating in physical and cultural activities, as well as Qigong exercises, can help alleviate symptoms.
4. Drink plenty of water regularly to dilute urine and flush out stones. Insufficient water intake not only causes dehydration but also hinders the flushing effect of urine on the urinary tract. It can also lead to urine concentration, forming insoluble stones. Therefore, except for reducing water intake moderately at night to prevent excessive bladder filling during sleep, more water should be consumed during the day.
5. Prostate massage. Massaging the lower abdomen and pressing points such as Qihai (CV6) can help restore bladder function. Lightly massaging after urination can promote bladder emptying and reduce residual urine.
6. Pay attention to keeping warm. Prevent exposure to cold. From late autumn to early spring, weather changes are unpredictable, and cold can often worsen the condition. Therefore, patients must take measures to stay warm and prevent colds and upper respiratory infections.
7. Avoid strenuous activities, prolonged sitting, and long-distance cycling. Prolonged sitting can worsen conditions like hemorrhoids and cause congestion in the perineum, leading to difficulty urinating.
8. Do not overexert yourself. Overexertion can deplete qi, and insufficient qi can lead to weak urination and easily cause urinary retention.
9. Consume less spicy and irritating foods. These can cause genital congestion and worsen symptoms of hemorrhoids and constipation, compressing the prostate and exacerbating urination difficulties.
10. Quit smoking and avoid alcohol. Alcohol can cause congestion and edema in the prostate and bladder neck.