Understanding Kidney Stones_ Symptoms, Causes, and Risk Factors
                     Understanding  Kidney  Stones:  Symptoms,
Causes, and Risk Factors
Kidney stones are a common yet often painful condition that affects many individuals
worldwide. In Dubai, where the climate is extremely hot, dehydration can significantly
increase  the  likelihood  of  developing  kidney  stones.  Understanding  the  symptoms,
causes, and risk factors of  kidney stones is crucial  for  early detection and effective
treatment.
What Are Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones are  small,  hard  deposits  of  minerals  and salts  that  form inside  your
kidneys. These stones can vary in size, from a grain of sand to the size of a golf ball.
They can remain in the kidneys or travel to other parts of the urinary tract, such as the
ureter, bladder, or urethra. When kidney stones move, they can block the flow of urine
and cause intense pain.
Symptoms of Kidney Stones
Kidney stones often don’t show symptoms until they start moving through the urinary
tract. Once they begin to move, they can cause a variety of symptoms, including:
● Severe  pain  in  the  back or  side:  This  pain  can be sharp  and intense,  often
referred to as renal colic. The pain can radiate to the lower abdomen or groin
area.
● Painful urination: You may experience a burning sensation or sharp pain when
urinating if the stone is passing through the urethra.
● Blood in the urine: Kidney stones can cause blood vessels to rupture, leading to
red or pinkish urine.
● Frequent urge to urinate: The presence of a stone in the urinary tract can irritate
the bladder, leading to more frequent urination.
● Cloudy or foul-smelling urine: If a stone is causing an infection, the urine may
appear cloudy or have an unpleasant odour.
● Nausea and vomiting: The intense pain caused by kidney stones can also lead to
nausea and vomiting.
Causes of Kidney Stones
Kidney stones form when the concentration of certain substances in the urine, such as
calcium, oxalate, or uric acid, becomes too high. When these substances crystallize,
they can form stones. The most common types of kidney stones include:
● Calcium stones: The most common type, typically made of calcium oxalate or
calcium phosphate.
● Struvite stones: Often caused by urinary tract infections.
● Uric acid stones: These stones form when the body produces too much uric acid,
often due to high-protein diets or dehydration.
● Cystine stones: Rare, but they occur in people with a genetic disorder called
cystinuria.
Risk Factors for Kidney Stones
Certain  lifestyle  habits  and  medical  conditions  can  increase  the  risk  of  developing
kidney stones. Common risk factors include:
1. Dehydration: Dubai’s hot climate means that dehydration is a major risk factor for
kidney  stone  formation.  When  the  body  is  dehydrated,  urine  becomes  more
concentrated, making it  easier for minerals to crystallize and form stones. It's
essential to stay hydrated, especially during the hotter months.
2. Diet: Diets high in salt, protein, and oxalate-rich foods (like spinach and nuts) can
increase the risk of developing kidney stones. Consuming excessive amounts of
animal  protein  can  lead  to  uric  acid  stones,  while  too  much  salt  can  cause
calcium to build up in the urine.
3. Obesity: Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of kidney stones. The
excess body fat can cause metabolic changes that lead to stone formation.
4. Family history: If you have a family member who has had kidney stones, you are
at a higher risk of developing them yourself.
5. Medical  conditions:  Certain  conditions,  like  hyperparathyroidism,  gout,  urinary
tract infections, and Crohn’s disease, can increase the likelihood of developing
kidney stones.
6. Certain medications: Some medications, including diuretics and calcium-based
antacids, can increase the risk of kidney stones.
Kidney Stone Treatment in Dubai
Kidney stones can range from small  and manageable to large and severely painful.
Fortunately,  there are many treatment options available in Dubai  for  those suffering
from kidney stones:
1. Medication:  For  smaller  stones,  pain  relievers  and  medications  to  relax  the
muscles in the urinary tract may help pass the stone more comfortably.
2. Shock Wave Lithotripsy (SWL): This non-invasive procedure uses shock waves
to break kidney stones into smaller fragments that can be passed more easily
through urine. It’s often used for stones that are too large to pass on their own.
3. Ureteroscopy: This procedure involves a small scope that is passed through the
urethra to locate and remove the stone. It’s commonly used for stones located in
the ureter.
4. Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: For larger or more complex stones, a surgeon
may make a small incision in the back to remove the stone. This is typically done
when other methods have failed.
5. Prevention: After treatment, doctors in Dubai often recommend dietary changes
and lifestyle adjustments to prevent  future stone formation.  Drinking plenty of
water,  reducing  salt  intake,  and maintaining  a  balanced diet  can significantly
reduce the risk of kidney stones returning.
Kidney stones are a painful but treatable condition. By understanding the symptoms,
causes, and risk factors, you can take proactive steps to prevent kidney stones or seek
timely treatment. If you are in Dubai and experiencing symptoms of kidney stones, don’t
wait—consult  the  expert  team  at  HealthBay  for  comprehensive  Kidney  Stones
Treatment. Stay hydrated, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and trust HealthBay to guide you
on the path to kidney health.
For more information on Kidney stones treatment in Dubai or to schedule a consultation,
visit HealthBay today.